USCIS National Stakeholder Meeting Updates - 08/26/09
Please find attached Details of USCIS National Stakeholder Meeting which was held on July 27, 2009.
Search
Chicago USCIS Updates – 08/27/09
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule on the removal of HIV infection from its list of communicable diseases of public health significance - As of now with respect to the above proposed rule the Chicago Field Office has not received any guidance from HQ. Hence the office will not hold such applications in suspension until further notice.
USCIS Announces Stand Alone Application Support Centers Change in Schedule
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC) stand-alone sites will move to a Monday through Friday schedule beginning Nov. 2, 2009. Stand-alone ASCs are those which are not co-located with other federal offices and which previously operated Tuesday through Saturday. All ASCs, both stand-alone and co-located sites, will continue to be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
DOL Memo on Travel and Visa Expenses of H-2B Workers
The DOL released a memo to regional administrators and district directors regarding travel and visa expenses of H-2B workers under FLSA minimum wage laws. In January 2009, the Department ofHomeland Security delegated to Wage and Hour enforcement authority to ensure that H-2B workers are employed in compliance with the H-2B labor certification requirements. Wage and Hour issued regulations implementing this authority, 29 C.F.R. Part 655, which became effective on January 18,2009. Those regulations are applicable to applications for certifications filed on or after that date.
USCIS Update: Expiration Date of Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 Extended to Aug. 31, 2012
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Office of Management and Budget has extended its approval of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) to Aug. 31, 2012. Consequently, USCIS has amended the form to reflect a new revision date of Aug. 7, 2009.
Employers may use the Form I-9 with the revision date of either Aug. 7, 2009 or Feb. 2, 2009. The revision dates are located on the bottom right-hand portion of the form.
DHS Announces New Directives on Border Searches of Electronic Media
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced new directives to enhance and clarify oversight for searches of computers and other electronic media at U.S. ports of entry—a critical step designed to bolster the Department’s efforts to combat transnational crime and terrorism while protecting privacy and civil liberties.
Guestbook Entry for Ranendra (Ronu) Bhanu Majumdar, India
Name
Ranendra (Ronu) Bhanu Majumdar
Country
India
State
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Extension of Comment Period for Form I-600/I-600A
[Federal Register: August 28, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 166)]
[Notices]
[Page 44376-44377]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28au09-66]
---------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Agency Information Collection Activities: Form I-600/I-600A, Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request
Extension of Comment Period for Form I-485 and Supplements A and E
[Federal Register: August 28, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 166)]
[Notices]
[Page 44375-44376]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28au09-65]
---------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Agency Information Collection Activities: Form I-485 and Supplements A and E, Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request
USDOL (Wage and Hour Division) Questionnaire to Employees
Here is a document USDOL (Wage and Hour Division) is using to send to employees. This outlines the factors USDOL is most interested in when investigating an employer.
Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency?
Question details
I hold an H1B Visa, and it is time for an extension. At the same time, I applied for my I-485 a few years ago, and I recently renewed my EAD, which is valid for 5 years. My priority date is June 2013. At this time, I am a bit confused about whether to move on to EAD or if I should continue to extend my H1B. If, for any reason, my H1B extension goes wrong, will I still be able to use my EAD? Thank you always for your support.
FAQ Transcript
You should maintain your H-1B while your I-485 (AOS) is pending. If something goes wrong with your I-485, you could end up without legal status or work authorization, creating complications. Keeping your H-1B (or L-1) active provides a backup. While your spouse can use an EAD, losing their status is less risky than the primary applicant losing theirs.
H-1B and I-140: Moving to India & Future Return to the U.S.
Question details
I would appreciate some insights on my H-1B and green card process. Here’s my situation:
I currently have an H-1B visa valid until July 2027.
My company has filed for PERM with a priority date of October 2024.
If things go as expected, I anticipate my I-140 approval around May 2026 (with premium processing, if things go smoothly and I receive my DOL approval around Feb 2026, calculating around 15+ months from Oct 2024).
I’m considering moving to India around January/February 2027, which would be about 180 days after I-140 approval (if that helps retain I-140 benefits even if I go to India; if not, I would be moving earlier).
My questions:
Impact on H-1B if I move to India
What would happen to my H-1B if I joined a different employer in India?
What happens if I stay with the same U.S. employer but work from India?
Returning to the U.S. after H-1B expiration
If my H-1B expires while I’m in India and I haven’t renewed it, let's say that in the future, I will get an employer and want to re-enter the USA. Would the process be expected for the employer, like filing for a change of employer and me getting a new stamp in the Indian embassy, or would it have some additional complications?
I-140 and Priority Date Retention
Will my I-140 priority date remain intact if I am in India and later re-enter the USA for a different employer based on the answer to the above question?
If I get a new job in the U.S. later, what must my future employer do to transfer or use my existing priority date for the new green card process?
FAQ Transcript
If you move to India (or another country) after your I-140 approval, your H-1B with your current employer will likely be revoked unless they continue paying your U.S. salary. If your H-1B expires while you are abroad, you can return to the U.S. on H-1B with any employer, as your I-140 remains valid after 180 days. However, you must restart your green card process with a new employer. Your I-140 priority date remains intact, even if you switch from EB-2 to NIW or EB-1A.
Visa Bulletin For April 2025
Number 1
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during April 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
USCIS Forms Update Notice - Form I-485
USCIS updated the following forms:
Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
01/20/2025 04:15 PM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. As of March 3, 2025, the currently effective version is the 01/20/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
01/20/2025 10:54 AM EST
Recording for March 06, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs: Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency? || H-1B and I-140: Moving to India & Future Return to the U.S .|| H-1B working remotely from India
USCIS Updated Form G-1055
USCIS recently updated the following form:
03/06/2025 12:29 PM EST
Edition Date: 03/06/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
Guidance for Civil Surgeons Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine
As of Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS has waived any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination.
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following forms:
Form G-325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
01/20/2025 10:13 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. As of March 3, 2025, the currently effective version is the 01/20/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support
01/20/2025 09:12 AM EST
USCIS Forms Update Notice - 03/10/2025
USCIS recently updated the following forms:
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
03/04/2025 11:37 AM EST
Edition Date: 03/04/25. Starting 4/4/25, USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the prior edition(s).
Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records
03/04/2025 11:37 AM EST
H-1B working remotely from India
Question details
I received my H-1B visa in September 2022 and worked at my company’s Scottsdale, Arizona office until March 2024. Since then, I have been working remotely from India for the same company and role. My H-1B visa is set to expire in September 2025.
I have a few questions regarding the extension process:
1. Does my employer need me physically in the U.S. to apply for my H1B extension?
2. If yes, what alternatives are available for my employer to apply while I am abroad?
3. Given that my visa expires in September 2025, when should I start the extension process at the latest?
FAQ Transcript
No, your employer does not need you to be physically in the U.S. to apply for your H-1B extension. You can start the extension process up to six months before your H-1B expires, which means you can apply as early as March 2024 for a September 2025 expiration.
Rajiv S. Khanna Featured on ET Podcast Discussing Trump's 'Gold Card' Immigration Policy
Rajiv S. Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com, recently joined Neil Ghai and Prachi Verma on the Morning Brief Podcast by the ET Bureau. Alongside Sukanya Raman, Country Head of Davies & Associates, and David Lesperance, Managing Director of Lesperance & Associates, Mr. Khanna discussed the sharp contrasts between the established EB-5 visa program and Donald Trump's 'Gold Card' immigration policy.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US border officials target senior green card holders
Published by: The Times of India - March 17, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-border-officials-target…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Trump Administration Proposed Travel Restrictions
Overview
An internal Trump administration proposal lists the following countries whose citizens could face restrictions on entering the U.S. Some countries may change in any final order.
USCIS Forms Update Notice - I-600, I-730, I-910 and Others
USCIS recently updated the following forms:
Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
01/20/2025 10:51 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting April 17, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 10/17/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
01/20/2025 10:45 AM EST
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US immigration officials target elderly Indians holding Green Cards as Trump administration tightens scrutiny
Published by: The Economic Times - March 17, 2025
https://shorturl.at/8h948
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article: