PERM Processing Times (as of 11/19/2016)
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Analyst Review |
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2016 |
Audit Review |
April |
2016 |
Reconsideration Requests to the CO |
October |
2016 |
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I-140 EAD Regulations Effective 17 January 2017
2 December 2016
Radio Show Discussing Overview of the new I-140 EAD Regulations
2 December 2016
Discussing I-140 EAD FAQ in community conference call
CBP Launches the Electronic Visa Update System for Early Enrollments
Nationals of the People’s Republic of China with a 10-year visa will update their information every two years using EVUS
USCIS to Centralize Processing of Special Immigrant Juvenile Cases
Starting on November 1, 2016, USCIS will centralize the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. This means SIJ-based Form I-360 petitions and Form I-485 applications will primarily be adjudicated at one location, the National Benefits Center (NBC).
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 3 November 2016
Immigration.com
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 3 November 2016:
FAQ: Impact on H-1 if converting to H-4 EAD; FAQ: TN work for multiple employers; Legal name change process in the USA.
Other: I-751 - removal proceedings NTA; Premium H-1 extension while H-1 amendment is pending; TN working concurrently on two jobs; TN applying for H-1, quota exemption; Impact on green card, I-140 if changing employers; Date of birth errors; F-1 reinstatement and H-1 pending at the same time; Change of status to TN; CSPA for consular processing; Priority date transfer; EB-2 PERM filing; L-1 stock ownership; Receiving bonus checks from end clients while working through H-1 employer; Refiling PERM if job has changed; Going to school if a green card is pending, etc.
Employers: You Can Use the Current Form I-9 Through Jan. 21, 2017
USCIS will publish the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, by Nov. 22, 2016 -- NOT Jan. 22, 2017. Employers may continue using Form I-9 dated 03/08/2013 N. through Jan. 21, 2017. By Jan.
USCIS Announces Addition of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Eligible Countries for the H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, have added St. Vincent and the Grenadines 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 eligible countries was published on Oct. 26, 2016 in the Federal Register.
Visa Bulletin - December 2016
Number 99
Volume IX
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during December for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Immigration Under Trump, Radio Show 10 November 2016
Nonimmigrant Visas
Substantial transcription for video
Business Immigration, Employmenmt Based Immigration, Student Visas, Pending Cases
H-4 EAD FAQ, Converting from another work status (such as H-1) to H-4 EAD
H-4 EAD rule, click here for Rajiv's blog entry on H-4 EAD and related FAQs. Scroll down for latest updates.
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We have received several requests about how to ensure there are no gaps in a spouse’s ability to work when converting from another work status (such as H-1) to H-4 EAD.
USCIS Revises Form I-9, Used for All New Hires in U.S.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
By Jan. 22, 2017, employers must use only the new version, dated 11/14/2016. Until then, they can continue to use the version dated 03/08/2013 or the new version.
Among the changes in the new version, Section 1 asks for “other last names used” rather than “other names used,” and streamlines certification for certain foreign nationals.
Other changes include:
A Visa Processing times & status checks
Processing Times
- USCIS Service Center Processing Times
- California Service Center
- Nebraska Service Center
- Texas service Center
- Vermont Service Center
Nonimmigrant Visas
A Visa Services and Fees
We are usually called upon by A visa holders for consultations. Click here to consult us.
Nonimmigrant Visas
B Visa Overview
The B visa category applies to citizens of foreign countries who wish to visit the United States for a temporary period. There are two types of B visas: B-1 (for business) and B-2 (for pleasure or medical treatment). A B-1 visa would be issued for an individual desiring to enter the U.S. to consult with business associates; attend a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference; settle an estate; or negotiate a contract. A B-2 visa would be issued for an individual wishing to enter the U.S.
Nonimmigrant Visas
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers/Professors, International Managers/Executive
Under the various employment based categories, Category I based permanent residency is the most difficult to obtain. Initially, the foreign national must determine if he/she is eligible for lawful permanent residency according to the USCIS guidelines.
An applicant filing an EB1 alien of extraordinary ability application may self-petition, but an applicant filing under outstanding researcher and/or professor and multinational manager must have a sponsoring employer.
Green Card
EB-2 Advanced Degrees & Experience
EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Persons with Exceptional Ability
The following persons fall under this category:
Green Card
EB-2 National Interest Waivers
The NIW Standards can be reviewed at:
https://www.immigration.com/blogs/new-standards-national-interest-waiver-dhanasar-case
Green Card
EB-3 Bachelor's Degree, Skilled, Unskilled Workers
EB-3 Overview
EB-3 Classification is appropriate for:
Professionals with a baccalaureate degree (or foreign equivalent degree but not necessarily any experience);
Skilled Workers with at minimum two years of experience (there is no degree requirement); and
Unskilled Workers who have less than two years of training or experience.
Green Card
K Visa Overview
Introduction - K-1/K-2 Status
The K-1 Fiancé (e) Visa allows foreign nationals, potential spouses of United States Citizens to enter the United States for the sole purpose of marriage.
Nonimmigrant Visas
M Visa Overview
SummaryThe Immigration and Nationality Act provides nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs, the "M" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies and "J" Visa is reserved for nonimmigrants who wants to participate, and intends to participate, in an exchange visitor program designated by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. |
Nonimmigrant Visas
Visitor Visa Overview
The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2). International travelers with visitor visas comprise a large portion of temporary visitor travel to the United States every year. For more information, please click on the "Visitor/Business" Visa main menu on the top.
E Visa Overview
E Visa can be of 3 types, E-1/E-2 (Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors) and E-3. The E-3 visa allows for the admission of an alien who is a national of the Commonwealth of Australia and who is entering the U.S. to perform services in a “specialty occupation".