Guestbook Entry for Chandrashekar Srinivasul, United States
Name
Chandrashekar Srinivasul
Country
United States
State
California
Search
Are kids allowed in the waiting area at the interview?
Okay. Thanks for the reply. Money was never an issue here. You can not get the babysitting at 5/6 AM as the travel from home to downtown is involved. Anway... I wanted to provide my experience to help others in similar situations.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Guestbook Entry for Puja M.C., United States
Name
Puja M.C.
Country
United States
State
CA
USCIS Administrative Appeals Office Launches Search Tool for Non-Precedent Decisions
The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a search tool for most non-precedent decisions since 2005.
Non-precedent decisions apply existing law and policy to the facts of an individual case. The decisions are binding on the parties to the case, but do not apply new or alternative interpretations of law or policy.
USCIS Reaches FY 2017 H-1B Cap
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2017. USCIS has also received more than the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions filed under the U.S. advanced degree exemption.
USCIS will use a computer-generated process, also known as the lottery, to randomly select the petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 visas for the general category and 20,000 for the advanced degree exemption.
DHS on Strengthening Travel Security with E-Passports
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For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010WASHINGTON—Effective today DHS will begin to require the use of more electronic passports, or e-Passports, by all travelers coming to the United States from the 38 countries that participate in our Visa Waiver Program.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 7 April 2016
Immigration.com
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Topics for Discussion, Thursday, 7 April 2016:
FAQ: Gaps in immigration status; Getting married when AOS I-485 is pending (following to join and other options); Name variation in diploma or degree, name change for immigration
Other: STEM OPT extension; H-1 approval quota exemption without visa stamping or working; I-94 for visitors B-1/B-2 visa; H-1 quota issues in converting from H-1 to H-4 then back to H-1; OPT sent incorrect/wrong fees; OPT if out of status; Revocation of I-140 and AC21 for a slightly different job (to Systems Analyst, from Software Developer); Unlawful presence consequences; Recouping time on OPT EAD lost because of USCIS processing delay; Travel while second RFE on I-485 is pending; I-751 delay; USCIS delays; Options upon receiving NOIR on I-140; EB-3 and H-1 from nonprofit to for-profit company – H-1 quota and EB-2 issues; Impact of I-140 withdrawal/revocation on H-4 EAD; etc.
AAO Processing Times as of April 1, 2016
| Form Number |
Case Type |
Time |
|---|
Agency
Immigration Law
Visa Bulletin - May 2016
Number 92
Volume IX
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during May for: “Application 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.
Green Card
USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2017
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 7, 2016, that it has received enough H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 visas for fiscal year (FY) 2017. USCIS has also received more than the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions filed under the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.
USCIS Publishes New Edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
On April 13, 2016, USCIS revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The revised version is available at uscis.gov/n-400. You may continue to use the 9/13/13 edition of the form until August 9, 2016. USCIS will reject and return previous versions of Form N-400 submitted on or after August 10, 2016.
Deadline to Apply for Citizenship and Integration Grants Is April 22
Applications for USCIS’ Citizenship and Integration Grant Program for fiscal year 2016 are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 22, 2016.
On March 2, USCIS began accepting applications for two competitive grant opportunities for organizations that prepare permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics.
EB-4 Visa Limits Reached for Special Immigrants From El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for May 2016 reflects a final action date of January 1, 2010, for EB-4 visas for special immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Use of Pre-Paid Mailers for Certain H-1B Cap Subject Petitions
For two weeks after premium processing resumes for H-1B cap-subject petitions, USCIS will not use pre-paid mailers to send out final notices for premium processing H-1B cap-subject petitions. Instead, USCIS will use regular mail. USCIS will be doing this due to resource limitations as work to process all premium processing petitions in a timely manner. After the two week period, USCIS will resume sending out final notices in the pre-paid mailers provided by petitioners.
New Workload Transfer Updates Web Page
USCIS has created a new Workload Transfer Updates page on their website where customers can keep track of workload transfers between the five service centers. Occasionally, USCIS will transfer cases from one service center to another in order to balance workloads and ensure timely processing. In the past, USCIS has issued a Web alert for each transfer. Now, the new Web page will list all of the transfers that USCIS makes as well as any additional information that customers should know about the transfer.
Fiscal Year 2017 H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin May 12
On May 12, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting premium processing, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 2016, April 21
Immigration.com
Agency
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Topics for Discussion, Thursday, 21 April 2016:
FAQ: Is H-4 Visa needed after H-4 EAD approval; H-1 cap exempt working concurrently for H-1 cap employer; Safe time to change jobs after I-140 approval; PERM-based green card through relative-owned company; What to do if company is under visa fraud investigation, indictment, conviction.
Other: L-1B expiring, options to stay and work in the USA; Form N-600 child born outside the USA to a US citizen parent; H-1 quota exemption if visa is not stamped; H-4 EAD gap in EAD; Attorney negligence in H-1 filing; H-1 approval for projects where duration is 6 months and only vendor letter is available – no end client letter; CAP Gap extension; Priority date transfer problem – delays; Police clearance from the USA; Unlawful presence under H-1B; Renewing green card; L-1A options to stay in the USA after 7 years; Applying for naturalization – several visits outside the USA – residency requirement; H-1B unlawful presence; Bounced check USCIS fees problems; etc.
USCIS Offers Immigration Relief for Those Affected by Severe Earthquakes
USCIS offers immigration relief measures for people affected by natural disasters, such as the severe earthquakes that recently occurred in Ecuador, Japan and Burma.
These measures may be available upon request:
Guestbook Entry for MANOJ K. SHUKLA, United States
Name
MANOJ K. SHUKLA
Country
United States
State
MS
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.
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
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.