Guestbook Entry for Cyrus Janumala, United States
Name
Cyrus Janumala
Country
United States
State
VA
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August 2, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday 2 August, 2018:
FAQ: What are different wage levels for H-1B and green card jobs? || Travel outside the USA when a case is pending || The impact of the NTA memo Other: Green card renewal requirements/NTA policy || Getting promoted after getting green card || CPT and NTA policy || Past misrepresentation in immigration documents || Public assistance || Disclosing traffic tickets in naturalization || How soon can I leave after green card approval || 60 days grace period on H-1B changing status and quota issue || NTA Memo || Consequences of H-1B denial || Misclassification of H-1B job || EAD, AP and H-1B interaction || Couple applying for naturalization || Having two employers file for H-1B simultaneously || H-4 EAD
USCIS Forms Update Notice
Forms recently updated by USCIS:
Update to Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker; New Edition Dated 08/01/18.For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
Guestbook Entry for Apoorva, United States
Name
Apoorva
Country
United States
State
NJ
Visa Bulletin - September 2018
Agency
Green Card
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: September 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.
Filing Location Change for Form I-829
On Aug. 13, USCIS changed the filing location for Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. This form was previously filed at the California Service Center. Now, petitioners must send Form I-829 to a USCIS Lockbox facility. However, the Immigrant Investor Program Office continues to be the adjudicating office. When filing at a Lockbox facility, petitioners have the option to pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card.
New Federal Register Announcement
Application for Certificate of Citizenship08/15/2018 12:00 AM EDTAgency Information Collection Activities: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Certificate of Citizenship Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 32208/15/2018 12:00 AM EDTAgency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Citize
August 16, 2018, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Topics of Discussion: - Audit on the PERM process - Traffic violation for naturalization - H-1B transfer - H-4 visa interview
Clarification of STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations
USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of the website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the earliest opportunity by submitting a modified Form I-983. Employers must report the STEM OPT student’s termination of employment or departure to the DSO within five business days. As previously indicated on the webpage, stude
Third Party Site Placements for F-1 STEM OPT Extensions
On 17 August 2018, DHS purported to "clarify" that subject to certain conditions, placement of students engaging in two-year extension of their practical training (STEM OPT extension) at third-party sites may be acceptable if appropriate conditions are met.
Share Your Thoughts - Employment change after receiving GC
I have worked for my US based employer (Company 'A') since 2004 on H1 after completing MS, and have applied for GC with them in 2008 in EB2. In 2011 I have relocated back to India while GC application was pending and changed my processing to 'Consular Processing'. While I was in India, I have my GC approved in November 2013 thru Consular Processing.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Re-Registration Period Now Open for Temporary Protected Status for Somalia
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Somalia’s designation who want to maintain their status through the 18-month extension period ending on March 17, 2020, must re-register between Aug. 27, 2018, and Oct. 26, 2018.
USCIS Extends and Expands Suspension of Premium Processing for H-1B Petitions to Reduce Delays
USCIS is extending the previously announced temporary suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions and, beginning Sept. 11, 2018, will be expanding this temporary suspension to include certain additional H-1B petitions. USCIS expects these suspensions will last until Feb. 19, 2019, and will notify the public via uscis.gov before resuming premium processing for these petitions.
August 30, 2018, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday,30 August 2018:
FAQ: H4 EAD based upon a prior employers I 140 approval; effect on I 140 of changing multiple employers; effect on prior I 140 if a subsequent I 140 is approved || Can I join my old employer if the H-1B transfer is denied? Filing green card through future employer || Green card based upon investment – – EB-5 || Effect on green card and naturalization of using public or government benefits || Porting priority date from EB 2 to EB 1
Other: Job titles to be used for naturalization application || How to have a spouse stay in the USA while the green card application is going on || Entering USA on H-1B approval for one employer and H-1B visa of another employer || H-1B transfer back to an approved location || Nunc Pro Tunk approval of H-1B and 212 (d) (3) waivers || EAD delays || Confusion about permanent address used || Green card holder studying abroad || Changing tourist visato a long-term visa || Correcting name errors || Repeat RFE's
Workload Transfer Update
July 19, 2018: USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, for F, M, J or B nonimmigrants
For more information, see Workload Transfer Updates page.
PERM Labor Certification Program - Online Registration Program
This presentation is intended for training use only and does not carry the force of legal opinion. The Department of Labor (Department) is providing this information as a public service. This information and any related materials are presented to give the public access to information on the Department’s programs.
Click here for the presentation.
Adjustment to Premium Processing Fee - DHS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing the premium processing fee charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). DHS is increasing the fee by 14.92 percent, the percentage change in inflation since the fee was last adjusted in 2010 according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The adjustment increases the fee from $1,225 to $1,410.
Click here for the federal register notice.
Interim EAD Issuance at Newark & Cherry Hill, NJ
was there early in the morning 6am, entered line in orchard st taken inside at 8.00am, to 2nd floor office
- iEAD applications must have a duplicate application prepared with documents. they check before you get in
- make sure you have an address in NJ, they ask proof of residence in NJ to issue your documents, bring DL, utility bill etc to prove that.
- got the card the same day for 8 months,
- they lost our documents, then found them in the 3'rd office where your pictures will be taken
Taxonomy upgrade extras
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
01/20/2025 09:15 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting July 3, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 04/01/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
New 5% remittance tax bill for non-US citizens: Will it pass and are non-citizens eligible for tax credit?
Question details
I am reasonably sure that many people would be interested in learning about the new 5% remittance bill for non-US citizens and non-nationals. It's part of the big beautiful bill, so does it have a chance of getting passed? Is there a component of tax credit back for non-citizens (It says it has a tax credit back for taxpayers, but does not specify if they have to be US citizens/nationals or not) - if so, what % of it is reimbursed?
This would affect all countries, but India and Nigeria would be the most impacted. The media in both countries are covering it, but they are not mentioning the tax credit. We request that you shed more light on this bill and assist us with the possibilities, dates, and details.
FAQ Transcript
Passage of the Bill: It's unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, despite passing the House. Such provisions often face significant opposition when bundled into larger bills, and there's limited political support for a tax specifically targeting non-citizens sending money home.
Tax Credit Eligibility: Generally, non-citizens are not eligible for most US tax credits, particularly those intended for citizens or permanent residents. While specific tax credit eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances and the credit itself, the expert notes that a tax credit component for non-immigrants would defeat the bill's apparent purpose.
Will admitting to an unsuccessful job search affect my B-2 visa extension approval?
Question details
While applying for a B2 extension for job search, if I mention that despite giving so many interviews, I have not been able to get a job offer, will it increase or reduce my chances of approval?
FAQ Transcript
Admitting to an unsuccessful job search on a B-2 visa extension application is unlikely to negatively affect approval, and honesty is always recommended. While not explicitly required, it's a logical and natural detail to include in your extension request, especially since your initial B-2 was likely for job searching.
When seeking an extension, you should:
- Detail your job search efforts, including specific companies you've interviewed with and the outcomes.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay without unauthorized employment.
Providing specific details about your job hunt adds credibility to your petition.
Can I stay in the U.S. on B-2 after H-1B employment ends and the grace period was previously used
Question details
Currently, I'm on H1-B with an employer. My last working day with them would be on May 31st, 2025. I've already completed my grace period in the past, which was Sep 1st, 2024 - Oct 31st, 2024. I went back to my country and came to the US with my current employer. Now, I'm still looking for a new employer, and I don't think I can find one within this week. Can I still file for a B1/B2 visa and stay in the country without an employer from next week, May 31st, 2025? Can I be unemployed during the process time? Will there be any consequences?
FAQ Transcript
No, you can potentially stay on a B-2 visa after H-1B employment ends, even if you've used a grace period before.
Here's why: The 60-day H-1B grace period renews with every new H-1B approval (extension, amendment, or transfer). Therefore, if you received a new H-1B approval with your current employer, you would have a fresh 60-day grace period.
During this grace period, you can file for a B-2 (visitor) visa to remain in the US. You are not considered unlawfully present until your B-2 application is denied. However, it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.