PERM Processing Times (as of 07/01/2025)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | March 2024 |
| Audit Review | N/A |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | May 2025 |
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FREE COMMUNITY CALL WITH RAJIV on July 17 @12:30 EST
Join our free ZOOM community call for you, every Thursday, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time.
Date: July 17, 12:30 EST
Feel free to “walk" into the ZOOM call at:
https://bit.ly/ComCalls
You can also post your question at: https://bit.ly/forums-cc.
USCIS Forms Update Notice - Form G-1055
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s):
Edition Date: 07/22/25. 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.
USCIS Uncovers U Visa Fraud Scheme by Corrupt Law Enforcement, Leading to Federal Indictments
Release Date
07/17/2025
LAFAYETTE, La. — Five Louisiana men, including four active and former law enforcement officers, were indicted Wednesday on charges of bribery, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, and mail fraud, following a federal investigation initiated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS fraud detection officers uncovered a pattern of inconsistencies among U visa applications, spurring a multi-agency federal investigation.
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2026 H-1B Cap
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2026.
USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2026 H-1B cap. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:
Another Problem for Legal Immigration - NTAs (Removal/Deportation Despite Legal Stay)
Another Problem for Legal Immigration - NTAs (Removal/Deportation Despite Legal Stay)
July 24, 2025
Community members and our lawyer colleagues have shared their stories. It appears:
1. The NTAs are getting resolved quickly, where you are still in the grace period and/or have a B-type petition pending. Motions to terminate are working.
2. The hearing dates are also being given in a few days or weeks.
3. The percentage of NTAs is relatively small.
USCIS Updates Fees Based on H.R. 1
USCIS Updates Fees Based on H.R. 1
Release Date
07/18/2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is publishing a federal register notice (FRN) based on the H.R 1 Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1). Applicants must submit the new fees with benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. USCIS will reject any form postmarked on or after Aug. 21, 2025, without the proper fees.
Does Unlawful Presence Continue to Accrue While Fighting an NTA?
Question details
Can I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) for deportation even if I have legal immigration status or a pending application?
This question is particularly important because continued accrual of unlawful presence during removal proceedings can trigger the three-year or ten-year bars, severely limiting future immigration options.
General Rule: Yes, Unlawful Presence Continues
Rajiv's Comments in the News - A 60-day grace period to remain in US after a layoff is no longer sacrosanct for H-1B workers
Published by: Times of India - July 23, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/33zdn4ue
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - Laid-off H-1B workers face deportation notices despite 60-day grace period
Published by: The Economic Times - July 24, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/2x5kn9mv
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - Laid-off H‑1B visa holders receive deportation notices during grace period
Published by: NewsBytes - July 24, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/umxeszz4
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - 60 Days or Less: H-1B Workers Face Deportation Despite Legal Status
Published by: Tfipost.com - July 24, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/4d5b3dhj
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - Laid-Off H1B Visa Holders in US Get Deportation Notices Before 60-Day Grace Period Ends
Published by: Moneycontrol - July 24, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/3n2xwvtb
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
AAO Processing Times (April- June 2025)
The AAO reports its processing times by form type, displaying the total number of completions for the quarter and the percentage completed within 180 days, which is our goal.
The AAO strives to complete its appellate review within 180 days from the time it receives a complete case record. Some cases may take longer than 180 days due to factors beyond the AAO’s control. For example, additional documentation may be needed to complete the record, or the case may be more complex and require additional review.
Immigration Law
Recording for July 24, 2025 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
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 free for life. Walk-ins are also permitted.
T Visa
Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status
Nonimmigrant Visas
Visitor Visa Extension Approved
am sharing the following info for all, i am sure it helps:
my parents came to US in mar2004, got 6 mon entry. 6-mo extn filed early aug, website showed approval late sept, approval letter recd early oct. they have come to US 2 times earlier (2000 for 1 month and late 2002 for 5 mo). Note that we sent photocopy of I-94, NOT the original.
DOCUMENTS SENT WITH APPLICATION:
3 LETTERS: 1 from my father requesting extn, 1 from me saying I will take them around and will support them, and 1 similar letter from my brother.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Vacation Recapture-- Success Story
Email
pani.mitu@gmail.com
Just want to post my success story to help all those silent sufferers who are looking for guidance on Vacation recapture.
My 6th year H1 expired on Oct-13-2004. My company filed for LC in Feb-2004 and I did not meet criteria for 7th year extension.
Nonimmigrant Visas
H-1 B - GOT STAMPED- J-1 TO H-1 B at Chennai
Email
kriskk1@rediffmail.com
Hi Folks
With reference to my earlier post, I was really desperate to get replies regarding my query for first time Stamping at Chennai embassy, for first time stamping for H-1 B from J1 Visa.
Now, atlast I got my visa stamped and here are more details to folks who are sailing in same boat.
Nonimmigrant Visas
successful H1 stamping in Ottawa
Hello Folks;
I successfully got my H1 (& H4 stamp) in Ottawa on March 8.
This was my third H1 stamp (second for the same employer)
It went very smooth...hardly 5 min interview...
Nonimmigrant Visas
EAD experience
Things seem to have improved a bit. Applied for EAD (J2 Visa holder) online on September 2. When I checked the status of the case, I got the message that my EAD had been approved on November 8. Sounds great, but lets wait until the card has arrived.
By the way, if you want to apply for an interim EAD after expiry of the 90 day period, you no longer have to stand in line all night long but can make an appointment on the USCI site (http://usci.gov) at the INFOPASS section. Good luck to everybody.
Taxonomy upgrade extras
Visa Bulletin For July 2025
Number 4
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during July 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.