I am currently in the last stage of getting my employment based Green Card (My I-485 has been filed for). I received an EAD valid for a year. I filed for an extension of the EAD some 120 days or so prior to its expiry. USCIS sent in a RFE (Request For Evidence) some 80 days after my filing. I sent in the requested evidence within 10 days of the RFE. When my current EAD expired, I went to the Detroit USCIS office to get an interim EAD. After waiting for over 3 hours, the USCIS rep. took less than 10 minutes to review all my documents and refused to issue me an interim EAD.
I reached the office at 7.30 am on 12/11 (91st day after RD on I-765 notice) and found that I was the only one out there. Since it was 8 deg in the morning, this didnt come as a surprise to me
The office opened at 8 and I was given a token when I entered. I was called in about 20 minutes.
I took the following documents with me:
1. Copy of I-765 notice
2. Copy of I-485 notice
3. Filled out new I-765 form
Dear all
I came to the USA from New Delhi, India with a Master's in Microbiology in 1992 - to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry / Molecular biology specializing in protein engineering. In 2000, started a post doc- 7 months at Brigham and Women's hospital - did not get along with the indian jerk of a boss so changed to the main Harvard medical School quad under a fantastic caucasian post doc mentor and a very good friend, a very liberal democrat (Go John Kerry).
I have lived in the United States for over 15 years. I was 8 years old when my parents brought me to this country. I don't blame them since they only thought of giving us a better life than what they had in Mexico. Through the years, I have acquired great knowledge thanks to the schools of this great country. In May 2004, I graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University with a 3.66 GPA. However, due to these laws I have not been able to find a job, where I can put my skills to work.
The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on October 1, 2025, the first shutdown in six years. After Congress failed to pass funding legislation before the September 30th deadline, all non-essential federal functions have been suspended.
For those navigating the US immigration system, this creates both disruptions and uncertainty. However, not all immigration services are affected equally. Understanding what's operating, what's shut down, and what you need to do right now is critical.
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
Number 8
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during November 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.
The current government shutdown presents unusual challenges for H-1B workers and their employers. Here's what you need to know immediately:
Lawful Permanent Residents
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must replace your Green Card if:
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
USCIS recently updated the following form:
10/16/2025 02:35 PM EDT
Edition Date: 10/16/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
Working with Mr Rajiv and his excellent team was nothing short of a perfect experience. Bryant, our case manager, handled all our paperwork with utmost precision and availability. His team responded to all our concerns in a timely manner and looped in others whenever needed. I felt very supported throughout the process and highly recommend their services. Biggest thanks again to Rajiv and Bryant for making this a smooth sailing process for us.
Release Date
10/15/2025
The Department of Homeland Security is publishing a Federal Register notice to implement a new immigration parole fee required by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. The fee is $1,000 for FY 2025 and is subject to annual adjustments for inflation. You must pay this fee when you are paroled into the United States, unless you qualify for an exception.
Release Date
10/20/2025
On September 19, 2025, the President issued a Proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, an important initial step to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. Under the Proclamation, new H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025 must be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility.
Release Date
10/29/2025
New rule prioritizes vetting, screening to protect public safety, national security
Published by: The Times of India - October 21, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/uscis-exempts-f-1-to-h-1b-…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form G-1055, Fee Schedule 10/28/2025 03:13 PM EDT
Edition Date: 10/28/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment 06/03/2025 02:26 PM EDT
Edition Date: 06/03/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Published by: Newsweek - October 30, 2025
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv S. Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com, said: “Status determinations are often complex and sometimes arbitrary. Months later, USCIS can find a status violation that was not anticipated, resulting in a $100,000 bill!”