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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Background Check
I had an interesting N-400 interview yesterday. Don't know where to start but the IO stemmed out of the office with my thick file while I was waiting for my attorney to arrive. I quickly summed him up to be a hard ass. BTW, I have been an officer of the law for a little over four years now...My attorney arrived shortly after and we went to this small conference room. I was sworn to tell the truth, and the interview started.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Implementation of New USCIS Immigrant Fee Feb. 1
New fee allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas after individuals receive their visa packages from the Department of State abroad
N-400 interview with continuous residence issues - APPROVED!
Hi all,I wanted to share my wife's N400 interview experience which had lots of continuous residency issues. it is thanks to this forum's contributions that we decided to apply anyway in spite of the fact our own lawyer advised us against it. and she got approved and had her oath on the very same day!
Citizenship and Naturalization
SSN for Non-working Purposes
Question details
I am on H-1B visa and my wife just received her H-4B. She is not allowed to get SSN as this is only for people who allowed to work. I need to get her TIN (TAX Identification Number) but not sure where to start as I have been told she needs TIN for Driver licensing and open Bank account.
I-20 Terminated
Question details
1.I am in India and my I-20 has been terminated. What should I do to reenter in the United States?
2.Can I reenter the United States with an I-20 issued by a private university for a full time course and not by public university?
1. You will have to look for another school/visa.
2. As long as the school is authorized to issue I-20, you can apply for an F-1 visa. But make sure the school is not running into problems like Tri-Valley University did.
New Interview Requirement for B-1 Employers in Manila, Philippines
Visas for Domestic Employees of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, O, P, and Q Visa Holders and U.S. Citizens Temporarily Assigned To The United States (B-1)
Why Should Immigration Law Interest or Alarm You?
Immigration.com
Immigration Law
Substantial transcription for video
A Continuing Legal Education seminar delivered by Rajiv S. Khanna. This information is relevant for lawyers and business/HR management professionals. This seminar was presented for American Law Institute/American Bar Association and Lawline.
State Dept. Notice on Exchange Visitor Program Fees & Charges
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6263-6269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01555]
---------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 62
[Public Notice 8163]
RIN 1400-AD28
Exchange Visitor Program--Fees and Charges
AGENCY: U.S. Department of State.
ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comment.
Decision on RFE
Question details
We filed my H-1B petition using premium processing and now we received an RFE. How much longer will it take before USCIS makes a decision now?
When USCIS issues an RFE, they give a date by which the response to the RFE must be received by USCIS. Once USCIS receives the RFE response, the 15-day clock starts again for you to receive a decision from USCIS. This decision can be an approval, a denial, a notice of intent to deny (NOID), or USCIS could issue a second RFE.
USCIS Publishes Improved Forms in Easier-To-Use Format
USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:
USCIS Form Improvements Initiative Web page
USCIS has launched a new Form Improvements Initiative Web page which explains the types of improvements in the initiative, introduces recently published and upcoming forms, and links to each form’s landing Web page. You’ll also find information related to form improvement initiatives, including enhanced Web content (i.e., posting filing addresses and detailed fee information on form landing pages) and filing reminders.
AAO Processing Times February 1, 2013
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AAO Processing Times as of February 1, 2013 |
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Time |
Case Type |
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I - 129 CW |
CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker |
Current |
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I - 129 F | |||
Agency
Online Customer Service Tools Unavailable Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST
USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST.
During this time, the following on-line tools will be unavailable:
- Check My Case Status
- Sign-Up for Case Status
- Check Processing Times
- Change of Address Online
- Civil Surgeon Locator
- e-Request
- Office Locator
For immediate change of address needs during the outage, we suggest you submit the form manually.
SEVIS Form I-20
Question details
What is the SEVIS Form I-20?
Foreign exchange students will receive a Form I-20 from the DSO of the educational institution that accepted the student to study in the United States. That student must have a Form I-20 to apply for a visa, to enter the United States, and to apply for benefits.
Form I-20 valid without a stamp
Question details
Is a Form I-20 valid without a stamp?
Yes. A stamp is not required on the Form I-20. Some state and federal agencies require foreign students to present a Form I-20 to identify the end date for the student’s program. However, a stamp is not required for this purpose.
Form I-20 and Work Authorization
Question details
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect work authorization?
A student should have no negative impact on off-campus employment if s/he has the USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document and a Form I-20.
Form I-20 and Applying for State or Federal Benefits
Question details
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect applying for state or federal benefits?
An unstamped Form I-20 should have no negative impact on applications for state or federal benefits, including driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. USCIS is actively communicating with Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to ensure their understanding that a Form I-20 does not require a stamp to be valid.
Endorsed Form I-20
Question details
What is an endorsed Form I-20?
The Form I-20 is endorsed when it is signed by a DSO, which allows the student to travel internationally or apply for employment authorization.
Handling of the Forms I-20 and DS-2019 by USCIS ELIS
Question details
How does USCIS ELIS handle the Forms I-20 and DS-2019?
USCIS will accept a photocopy or scanned electronic version of a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019. If USCIS needs to review the original document, USCIS will ask you to provide the original document. USCIS will adjudicate the request electronically. Although the student will receive the approval notice (Form I-797) through the mail, the scanned copy of the Form I-20 will not be stamped and returned. As of Aug. 10, 2012, U.S.
DOL Issues Round 7 FAQs on H-2A Final Rule
The Department of Labor has posted new FAQs for the H-2A program. Topics include signatures, job preferences, and fees. These FAQs are available here.
DOL Updates H-2A Prevailing Wage Rates for Sheepherding/Goatherding Occupations
On January 8, 2013, the Department published a notice in the Federal Register establishing new 2013 prevailing wage rates for certain occupations processed under H-2A special procedures, including for sheepherding/goatherding and open range production of livestock occupations which became effective immediately. See, 78 FR 1260 (Jan. 8, 2013). The Department is hereby updating prevailing wage rates for these occupations that must be offered and paid in certain states effective as of January 8, 2013.
Interview results and possibility of a denial
My interview was scheduled on 09/21/2012, went into the USCIS office 20 mins before appointment. I waited ~40 min after the appointment time passed and was interviewed by an officer. The officer was polite. I was asked almost all questions on my submitted N-400 and then wrote/read English sentence. After answering 6 civic questions correctly, I was told I passed the interview.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Oath ceremony... US citizen now...
I finally had my oath ceremony today at Cadman Plaza US District Court, Brooklyn.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Citizenship Interview Experience
Hi Everyone,It's been a while, but I felt the need to share my naturalization time line and interview experience. My recipet notice was received and/or dated approximately May 16th 2012 and I received a preliminary interview notice letter advising that I should bring to my interview my state issued ID card and certified copies of my arrest. I am not sure when I received the actual interview letter, but maybe three weeks before my interview date which was sceduled for June 21st, 2012 at 3opm at Federal Plaza.