Visa Bulletin - January 2015
Number 76
Volume IX
Washington, D.C
Number 76
Volume IX
Washington, D.C
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the statutory maximum of 10,000 petitions for U-1 nonimmigrant status (U visas) for fiscal year 2015. This marks the sixth straight year that USCIS has reached the statutory maximum since it began issuing U visas in 2008.
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, has added the Czech Republic, Denmark, Madagascar, Portugal, and Sweden to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B Visa programs for the coming year. The notice listing the 68 eligible countries published on Dec. 16, 2014 in the Federal Register.
My wife and I petitioned to adjust her status and shortly before our travel date we received an advance parole document in the wrong name. Rajiv graciously assisted us in handling the situation so we can travel to Korea for a wedding ceremony since her family did not attend our American ceremony. As an attorney myself, I knew the importance of finding someone with experience who can help guide his client -- Rajiv Khanna is very much such an attorney. I wish I had retained him earlier in the process.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today launched the Border Wait Time app making it easier for travelers to plan their trip across the border. The app provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry allowing travelers to make an informed decision of where and when to cross the border. Wait times for pedestrian and passenger and commercial vehicle crossings are broken down by lane type (standard, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, Ready Lane, etc.). Travelers can download the app for free from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing an email address for state juvenile courts and child welfare agencies to submit general questions about the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. You can also submit requests for a USCIS representative to talk to your organization about the program. The address is: USCIS-IGAOutreach@uscis.dhs.gov.
We discussed: Working concurrently with H-1 cap exempt and quota employers, immigration issues if we have a special needs (cerebral palsy) child, applied B-2 to main status while F-1 is expiring, Section 245(k) and illegal work, DETAILED DISCUSSION OF I-140 REVOCATION IMPLICATIONS INCLUDING AC21, impact on H-1 of reentry on advance parole, Section 13 green card for diplomats, who can co-sponsor affidavit of support I-864, proving cross chargeability, transfer of priority dates for a future job approval
The Department has published a notice in the Federal Register announcing new Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for each state, based on the Farm Labor Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The AEWRs are the minimum hourly wage rates the Department has determined must be offered and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment for a particular agricultural job and area, so that the wages of similarly employed U.S. workers will not be adversely affected.
Pursuant to REAL ID regulations, beginning December 1, 2014, federal agencies may not accept State-issued driver's licenses or identification cards for official purposes from individuals born after December 1, 1964, unless the license or card is REAL ID-compliant and was issued by a compliant State as determined by DHS.
We won a National Interest Waiver case for a Molecular Biologist holding a Ph.D. having over ten years of research experience. We argued that her qualifications were unique as compared to others in the field and that she was noted as one of the few in her field that has achieved the highest level of success. She had remarkable contributions to the field, most notably her significant discoveries in cardiovascular research. This applicant had an extensive publication list as well as a book chapter.
We won an Outstanding Researcher case for a Research Associate Ph.D. in Instrumentation and Master of Science in Materials Science with over 13 years experience. We argued that with his extensive list of achievements, i.e. 11 refereed journal articles, 7 manuscripts currently under review, 11 publications in conference proceedings, peer reviewing of manuscripts and selection as a doctoral fellow at a world-renowned institute, he more than qualified for the category. This applicant's work was funded and supported by NASA.
We won an Alien of Extraordinary Ability case for a Ph.D. in physics. This applicant had over 13 years of research experience, 30 refereed journal articles, 12 Invited presentations at conferences and meetings, 2 refereed conference publications, peer reviewing of manuscripts for prestigious international journals, employment at several world-renowned institutes and was elected to membership in Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Clearly, this applicant stood out among his peers as one of the few who has reached the highest level of success in his field.
We won a National Interest Waiver case for an applicant holding an M.D., Ph.D. and MSE in Biomedical Engineering, and a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering. This applicant had an extraordinary background. His degrees were received from the most prestigious institutes in the world, notably Harvard, MIT and Johns Hopkins University . His pioneering work has lead others in the field to a better understanding of what causes sudden cardiac death through fatal arrhythmias. His work was quoted as "revolutionizing health care."
We won an Outstanding Researcher case following a Request for Evidence, which included a detailed offer of employment request. The applicant had over 13 years research experience, a multitude of scholarly publications in prestigious, international, peer-reviewed journals, numerous requests for reviews and significant contributions to the field of Polymer Science as well as "invitations" to present his innovative research findings.
I would like to thank my Case Manager, Subha, Roopa and their team for getting my Labor Certification under EB2 with PERM in 2 1/2 months. I also would like to mention the care they have taken while filling the LC form, which got reviewed many times before applying.
I sincerely recommend their service and quote them as very Professional and Excellent Service.
Thanks to all.
Excellent work done by Rajiv S. Khanna and my case Manager Richa helped me with the process to obtain Labor certification for EB3 category under PERM process. I am sure they will continue the good work all the way to getting my Green Card.
I received my PERM approval in 3 days.
Richa and Mohana has been very co-operative, professional
and prompt throughout the case
Special Thanks to Richa Narang and Mohana Navran for their timely help, valuable legal advise
I strongly recommend their services.
I started my GC processing in November 2005 through Rajiv Khanna’s law firm. He is a lawyer of great standing and has helped me at every point in the whole process. I must mention here that the paperwork done under his guidance has been perfect and I had no inquiries during the process. My PERM labor was approved in 58 days from the date of filing and my I-140 was approved in just 32 days from the date of filing. I found the staff in his office in general and with a special mention of Aruna and Amrita, both of them have been very co-operative. Thanks to rajiv and his staff.
Happy News. That's why I prefer and recommend Rajiv's office to every one. I get always good suggestions and ideas from Rajiv. Eventhough there was big confusion in applying EB2 for my case. Rajiv did a very correct and good decision for my back up case process to file it in EB2. I did not even expect the approval so early. My I 140 got approved in one month and we received the approval on June9th. I had good support from Mathew,Subha,Prerna earlier and now I had the same support and good care from Aruna also. Once again I thank Rajiv and his team for another successful move in my case.
Thanks to Aruna and everyone worked on my case. I got my I140 approval without any RFE. Looking forward to working with Mr. Rajiv Khanna's experienced staff to get my GC.
My wife and I received our GC within 9 months for the whole process with Rajiv S. Khanna as our attorney. I would like to thank Aruna for all her help and being very responsive on my case. Thank you all, it is was a pleasure to work with you. Regards...
I like to thank Pramita and Roopa for their great efforts and works that made my Labor Certificate approved in 1 day.
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Mr. Rajiv S. Khanna and his team for the professional and through work they have done for our company regarding immigration issues in the USA.
The team has ensured that all needed details were collected in a pleasant and orderly manner; and have produced an organized and coherent document.
I appreciate your attention to detail and relentless determination to convey quality service on time.
The extra time and effort you put in didn’t go unnoticed, We will certainly send any future queries requiring immigration issues to your office.
It is a true pleasure for me to work with such dedicated colleagues.
Warm Regards,
Efi Haber Naor
Efi Haber ● VP HR and Infrastructure
Mobile +972-54-2555530 ● Tel +972-3-7679015 ● Main +972-3-7679000 ● Email efih@medinol.com
Kiryat Atidim, Building 8, 35th floor, Tel Aviv 6158101, Israel ● www.medinol.com
8 Campus Drive, Parsippany, NJ 07054