Guestbook Entry for Ram N Ramamurthy , United States
Name
Ram N Ramamurthy
Country
United States
State
FL
Search
Guestbook Entry for Irina Pozyvaylo, United States
Name
Irina Pozyvaylo
Country
United States
State
GA
Interim EAD at Houston USCIS office
"Went to the local Houston USCIS office by 4:50 am on friday Jul 11, 2003 and found myself behind 100 people (folks camping out...looked like a slumber party
. They sure let us in by 6:15am and got a number (186) & processed by around 12:45pm.
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Team Notes
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Nonimmigrant Visas
Removal, Deportation and Exclusion
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant - USCIS Form Update
Updated USCIS form(s):
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant06/09/2020 09:15 AM EDTStarting Jan 4, 2021, USCIS will only accept the 06/09/20 edition. Until then, you can use the 04/12/18 and 12/23/16 editions. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
PERM Processing Times (as of 10/31/2020)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | May 2020 |
| Audit Review | December 2019 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | July 2020 |
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
PERM Processing Times (as of 10/31/2020)
These dates reflect the month and year in which cases were filed and are currently being adjudicated. The Reconsideration Request to the CO date reflects the month and year in which cases that are currently being reviewed were appealed.
Please visit this page for PERM Processing Times (as of 10/31/2020)
Rajiv's News Clips - Indian nationals in Green Card queue to benefit from Biden administration - Economic Times
Published by : The Economic Times - Date: November 09, 2020
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
“On the green card side, Mr Biden has expressly stated that he wants to remove the percountry quota. This change can also be introduced relatively quickly and the benefits could manifest within a year potentially,” said Rajiv S Khanna, Managing Attorney at immigration.com.
For more details please see the attachment below.
Nov 5, 2020 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Substantial transcription for video
Topics Discussed: Green card and other options for parents of US citizens || Porting priority date || L-1A to EB-1 || File new H1b with I 797B || Travel outside US with 485 pending || Downgrading to EB-3 with concurrent filing for I-485
USCIS Announces a Revised Naturalization Civics Test
Release Date 11/13/2020
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today plans to implement a revised version of the naturalization civics test. The agency first announced plans to revise the civics test in July 2019.
USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance on the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
Release Date 11/13/2020
USCIS is clarifying existing guidance on the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in the USCIS Policy Manual to address:
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance Regarding Discretionary Factors for Adjustment of Status Applications
Release Date 11/17/2020
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating existing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the exercise of the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security’s discretion in adjudications of adjustment of status applications.
DHS Proposes to Limit Work Permits for Aliens with Final Orders of Removal
Release Date 11/17/2020
Rule will encourage these aliens to depart the country
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Naturalization Applicants Who Did Not Properly Obtain Lawful Permanent Resident Status
Release Date 11/18/2020
On Nov. 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the circumstances when USCIS would find applicants ineligible for naturalization because they were not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2021
Release Date 11/18/2020
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2021. Nov. 16 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2021. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Nov. 16, that request an employment start date before April 1, 2021.
DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility (11/18/20)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.
Nov 19, 2020 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration Law
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 19 November 2020:
EB-1C eligibility after company transition while pending I-485 and L-1A extension || Post completion OPT and employment issues || Canadian citizen applying for TN visa during presidential proclamation ||Sharing misdemeanor details of spouse while filing for green card || Document Checklist for I-485 Adjust of Status || Consular processing and green card when priority date is current||Transition from F-1 to H-1B || H-1B Visa expiring, extension and delay due to wage rate increment || I-485 filing and issues related to primary and derivative applicant || How long for an interview after the priority date becomes current || H-1B visa potential immigration issues for being outside the USA for more than a year during pandemic || Laid off due to Covid and the effect on adjudication of STEM OPT visa || AC21 portability, I-140 and starting a new venture || 221g administrative processing and H-1B visa stamping || Presidential Proclamation and H-1B visa stamping || Change of status from J-1 to F-1 Visa and Biometrics || Understanding the Visa Bulletin || H-1B and prevailing wage levels || Employment Authorization in compelling situations
Visa Bulletin - December 2020
Number 48
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.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Rajiv's News Clips - Workers Oppose H-1B Bill - Light Reading
Published by: Light Reading - Date: July 31, 2003
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
"There are eight or nine bills pending with similar provisions [to Tancredo's]," says Rajiv S. Khanna, a lawyer specializing in H-1B visa issues who practices in Arlington, Va. But he thinks the H-1B visa program already has shrunk along with the rest of the economy. "It's down, in my opinion, to 10 percent of what it was."
For more details please see the attachment below.
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.
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions Details
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions
Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
FULL TRAVEL BAN (12 Countries)
Complete suspension of entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants: