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H-1B: Person in Specialty Occupation
This nonimmigrant classification applies to people who wish to perform services in a specialty occupation, services of exceptional merit and ability relating to a Department of Defense (DOD) cooperative research and development project, or services as a fashion model of distinguished merit or ability.
Guestbook Entry for SAMIR SHAH, United States
Guestbook Entry for Aruna Disanayaka, United States
Guestbook Entry for Ravikanth Akupatni, United States
USCIS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule Affecting Certain Employment-Based Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Programs
USCIS is seeking public comments on a proposed rule that would modernize and improve certain aspects of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa programs. USCIS is also proposing regulatory amendments to better enable U.S. employers to hire and retain certain foreign workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
Naturalization & Name change
I had my interview for N-400 on this month , the IO gave me N-652 at the end of the interview, she congratulate me and checked the box of recommended for approval
Citizenship and Naturalization
Update to Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
USCIS posted an update to Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. The new edition is dated 12/11/15. The 01/29/15 version will also still be accepted.
Visa Reciprocity Updates
The following chart shows the changes that have been made to the Country Reciprocity Tables.
| Date | Area/Country of Change | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6/16 | Slovakia | Updated validities of various visa classes. |
| 1/5/16 | Dominican Republic | Updated police record information. |
| 12/15/15 | Spain |
Updated police record information.
|
BALCA Appeal Times (as of January 08, 2016)
BALCA Appeal Times as of January 08, 2016
Bottomline: BALCA appeals take approximately 3.5 to 4 years from the date the appeal is filed.
- Appeals from PERM denials with BALCA office are currently taking about 3.5 - 4 years from date of docket
- Dockets are a few months backlogged right now - after BALCA receives the case from DOL, it takes about 5-6 months for them to issue the Docketing Notice
New Law Increases H-1B and L-1 Petition Fees
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113), signed into law by President Obama on December 18, 2015, increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners. These petitioners must submit an additional fee of $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $4,500 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions postmarked on or after December 18, 2015.
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: February 2016
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.
PERM Processing Times (as of 01/04/2016)
PERM Processing Times (as of 01/04/2016)
|
Processing Queue |
Priority Dates |
|
|
Month |
Year |
|
|
Analyst Review |
June |
2015 |
|
Audit Review |
November |
2014 |
Green Card
Immigration Law
Guestbook Entry for Bhakti Sanap , United States
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 14 January 2016
Citizenship and Naturalization
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 14 January 2016:
FAQ: Percentage arrangement for salary; Naturalization (citizenship) after lengthy stay abroad; H-1 6 years expiring, options; H-1 Cap exemption, visa stamped, but never worked; FAQ: Can I apply for H-4 visa if H-1 visa is rejected; can I convert from H-4 to H-1; Filing multiple PERM/green card petitions; Green card EB-1C international executive or manager, L-1A.
Other: Entering USA close to visa expiration; L-1B to L-1A and PERM; Transfer of priority date, green card through future employment, H-4 EAD based upon old employer’s I-140; H-4 EAD applying for green card, extending H-1; H-4 to H-1 conversion; Green card through future employer; Green card job duties, job title, promotion; G-315a RFE; Affidavit of birth; H-4 EAD and Change of Status; Priority date transfer, etc.
DHS Enhances Opportunities for H-1B1, E-3, CW-1 Nonimmigrants and Certain EB-1 Immigrants, Final Rule Posted
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amended its regulations today to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.
Guestbook Entry for Viral Shah, India
DHS Announces Updates to implementation of the REAL ID Act
For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
AAO Processing Times as of January 1, 2016
| Form Number |
Case Type |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-129CW | CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker | 6 months or less |
|
I-129F |
Petition for Fiancée |
7 months |
|
I-129 H1B |
Nonimmigrant Specialty Occupation Worker |
6 months or less |
Agency
Immigration Law
Guestbook Entry for Kamal Soan, United States
HHS Releases Poverty Guidelines for 2016
This notice provides an update of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
For details please click here.
State Dept. Notice Regarding Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program
For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
Temporary Protected Status Extended for Sudan
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson has extended Sudan’s designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months due to the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent its nationals from safely returning. The extended designation is effective May 3, 2016, through November 2, 2017.