Discussion Topics:
H-4 to F-1 status change || Employer-sponsored EB1A || Portability under 221(g) || Expedite EAD request on Financial Hardship || Multiple H-4 processing in parallel for dependent along with Primary dependent H-1 Visa || H-1B Transfer issues
Published by : ETtech From the Economic Times - Article by: Ayan Pramanik & Priyanka Sangani - Date: November 05, 2019
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has indicted two men in a scheme to obtain lawful permanent resident status for South Korean nationals by submitting fraudulent visa applications that falsely claimed American businesses wanted to hire skilled foreign workers.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule that will require a $10 non-refundable fee for each H-1B registration submitted by petitioning employers, once it implements the electronic registration system. The registration fee is part of an agency-wide effort to modernize and more efficiently process applications to live or work in the United States.
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | July 2019 |
| Audit Review | February 2019 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | May 2019 |
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register to adjust the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Immigration Examinations Fee Account fee schedule.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a proposed rule to deter aliens from illegally entering the United States and from filing frivolous, fraudulent or otherwise non-meritorious asylum applications in order to obtain employment authorization.
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
Discussion Topics, Thursday, November 14, 2019
FAQs:
Can H-1B lay off 60 days grace period be taken only once or can it be taken multiple times?
If one H1-B extension is filed and pending, can transfer to a new employer be filed? Is this safe?
If I move to H4 and my H4 is pending for approval, can an H-1B be filed? Is this safe ?
Procedure and time to get a green card for the spouse of a green card holder
Can we apply 2 H-1B transfers while my extension with same employer is in process with different client? If the extension is denied, will other two transfers will be denied?
AC21 portability before 180 days
OTHER: I have my I-140 approved and it has been over 6 months. If I change my job, do I need to go through the entire I-140 process again? || Withdrawing N400 || TN visa derivative for boyfriend || Naturalization, absence of 6 months || Using old H-4 visa stamp || L-1 amendment || EAD delays || F-1 visa stamping || Receipt lost
Number 36
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during December 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.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated data (PDF, 745 KB) on arrests and apprehensions of illegal aliens who requested Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Published by : Times of India - Article by: Lubna Kably - Date: November 22, 2019
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv Khanna, Managing Partner at Immigration.com told TOI, “For L-1B, under the statute, the beneficiary (proposed visa holder) is deemed to have specialised knowledge if he or she has ‘special’ knowledge of the company’s product and its application in international markets. An ‘advanced’ knowledge of the processes and procedures of the company also qualify.”
On Oct. 11, USCIS issued three adopted Administrative Appeals Office decisions to clarify requirements for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification. USCIS is now updating the USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 375 KB) to reflect those clarifications.
This update reaffirms and clarifies that:
USCIS issued a policy guidance (PDF, 382 KB) explaining how USCIS applies Matter of Stockwell and clarifying when USCIS may adjust the status of an alien whose Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status has been terminated. An immigration judge does not need to affirm the termination of CPR status before the alien can file a new adjustment of status application.
Published by : ETtech From the Economic Times - Article by: Priyanka Sangani - Date: November 22, 2019
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
The definition of 'specialty occupation' and the 'employer-employee' relationship were passed by a Statute by the US Congress and the DHS cannot change it, said Rajiv S Khanna, managing attorney at law firm Immigration.com.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
Providing specific details about your job hunt adds credibility to your petition.
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?
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.
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions
Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
Complete suspension of entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants: