We filed a petition premium processing for a self-petitioning researcher. The petitioner had over 15 years of research experience in the nanotechnology field. He had an extraordinary research career which included 52 scholarly scientific articles with over 1,020 citations of his work. His publications were featured in numerous high impact international journals. In addition to his noteworthy research publications, the petitioner was a highly sought after reviewer for a multitude of prestigious, international scientific journals. He was also selected to an editorial board.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently began transferring some extension of stay casework from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center to balance workloads. The affected casework includes the following form:
All immigrant visa applicants now must complete the DS-260 online immigrant visa application at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac and login tohttp://www.ustraveldocs.com/in to schedule an appointment at Visa Application Center(VAC) for biometric fingerprint and photograph
Does the USCIS make a distinction as to whether a specialist physician works in a Medically Underserved Area vs Health Professional Shortage Area versus Physician Scarcity Area? My job falls in MUA, HPSA but not PSA , is this a problem for a specialist?
NIW requires "You must serve either in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Mental Health Professional Area (MHPSA – for psychiatrists only), a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or a Veterans Affairs facility, or for specialists in a Physician Scarcity Area (PSA)."
Is there a direct way for me to get a green card or apply for EB-3 without my employer's support? My employer is unwilling to support me for any working visa and I am already out of the status due to this.
Three options: Extraordinary Ability Aliens, National Interest Waiver and Investment (EB-5).
Here is a question from our community:
My husband and I have our N400 petition pending for almost 18 months. We passed our interview in July 2007 and had our 2nd fingerprinting 2 weeks ago. We were also informed that we have been cleared from background check. We have to leave for an international assignment in December and would like to understand the steps we need to take so it does not impact/disrupt our naturalization process, in case we do not get called for oath by then.
Please click on the link for the updated PERM Processing Times.
I hit a major block! My interview went with no problems until the very end, when the officer said that my old A-file was missing, and no decision can be made until it's found. I'm heartbroken.Interview:
First of all, I wanted to thank all the members of this forum for their insight and support. This road did not feel as lonely as we all traveled it together.
Can you let me know when we can start filing H-1B cases again for this year?
If the beneficiary is not subject to the quota, you can file an H-1B for them at any time. If the beneficiary is subject to the quota, the new H-1B cannot be submitted to USCIS before April 1, 2014, with an effective date of October 1, 2014. We will start working on next year’s quota cases in January 2014.
How long will it take to get a receipt notice for my H-1B petition that was not filed with premium processing?
According to USCIS, "Usually, customers can expect to receive their receipt notice within 30 days of delivery confirmation. However, due to an unexpectedly high volume of I-129 petitions, it may be an additional two to four weeks before customers receive a receipt notice."
Can I send a scan of the forms? Can I use an electronic signature?
Forms need to be signed by hand in ink, and the original signed documents submitted to USCIS by mail or courier.
This week I went for my oath ceremony and I am now officially a US Citizen.
The process was very smooth overall.
My only beef is that for the interview I had to go to Holtsville and for the oath I had to go to Central Islip. I live in Queens and I don't drive so getting to those places was a major issue.
Here's my N400 timetable:
Queens/NY
5 years rule
So I just had my interview at federal plaza in NYC. Interview was at 11 got there around 1015. Took 15 mins for security got up stairs around 1030, and waited until 1105 till they called my name. The IO wasn't mean but neither was she friendly, I guess she just wanted to get it over with. When we got into the office she asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth. Then she asked for passport and green card. We went over the application and then she asked me to read "WHO CAN VOTE" and write "CITIZENS CAN VOTE"
She then asked me 7 questions because I got one wrong.
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 106 (Monday, June 3, 2013)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 32989-32990] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-13065] [[Page 32989]]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 42 [Public Notice 8345] RIN 1400-AC86 Visas: Documentation of Immigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Final rule.
Processing Queue | Priority Dates | |
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Month | Year |
Please check the attachment to read USCIS Policy Memo.
USCIS is reopening the FY 2013 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program funding opportunity announcement (DHS-13-CIS-010-002). Applications may be filed through Grants.gov from June 3, 2013 through June 5, 2013 at 11:59:59 PM EDT. USCIS learned after the close of the original application period on May 22, 2013 that Grants.gov rejected a significant percentage of applications to this funding opportunity. Given those rejections, USCIS is reopening this opportunity for a brief period to allow potential applicants to resubmit an application.
Hello, Rajiv Thank you very much for your time, and advices. I really appreciate you for your willingness to help us out on our ecommerce business plan. I look forward to long term connect with your law firm, looking at the future. Best Regards D Dave
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 5, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33699-33700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13315]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 41
[Public Notice 8348]
RIN 1400-AD21
Visas: Classification of Immediate Family Members as G
Nonimmigrants
AGENCY: State Department.
ACTION: Final rule.
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Rajiv S Khanna and his team provide exemplary service in guiding all towards immigration matters
I came with B-1 to work until I obtain H-1B (this is B-1 in lieu of H-1 clause that authorize me to work). I was not selected at 2013 H-1B lottery. How long can I stay on B-1: 6 months + one renewal, would the second renewal be granted,I am looking at L-1B as an alternative but I did not complete the one continuous year before coming to US with my employer. Can the company "make up" some months of work abroad to complete the 12 months? How deep are they digging into for L-1B?
No making up please, unless federal prison is a part of our career plan. B-1 in lieu of H-1 is uncertain, but you can keep trying extensions. If the new law for comprehensive immigration reform passes, things could change drastically.
Rajiv was very generous in providing the right guidance in resolving my H-1B salary issues. Prior to contacting Rajiv, another immigration attorney tried to represent me on a fee basis to help reclaim my salary. Rajiv offered his free consultation over the phone. He asked to me to do it by myself with the Depart of Labor. This happended six months ago. I just got some time this afternoon to go to the SF office of the DOL. The DOL will commence an investigation, which I believe should help me get my unpaid salary. Thank you, Rajiv!