Processing Times and Status Checks
Processing Times for immigration matters vary widely. The U.S. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S.
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Update to Form I-821
Update to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status10/31/2017 12:00 AM EDTNew edition dated 10/19/17. Starting 12/30/2017, USCIS will only accept the 10/19/17 edition of Form I-821. Until then, you can use the 12/23/16 and 02/20/14 editions.For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), Nov 2, 2017
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday 2 November 2017:
-H1B Amendment Approved without I-94 attached
-Changing from Non-Profit (Cap-Exempt) H1 to Profit (Cap-Subject) H1 and GC filing
- Family based second category GC (F2A)
- Transfer J-1 Visa
- H1 and H4 Extension approvals
- Upgrading H-1 B to premium processing
State Dept. Press Release on Limited Resumption of Visa Services in Turkey
Limited Resumption of Visa Services in Turkey Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC November 6, 2017 As announced by our Embassy in Ankara this morning, the United States has received initial high-level assurances from the Government of Turkey that there are no additional local employees of our Mission in Turkey under investigation.
DHS Announcement on Temporary Protected Status for Nicaragua And Honduras
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Visa Bulletin - December 2017
Number 12
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
PERM Processing Times (as of 10/31/2017)
PERM Processing Times (as of 10/31/2017)
Green Card
Immigration Law
Update to Form I-102
Update to Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document11/13/2017 12:00 AM ESTNew edition dated 10/19/17. Starting 01/12/2018, USCIS will only accept the 10/19/17 edition. Until then, you can use the 12/23/16 edition. For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
Status of the Central American Minors Program
On Nov. 9, 2017, the Department of State stopped accepting new applications for the Central American Minors (CAM) refugee program. USCIS will stop interviewing CAM cases on Jan. 31, 2018. After that date, individuals with pending applications who have not been interviewed will receive a notice with further instructions.
The decision to terminate the CAM refugee program was made as part of the U.S. government review of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for FY 2018.
100 Civics Questions and Answers with MP3 Audio
The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the naturalization test are listed below. The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
USCIS Guidance on DACA Renewal Requests Affected by Mail Service Issues
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received reports that the U.S.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), Nov 16, 2017
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
FAQ: Is interview required for compelling circumstances EAD? || Can we open a company while on EAD? What kind of questions/documents will be needed in the I-185 AOS interview? || Does H-1B extension denial invalidate an existing H-1B? || What can be done if an H-1B is denied while in the USA? ||Impact of taking a long break while on H-1B.
Other: Traveling while an H-1B is pending || Impact on naturalization of an incorrect name in the past ||Working from home on and H-1B ||Name updated on form I-140||Applying for L-2 EAD and change of status to H-1B ||Erroneous name on passport, visiting on a tourist visa ||Applying for H-4 EAD, I 140 withdrawn before 2017 ||H-1B issued without an I 94||I 485 delay, etc.
New Entry Period for Diversity Visa Program DV-2019
Due to technical issues, the registration period for DV-2019 is being restarted, and all entries made prior to October 18, 2017, will need to be resubmitted for the entrant to be considered.
The new registration period for DV-2019 opens for electronic entries at 11:00am, Wednesday, October 18, 2017, and closes at 11:00am, Wednesday, November 22, 2017.
For more details visit this link: https://ec.usembassy.gov/new-entry-period-diversity-visa-program-dv-201…
REMINDER - Changes to Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129 Petitions
On October 12, 2017, USCIS will change the direct filing addresses for certain petitioners of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. The changes are as follows:
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: December 2017
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.
Guestbook Entry for MANOJ K. SHUKLA, United States
Name
MANOJ K. SHUKLA
Country
United States
State
MS
Family Based Green Card Services and Fees
Note: Fees are payable by personal checks.
Note: For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s).
Green Card
Interim EAD experience at Detroit
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.
US Citizenship Services and Fees
The fee schedule for US Citizenship is as follows:
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office) 1,800 - $2,400 depending on type of case, due at the commencement of the case |
| 2. |
Filing Fees to the USCIS (Single Applicant): Form N-400, See USCIS Fee Calculator |
| 3. | Federal Express Expenses: approximately $75 - $100 |
Citizenship and Naturalization
EB-2 / EB-3 PERM Services and Fees
The fee schedule for green card through labor certifications as follows:
| 1. |
Legal Fees (for our Office)$6,800 |
Green Card
EB-2 (Schedule A) Exceptional Ability/Advanced Degree Alien Services and Fees
The fee schedule for Green Card through EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY/ADVANCED DEGREE ALIEN (Schedule A- Group II, fees are payable by personal checks) is as follows:
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office):
$5,800 |
| 2. |
Filing Fees (to the USCIS): Forms I-140, I-485, I-765, I-131: See USCIS Fee Calculator |
Green Card
Interim EAD at Omaha, NE
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
EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIW) Services and Fees
The fee schedule for Green Card through NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVERS (fees are payable by personal or corporate checks) is as follows:
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office):
$7,000 |
| 2. |
Filing Fees (to the USCIS): Forms I-140, I-485, I-765, I-131: See USCIS Fee Calculator |
Green Card
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Alien, Outstanding Researcher/Professor OR International Managers Services and Fees
The fee schedule for Green Card through Extraordinary Ability Alien, Outstanding Researcher/Professor, and Multinational Manager (fees are payable by personal checks) is as follows:
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office):
$7,800 for EB-1 |