Processing Times and Status Checks
Processing Times for immigration matters vary widely. The U.S. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S.
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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.
Profession/Occupation
USCIS Updates Process for Accepting Petitions for Relatives Abroad
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that, as part of the adjustment of its international footprint to increase efficiencies, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, will only be processed domestically by USCIS or internationally by the Department of State in certain circumstances beginning Feb 1, 2020.
Public Charge Inadmissibility Final Rule: Revised Forms and Updated Policy Manual Guidance
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published revised forms consistent with the final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility, which the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including USCIS, will implement on Feb. 24, 2020. Beginning Feb. 24, 2020, applicants and petitioners must use new editions of the following forms below (except in Illinois, where the rule remains enjoined by a federal court):
USCIS Response to the 2019 Coronavirus
USCIS is actively monitoring the effects of the public health emergency related to the 2019 coronavirus outbreak on agency operations.
Office Closures in China
According to U.S. Department of State guidance, USCIS is temporarily closing its field offices in Beijing and Guangzhou. USCIS will reschedule all affected appointments and will send new appointment notices to applicants.
Rajiv's News Clips - US policy that restricted international students’ re-entry blocked - Times of India
Published by : The Times Of India - Date: February 08, 2020
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
Students cannot be in unlawful presence, says the court
International students can breathe a sigh of relief. The USCIS has lost another case against its attempts to assault legal immigration. A federal court has held that its attempts to create artificial, three year or ten bars from reentry by students into the USA are illegal.
Feb 6, 2020, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
FAQs:
- H-4 visa stamping - problems with H-1B
- Sponsoring family based green card while living outside the US
- When is H-1B amendment required?
- Getting EB-1C based green card by moving out for one year
- Obtaining birth certificates
Feb 20, 2020 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
FAQs: Feb 20, 2020 Community Call
- I-140 issues - getting a copy of approval notice, leaving employer when I-140 approved less than 180 days
- Impact on H-4 - H-4 EAD if the H-1B holder changes jobs
- Promotion while PERM is pending or approved
- Birth Certificates
Implementation of New USCIS Immigrant Fee Feb. 1
New fee allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas after individuals receive their visa packages from the Department of State abroad
N-400 interview with continuous residence issues - APPROVED!
Hi all,
I wanted to share my wife's N400 interview experience which had lots of continuous residency issues. it is thanks to this forum's contributions that we decided to apply anyway in spite of the fact our own lawyer advised us against it. and she got approved and had her oath on the very same day!
Citizenship and Naturalization
New Interview Requirement for B-1 Employers in Manila, Philippines
Visas for Domestic Employees of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, O, P, and Q Visa Holders and U.S. Citizens Temporarily Assigned To The United States (B-1)
Why Should Immigration Law Interest or Alarm You?
Immigration.com
Immigration Law
Substantial transcription for video
A Continuing Legal Education seminar delivered by Rajiv S. Khanna. This information is relevant for lawyers and business/HR management professionals. This seminar was presented for American Law Institute/American Bar Association and Lawline.
State Dept. Notice on Exchange Visitor Program Fees & Charges
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6263-6269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01555]
---------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 62
[Public Notice 8163]
RIN 1400-AD28
Exchange Visitor Program--Fees and Charges
AGENCY: U.S. Department of State.
ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comment.
USCIS Publishes Improved Forms in Easier-To-Use Format
USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:
USCIS Form Improvements Initiative Web page
USCIS has launched a new Form Improvements Initiative Web page which explains the types of improvements in the initiative, introduces recently published and upcoming forms, and links to each form’s landing Web page. You’ll also find information related to form improvement initiatives, including enhanced Web content (i.e., posting filing addresses and detailed fee information on form landing pages) and filing reminders.
AAO Processing Times February 1, 2013
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AAO Processing Times as of February 1, 2013 |
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Time |
Case Type |
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I - 129 CW |
CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker |
Current |
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I - 129 F |
Petition for Fiancee |
Current |
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I - 129 H1B |
Nonimmigrant Specialty Occupation Worker | ||
Agency
Online Customer Service Tools Unavailable Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST
USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST.
During this time, the following on-line tools will be unavailable:
- Check My Case Status
- Sign-Up for Case Status
- Check Processing Times
- Change of Address Online
- Civil Surgeon Locator
- e-Request
- Office Locator
For immediate change of address needs during the outage, we suggest you submit the form manually.
DOL Issues Round 7 FAQs on H-2A Final Rule
The Department of Labor has posted new FAQs for the H-2A program. Topics include signatures, job preferences, and fees. These FAQs are available here.
DOL Updates H-2A Prevailing Wage Rates for Sheepherding/Goatherding Occupations
On January 8, 2013, the Department published a notice in the Federal Register establishing new 2013 prevailing wage rates for certain occupations processed under H-2A special procedures, including for sheepherding/goatherding and open range production of livestock occupations which became effective immediately. See, 78 FR 1260 (Jan. 8, 2013). The Department is hereby updating prevailing wage rates for these occupations that must be offered and paid in certain states effective as of January 8, 2013.
Interview results and possibility of a denial
My interview was scheduled on 09/21/2012, went into the USCIS office 20 mins before appointment. I waited ~40 min after the appointment time passed and was interviewed by an officer. The officer was polite. I was asked almost all questions on my submitted N-400 and then wrote/read English sentence. After answering 6 civic questions correctly, I was told I passed the interview.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Oath ceremony... US citizen now...
I finally had my oath ceremony today at Cadman Plaza US District Court, Brooklyn.