Seattle DO - N-400 timeline
My wife and I went for our interviews yesterday which went well and we did attend a same day oath ceremony at the Seattle office yesterday - we are finally US citizens. Here is my experience:
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CBP Updates Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) Frequently Asked Questions
EVUS is the online system used by nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa periodically to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. In addition to a valid visa, such travelers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.
For FAQ please click here.
Free Community Conference, 20 October 2016, Every Other Thursday
Immigration.com
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 20 October 2016:
FAQ: H-1B or Green Card changing job roles, How soon should I-485 be filed once dates are current; Changing jobs while a quota H-1 is pending; Changing jobs after I-140 approval; Applying for reentry permit; Filing a PERM based green card through a company owned or managed by a relative; Filing green card while on student visa F-1;
Other: How soon can I go for H-1 visa stamping; Does CBP officer at the airport have the right to search belongings, cell phone, etc? Large medical treatment bill; Green card for a nurse; Visitors/Tourist visa reentry; Using experience under PERM as a contractor; EB-1C if I have been in the USA already for three years; Traveling while H-1B amendment is pending; Applying for H-4 EAD; H-1B remainder option; Applying for tourist/visitors visa after having applied for green card; Factors affecting EB-1 green card; H-1 holder leaving USA for medical reasons.
USCIS Reaches CW-1 Cap for Fiscal Year 2017
USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the numerical limit (the “cap”) of 12,998 workers who may be issued CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) visas or otherwise provided with CW-1 status for fiscal year 2017. Oct. 14, 2016 was the final receipt date for CW-1 worker petitions requesting an employment start date before Oct. 1, 2017.
USCIS Announces Final Rule Adjusting Immigration Benefit Application and Petition Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a final rule published in the Federal Register adjusting the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective Dec. 23.
Temporary Protected Status Extended for Nepal
cretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Nepal (and those without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) for an additional 18 months, effective Dec. 25, 2016, through June 24, 2018.
Update to Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
USCIS recently updated the following form:
Update to Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
New edition dated 10/12/16. 5/22/15 edition also accepted. (The edition date can be found at the bottom of every page on the Form and Instructions.) For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
Guestbook Entry for Rajkumar Ch, India
Name
Rajkumar Ch
Country
India
State
Hyderbad
USCIS Grants One-Time Accommodation for Sheepherders in H-2A Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would allow H-2A workers in the sheepherding industry more time to fully transition to the three-year limitation of stay requirements under the agency’s final rule that became effective on Jan. 17, 2009. USCIS is making the one-time accommodation in deference to the industry’s prior exemption from the 3-year limitation. This exemption does not impact other H-2A categories.
ETA's Prevailing Wage Determination Policy Guidance
The publication of the H2B regulation in December 2008 and the corresponding changes to PERM, H1B, H1B1, H1C and E3 regulations governing temporary professional, nonagricultural or registered nursing programs changed the roles of the SWAs and NPCs in the prevailing wage determination process and necessitated the issuance of policy and procedural guidance to be used by the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC).
Guestbook Entry for Tribendu Datta, United States
Name
Tribendu Datta
Country
United States
State
Nevada
I-140 revocation based upon fraud reversed
We were recently retained at the I-140 Appeal stage for an I-140 denied on grounds of fraud/willful misrepresentation. USCIS denied the I-140 citing inconsistencies between the ETA 9089 job requirements, the advertisements, and a subsequent letter sent by petitioner with an RFE pertaining to the job requirements. Due to what USCIS termed as "material inconsistencies," the I-140 was denied on the grounds that the labor certification submitted was gained through fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact.
Green Card
Adoption Notice Re: Guatemala
Casa Quivira Cases: DOS issued an alert on December 28, 2009 informing that the Office of the Solicitor General's (PGN's) appeal of the 2009 decision determining the adoptability of the children taken into custody from Casa Quivira was upheld by the appeals court. Note, these children include those who are already residing in the U.S.
Entering USA, what to expect?
What kind of problems can employment-based nonimmigrants (H-1, L-1, E-1, E-2, E-3, TN) face during reentry?
I think this question is most relevant for H-1 holders, but other employment-based nonimmigrants may also note the general principles here.
Importance of having continuity of employment/pay stubs
Here is a question from our clients-only extranet.
Whats the relevance or importance of having continuous pay stubs (How much gap is permissible if Not significant?) in the processing of Green card of an H1B holder.
H-1B Employer Employee Memo of 8 January - Practice Hints
I am reproducing material from our employers-only (by invitation only) conference call for tomorrow. These matters need to be in place for H-1 new applications, transfers as well as extensions.
Link to my 2009 articles on immigration law compliance and end-client letter issues
I have received e-mails from folks about my 2009 articles on immigration law compliance and end-client letter issues in H-1B cases published by American Law Institute - American Bar Association. Here is the link:
http://www.immigration.com/articles-rajiv-s-khanna