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Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), Nov 30, 2017
Immigration.com
Discussion Topics
FAQ: When does one become H-1B cap exempt? || Filing EB-1C, International Managers or Executives green card || Erroneously given longer duration on H-1B than eligible || Porting green card to a self owned company under AC21 portability || AC21 green card portability for a lateral move from developer to analyst || Revocation of H-4 EAD rules || H-1B RFE for specialty occupation || TN applying for green card ||
Other: I-94 through new company H-1B || Issues related to H-1B transfer, not joining an employer, etc. || Changing for H-1B to H-4 EAD and back to H-1B || Denial of I-751 to remove conditional status’; NTA issued || Green card AOS/I-485 interviews for employment based applicants || Background checks for visa stamping || I-824 processing times for obtaining duplicate approval notice || Refund of premium processing fee || Getting F-1 visa from a consulate while family-based green card is pending || Effect on green card application of change in job duties/salary|| Traveling after green card approval, etc.
PERM Processing Times (as of 11/30/2017)
PERM Processing Times (as of 11/30/2017)
Green Card
Immigration Law
New Court Orders on Presidential Proclamation
On December 4, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the government’s motions for emergency stays of preliminary injunctions issued by U.S.
USCIS - Log in to Online Filing
The online filing allows you to electronically submit certain benefit requests.
For more information please click here: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/log-online-filing
Visa Bulletin - January 2018
Number 13
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during January for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
USCIS to Begin Accepting Applications under the International Entrepreneur Rule
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today it is taking steps to implement the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), in accordance with a recent court decision.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), Dec 14, 2017
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQ: Does bad credit or private loans/litigation affect immigration? ||Changing jobs after I 140 approval, returning to the old job, procedures for starting new green card etc. ||Effect of salary variations during L-1A visa ||Implications of alcohol-related convictions, such as DUI, on immigration or H-1B ||Staying in the United States based upon the medical need of a child, B-2 or humanitarian parole.
Other: H-1B amendments for relocation, visa stamping ||Filing in EB-1C green card for international manager or executive ||Applying for H-1B from a third country||Proceedings after employee files WHD complaint ||Changing H-1B jobs while an extension is pending ||H-1B visa stamping problems||Applying for H-1B extension without a copy of the I 140 approval notice ||H-1B amendments for relocation ||Does change of location requiring L-1A amendment? ||Cross-chargeability, etc.
Re-Registration Period Now Open for Hondurans with Temporary Protected Status
Current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Honduras’ designation who want to maintain that status through the current expiration date of July 5, 2018, must re-register between Dec. 15, 2017 and Feb. 13, 2018.
No Glasses Allowed in Passport Photos
As of November 1st, 2016, customers applying for or renewing their passport must remove glasses for their passport photo.
Last year, more than 200,000 passport customers submitted poor quality photos which we couldn't accept. The #1 problem was glasses. We had to put their passport applications on hold because we couldn't clearly identify them from their photo.
USCIS Electronic Reading Room opens the door to transparency
USCIS is opening the door to its updated Electronic Reading Room to fulfill our commitment to increase transparency with the American public. In the Electronic Reading Room, USCIS is disclosing cleared policy documents and external correspondence addressed to our leadership along with their responses. This is in addition to providing access to information that had been requested at least three times and had been provided under the Freedom of Information Act.
USCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance on NAFTA TN Status Eligibility for Economists
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it is clarifying policy guidance (PDF, 71 KB) on the specific work activities its officers should consider when determining whether an individual qualifies for TN nonimmigrant status as an economist.
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: January 2018
Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.
USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2018
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has reached the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2018.
Dec. 15, 2017, was the final receipt date for new H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2018. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Dec. 15 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2018.
USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes the following types of petitions:
USCIS Updates Policy on Determining Cuban Citizenship for Those Born Outside of Cuba
USCIS is no longer considering a consular certificate documenting an individual’s birth outside of Cuba to a Cuban parent as sufficient evidence of Cuban citizenship. This policy memorandum aligns with Cuban law and applies to individuals born outside of Cuba applying for lawful permanent resident status in the United States under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s):
O1
We obtained an O1 for an applicant who achieved a Master in Bonsai technique. He had apprenticed under one of the premier experts in Japan. We offered letters from field experts praising the applicant's work and noting his extraordinary artistic abilities. We also provided documentation of the applicant's participation as a trade show "featured artist" which is an honor only bestowed on the very best in the field.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Profession/Occupation
EB1 - Outstanding Researcher
We won this case with an applicant having over fourteen years of research experience in major industry. We were able to provide 7 letters of recommendation from internationally known scientists. This applicant made great strides in the advancements in hepatitis C research . His work was admired worldwide.
Profession/Occupation
EB1- Outstanding Researcher
We won this case for an applicant with over twelve years research experience. We were able to provide evidence to reflect the multiple contributions to the metallurgy and metal physics industry made by the applicant. He was the recipient of numerous international awards. He was also a member of many prestigious professional societies.
Profession/Occupation
EB1 - Outstanding Researcher/Professor
This individual acted as a judge of the work of his research peers. We were able to provide 12 letters of recommendation reflecting the innovative work performed by this applicant. We also provide evidence to show the extensive citations of his findings. He had over eleven years of research experience and was world-renowned.