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 case for a Ph.D. in Accounting under the Outstanding Researcher and Professor Category. This individual had over nine years of teaching and research experience. He held a position as an Assistant Professor at a prestigious academic institution. He was noted for innovative and pioneering work in his field as well as significant contributions to accounting principles. This applicant was awarded for outstanding teaching each year from his students and fellow professors.
This applicant provided a 5-year contract for services in a medically underserved area, a copy of his J-1 residency requirement waiver, letters from the Health and Human Services office in his area requesting his services, documentation to reflect the statistics of the health professional shortage in his employment area as well as copies of his license to practice medicine.
We won a case following a Request for Evidence for a scientist considered extraordinary in his field. This Ph.D. was an internationally renowned scientist who is acclaimed and respected in the international research community for his expertise in the area of corneal innate immunity and microbial keratitis. His unique specialty set him apart from others in the field. He was invited to review for a high impact scientific journal. He also had an extensive publication list as well as presentations world-wide for his innovative and pioneering work.
We won a case for a physician who provided a contract for services for 5 years in a medically underserved area. This applicant also submitted copies of his degree, medical license, medical degree equivalency evaluation, USMLE Step 1, 2 and 3, status paperwork, letter from potential employer stating need, documentation of statistical data on medically underserved area and a letter from Bureau of Health Care Services.
We won a case for an Alien of Extraordinary Ability who qualified in numerous components of the category. We argued her contributions were significant as clearly documented by the multitude of reference letters supplied by leading experts in her field. She also had an extensive publication list as well as invitations to present this extraordinary work. Her research has had a significant impact in the field, and consequently the citation record of her work is far greater than most scientists with her years of educational and work experience.
We won a case for an Outstanding Researcher and Professor who was known world-wide for his expertise in hotel management. This applicant had over 19 combined years of industry and teaching experience. He was well-known as a remarkable professor. He served on many thesis committees and acted as a judge in numerous forums. This applicant had an extensive publication record and as a result was highly sought after to speak around the world regarding his contemporary research. He published book chapters and also obtained patents for portions of his research.
We won a case for an Outstanding Researcher who had over 23 years of research experience. She was considered one of the foremost experts in the field of medical research. She has an extensive publication record along with a multitude of presentations. This applicant was working on such illnesses as asthma, allergies and other lung ailments. Her innovative and pioneering work was recognized by the number of manuscripts accepted for publication in high impact journals.
We won a case for an Outstanding Researcher who worked for a private company. This applicant provided substantial evidence regarding the company's accomplishments and ability to pay as well as documentation of the 3 full-time researchers on staff. We were also able to provide evidence that the applicant qualified by providing his publications, patented work, membership in a prestigious professional society, extensive presentation listing as well as years of industry experience.
We won a case for an Outstanding Researcher with over seven years of research experience. This applicant received a multitude of academic awards for his outstanding work. He had an extensive publication record and authored book chapters. He was known world-wide as a leading expert in his field. Upon receipt of an RFE regarding his employment offer, additional supporting evidence was submitted confirming the permanency of his job offer. His case was approved in less than a week from Services' receipt of the response letter to RFE.
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