PERM Processing Times (as of 11/30/2018)
PERM Processing Times (as of 11/30/2018)
Search
USCIS Revises Interview Waiver Guidance for Form I-751
USCIS has issued a policy memorandum (PDF, 115 KB) (PM) providing guidance to USCIS officers on when to consider waiving the interview requirement for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This PM goes into effect on December 10, 2018 and applies to all Form I-751 petitions received on or after December 10.
Workload Transfer Update
USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center to the Texas Service Center, Nebraska Service Center, California Service Center, and Potomac Service Center:
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, for F, M, J, or B nonimmigrants
For more information, see Workload Transfer Updates page.
USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2019
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2019.
Dec. 6, 2018, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2019. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Dec. 6 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2019.
Update To SAVE Password Reset
SAVE continues to implement enhancements to improve your experience and reduce burdensome processes by giving you more self-service options. For example, you’ll soon be able to reset your password automatically instead of contacting SAVE.
Visa Bulletin - January 2019
Visa Bulletin For January 2019
Number 25
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Dec 13, 2018 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics:
Marrying a Canadian and bring them to USA || I Apply for a NIW through EB2 || COS to L-1A || Can any company revoke I-140 after 180 days || H-1 transfer || 3 year H-1B extension || Fiance visa || H4 EAD and starting a business || EB3 to EB2 porting of priority dates
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: January 2019
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 Nikolay S, United States
Name
Nikolay S
Country
United States
State
VA
Termination of the Categorical Parole Programs for Certain Individuals Present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Effective immediately, the categorical CNMI parole programs are terminated. This affects USCIS parole programs for immediate relatives of U.S.
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 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.
Visa Bulletin For May 2024
Number 89
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during May 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
USCIS Adopts Department of Labor Definition of “Science or Art”
Release Date:
04/10/2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance (PDF, 321.14 KB) in the USCIS Policy Manual to add the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definition of “science or art” for Schedule A, Group II cases.