Guestbook Entry for Guneet Kohli, United States
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Guneet Kohli
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United States
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NJ
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Visa Bulletin For August 2021
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August 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.
For more on the visa bulletin click the link below:
Can Student Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?
This article was submitted to and published in The Economic Times.
Link to Rajiv's Author Page in The Economic Times.
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08 July 2021: Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, July 08, 2021:
FAQ: I-140 Employment Authorization (EAD) in Compelling Circumstances || Criminal Charges in Immigration - Domestic Violence Laws and Risk in Applying for I-485
Visa Bulletin For August 2021
Number 56
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August 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
Applicants for Change of Status to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications to ‘Bridge the Gap’
Release Date
07/20/2021
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.
F-1 students no longer need to file bridge petitions - USCIS policy change on COS
07/20/2021
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.
USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Form I-140 When Requesting Premium Processing
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has expanded a previously announced pilot program at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for certain applicants applying for premium processing.
Filing Location Updates for Certain Forms I-131
On July 22, USCIS adjusted the addresses for certain applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. USCIS has not changed any filing locations but have refined attention lines and ZIP codes to improve internal processes at the lockboxes. This address update affects:
22 July 2021: Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, July 22, 2021:
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students obtain settlement in Li v USCIS case
The following settlement was reached in Li v. USCIS in favor of the OPT and STEM OPT applicant students suffering from delays and rejections:
USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations
In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Per regulation, USCIS uses historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors to calculate the number of registrations needed to meet the H-1B cap for a given fiscal year.
Interim EAD Issuance at Los Angeles
I reached there around 4:30am. People were already lined up. First you have to get the form from one line and then wait in another line. Around 6:30am they asked people who are there for EAD to form another shorter line. I got the token and my no. was called around 8:30am. The required documents are :
1. I-485 receipt
2. I-765 receipt
3.information about any previous I-765, like receipt date
4. previous EAD Plastic card
5.California driver license and Passport for identification.
Taxonomy upgrade extras
Went to Miami office today to apply for a temporary work authorization card
I went to the Miami office today to apply for a temporary work authorization card. This office no longer accepts walk ins as of two days ago. People can either make an appointment with the office on the web from home, or on site. The waiting time is approximately two weeks for an appointment. This is for any type of immmigration case.
Tampa refused to issue an interim EAD
"96 days after submitting the EAD application, Tampa refused to issue an interim EAD. Evidentially an appointment card had been mailed that same day.The appointment was set for 10 days later. Including 2 months wasted trying to get the initial appointment to submit the EAD application, it took 5.5 months to get this EAD renewal. The real tragedy was the loss a job and residual loss of income which lasted months. We will start this process again 6 months before this EAD expires. Hmm...that's pretty soon".
USCIS Provides Third Gender Option on Form N-400
Release Date:
04/01/2024
USCIS has revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity.” USCIS is also updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to account for this form revision and other forthcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option; see the Policy Alert (PDF, 344.77 KB).
Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders
Release Date:
04/01/2024
H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant
04/01/2024 06:16 PM EDT
March 30, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
USCIS Announces New Guidance on Form I-693 Validity Period
Release Date:
04/04/2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced (PDF, 317.28 KB) that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
Staying outside the US on Re-Entry Permit Validity, Usage, and Multiple Entries for Green Card Holders
Question details
Background Context
Applied for I131, ReEntry Permit for my parents, who hold GC
Receipt Notice: 12/27/2022
Biometrics: Jan 2023
Left US: March 1, 2023
Approval Notice received: 03/07/2024 with validity from 02/29/2024 to 02/27/2026
Question
While the intention is to be back in the US as soon as possible, can parents stay outside US till 02/27/2026 or do they need to be back before Feb 25, 2025 (as it would be two years by then since they left)?
Can the re-entry permit be used for multiple entries, or is it just for one-time use?
FAQ Transcript
One can stay outside the US for the entire validity period of the re-entry permit, and yes, they can use it for multiple entries during that time.
Unemployment Benefits for H-1, H-4 + EAD Holders with Previous H-1B Employment
Question details
Can someone in H4 + EAD status receive unemployment benefits if they only worked on H1b status? Would receiving such benefits be considered a public charge or have any other negative impact down the road?
FAQ Transcript
Unemployment benefits in the US vary by state and can be complex. If you are an H1B visa holder who has been laid off, you may be eligible for benefits during your 60-day grace period, but it's important to confirm with your state's unemployment office. Regardless of your visa situation, it's important to remember that unemployment benefits are considered an earned benefit funded by your employer's contributions, so there's no public charge concern. Always check with your state's unemployment office for specific requirements and the application process.