USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
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State Department Announces that Ink Signature No Longer Required on Affidavits of Support
As part of our ongoing efforts to be responsive to customer needs in immigrant visa processing, the Department of State is pleased to announce that original or “wet ink” signatures are no longer required on submitted Forms I-864, Affidavit of Support. This also applies to the I-864A, I-864W, and I-864EZ.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 1 December 2016
Immigration Law
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 1 December 2016:
FAQ: New I-140 EAD regulations -- Extending H-1 after I-140 revocation, retaining priority dates under new regulations, per country limits, EAD under the new regulations; effective date of new regulations; Visa cancelled CWOP, 214(b) denial; FAQ: Implications of joining an end client where H-1B employer objects, H-1B employer not paying salary - DOL Wage and Hour Division Complaint WH-4; AC21 green card portability, "same or similar" job under old/new regulations, working on 1099 as contractor; Frequency of visits and duration of stay on tourist/visitors/B-1/B-2 visa; Foreign Medical Graduates, Physicians, H-1B for part time jobs, concurrent cap and cap exempt H-1B employment.
Other: Consular processing green card through future employer; Can one start H-1B job before the requested start date? Court orders for migration of child by divorced parent; H-2B extension, denial, 240-day rule; Volunteering on F-1 OPT; Aging out; Name errors on green card; Humanitarian parole, H-1B change of status, etc.
AAO Processing Times as of December 1, 2016
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Case Type |
Time |
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Agency
Immigration Law
Visa Bulletin - January 2017
Agency
Green Card
USCIS Announces Citizenship Resource Center Improved for Mobile Devices
Beginning December 12, the free citizenship preparation and study materials in USCIS’ Citizenship Resource Center will be easier to use from a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device. Among the improvements, the new design puts key navigational links inside a single “hamburger” icon like that found on many other mobile sites. This redesign follows the launch of mobile friendly design on other parts of uscis.gov and uscis.gov/es earlier this year.
USCIS Announces Extension of Parole for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
To allow immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and certain “stateless” individuals to maintain legal status in the CNMI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the parole program for these relatives, effective immediately, until December 31, 2018.
To apply for extension of this parole, you must:
What is new regulations for H-1 grace period, revocation of I-140 ?
Question details
My I 140 is approved in 2013 and H1-B 5 year and 3 months are completed.
I have important question , after 17 Jan 2016 , my any chance I loose my job and my employer revoke my H1-B and I 140.
1. Will I get some time to find new job and new employee to transfer my H1-B ?
2. after my employer revoke my H1-B what is time line I can still transfer my H1-B visa with new employer?
Government will sympathetically consider unexpected layoffs and should give you consideration up to 60 days each H-1 period. So one 60 day period let say you have taken and then changed your employer another 60 day period kind of like that and there is little more to it but each time there is new validity to H-1 . You will be able to get 60 more days.
FAQ Transcript
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
USCIS Publishes Interim Rule on T Nonimmigrant Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking who seek T nonimmigrant status. DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments, and providing guidance on the statutory requirements for T nonimmigrants in order to ensure that the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) regulations are up to date and reflect USCIS’ adjudicative experience.
H-2B Returning Worker Program Expired
The H-2B returning worker provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-113) expired on Sept.
USCIS Fee Changes Take Effect Dec. 23
USCIS reminds applicants and petitioners to pay new fees with forms postmarked or filed on or after Dec. 23, 2016, or USCIS will not be able to accept the filings. USCIS will only accept previous fees if they are postmarked Dec. 22 or earlier.
Guestbook Entry for Beth Dynkowski , United States
Name
Beth Dynkowski
Country
United States
State
MO
Guestbook Entry for Emad Girgis , United States
Name
Emad Girgis
Country
United States
State
TX
Comment
Hi ALL It took me sometime to write this comment, because it was hard to find the words to express my admiration and satisfaction with this winning Law office, especially my Case Team (Amrita and Seema). I come from a background that I had few failures with other offices; Needless to say, I lost both Money and Time. When I moved my case to this office, I thought it was a little more Money than I paid before. Also, the process seemed a little slow, because my Case Managers was very careful and cautious about every detail. They always said, we look at the long term implications, not to have you pass the PERM and fail in the next steps. Frankly, I felt bad sometimes because of the time spent to get everything perfect. Here come the surprise, when they finally submitted my case, I got approved within 72 Hours. it was obviously shocking unbelievable surprise. This result made appreciate they way the case was prepared and the time spent. That being said, this office worth every penny paid and more. I'm really impressed with my Case Managers (Amrita and Seema). Amrita, Seema, Thank you very much for all what you done. Looking forward to applying I140, I485 with your office. Everybody out there, forget about your law office you are using, go with immigration.com, these people know what they are doing! Thanks all Emad Girgis
Guestbook Entry for Arshjit, United States
Name
Arshjit
Country
United States
State
VA
Comment
Awesome service. No problems at all. Case got approved in less than expected time.
Guestbook Entry for Dr.M.Saleem Bhat , United States
Name
Dr.M.Saleem Bhat
Country
United States
State
Wisconsin
Comment
Entire staff at Rajiv Khanna law firm is very helpful especially Diane Lombardo. My green card petition got approved and i received my green card. Many many thanks Mr.Rajiv Khanna and Diane Lombardo.
Guestbook Entry for Marcos A Guevara , United States
Name
Marcos A Guevara
Country
United States
State
Virginia
Comment
I would like to thank the law offices of Rajiv S. Khanna with getting 129f petition approved. Also with my case manager Ursula with explaining each step of the process and answering all of my questions. I would have been lost with all of that paperwork without their help.
B-2 visa
Question details
I'm a non-married Iranian citizen who’s my first-degree family members are US citizens, currently residing in USA. During last several years I've been rejected every time I requested for a US visa (both F and J).
Now, I am qualified to become a Canadian PR through the skilled-worker program. The visa is issued and I will be soon landing in Canada. I was wondering if my chances for getting a B-2 visa to visit my family will be any better once I'm a registered Canadian resident. Is it wise to ask for a visa once I get my PR card?
I think if you wait till you have a steady job and roots in Canada, and then apply to visit USA, you should have a better chance.
H-1 extension beyond 6 years
Question details
My situation. I work for company A
1. My 6th yr H1-B ends in Dec 2011
2. Labor approved (PD May 2010) and I-140 (applied Sep 2010) pending - EB3
3. Once my I-140 gets approved (hopefully) my lawyer's plan to apply for a 3 yrs extension some time next year (Till Dec 2014).
After/If I do get my extension for 3yrs with my company A, then Can I change my job to company B in 2012(who is willing to do my labor and I-140 again).
An extended H-1 can be transferred, but obtain the extension before the former employer revokes the I-140. I see no issues (generally speaking) with a PD transfer, unless USCIS (not the employer) revokes the I-140. Ask your lawyers for details.
EB-2 category eligibility
Question details
I am working for one of the largest companies as mechanical engineer. I am shifting from Mechanical engineer to Product development engineer job within the same company. The job requirement is BS + 2-5 years of experience. I have
Bachelors 4 Years, Masters in USA, Research Assistant 1 year 4 months, Teaching Assistant 10 months, Experience as a Mechanical engineer 3 years 7 months.
Am I eligible for eb2 category?
The minimum requirements for the job are 2 years exp. This job does not qualify for EB-2. You do.
Family based petition - sibling
Question details
What would be the schedule of fees for a case of Family based petition for a brother of a US citizen?
Check out the Form I-130 filing fee.
Guestbook Entry for Vanessa , United States
Name
Vanessa
Country
United States
State
New York
Comment
Consultation I received was instrumental in helping me make a vital decision with regards to career change. Thank you!
H-1B Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Cap Season (as of January 21, 2011)
The H-1B Program
U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.
For more information about the H-1B program, see the link to the left under temporary workers for H-1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models.
Vijay was very thorough in his emails. He always gave plenty of reference documentation. thanks!