Guestbook Entry for Babu Sampath, United States
Name
Babu Sampath
Country
United States
State
NJ
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USCIS Approves 10,000 U Visas in Fiscal Year 2012
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) marked a significant milestone in its efforts to provide relief to victims of crimes by approving the statutory maximum 10,000 petitions for U nonimmigrant status, also referred to as the U-visa. This is the third straight year USCIS has reached the statutory maximum since it began issuing U-visas in 2008.
New Citizenship Online Widgets from USCIS
What is a widget?
A widget is a small, online application that can be embedded on social media sites, blogs, or other web pages.
As part of the Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Initiative, USCIS has developed dynamic and static widgets to highlight specific sections of the Citizenship Resource Center. The widgets are designed to help permanent residents:
New Appointment System for Scheduling Non-immigrant Visas for Residents of Iran
The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai will begin a new appointment system for residents of Iran to schedule appointments to apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa on Wednesday, August 22.
Please check the attachment for details.
OFLC Updates 2012 - 2013 Wage Data
Wages for the July 2012 - June 2013 program year are now available and are effective July 1, 2012.
The Foreign Labor Certification Data Center is the location of the Online Wage Library for prevailing wage determinations.
Online Wage Library
Non Immigrant Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Checklist
Nonimmigrant visa interview waiver checklist provided by Mission India to determine if an applicant is eligible for nonimmigrant visa renewal without appearing for an interview.
Please check the attachment to see the checklist.
DOL Announces 2013 Honors Program
The Honors Program in the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) at the U.S. Department of Labor provides challenging professional opportunities for outstanding law school graduates. Honors Program attorneys work with the ten divisions of the Solicitor’s Office, gaining exposure to a broad range of substantive legal work in one of the government’s preeminent legal offices. Upon completion of the two-year program, Honors Program attorneys continue their careers in public service in one of the Solicitor’s national or regional offices.
DHS Update on The Impact of Counting Changes on Nonimmigrant Admissions
This report provides an update on trends in I-94 non-immigrant admissions and the estimated number of individual nonimmigrants admitted to the United States. In 2005, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began an effort to record all land admissions of an I-94 nonimmigrant; previously, only the initial admission was typically recorded. This process was completed at nearly all pedestrian crossings and vehicular lanes along the Southwest and Northern borders by March 2010. Increases in admissions after 2005 as reported by OIS are partly due to the counting changes.
USCIS Filing Tips for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Filing your request for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals involves several steps. You need to submit multiple forms, evidence and fees. Small mistakes in preparing your request could lead to it being rejected. Please read these tips to avoid having your request rejected or delayed because of common filing errors.
PERM Processing Times (as of 8/14/2012)
According to DOL updates as of 8/14/2012, they are working on PERM application filed in the following months:
Analyst Reviews: June 15, 2012
Audits: December 2011
Reconsideration Requests to the CO: September 2011
Gov’t Error Reconsiderations: Current
Green Card
Immigration Law
PERM Processing Times
According to DOL updates as of 8/14/2012, they are working on PERM application filed in the following months:
Analyst Reviews: June 15, 2012
Audits: December 2011
Reconsideration Requests to the CO: September 2011
Gov’t Error Reconsiderations: Current
USCIS Performance Data Statistics on All Form Types
This report provides the total number of receipts and approvals, by quarter,
for all applications and petition form types submitted to USCIS for adjudication.
June 2012
All Form Types Performance Data (Fiscal Year 2012, 3rd Qtr)
Data as of June 30, 2012
Published August 21, 2012
March 2012
DOS Announces Assistant Sec. Of State for Consular Affairs Has Authority To Waive a Visa Interviews
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52379-52380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21326]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Delegation of Authority No. 344]
Delegation by the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary
of State for Consular Affairs the Authority to Determine That it is
Necessary To Waive a Visa Interview as a Result of Unusual or Emergent
Circumstances
DOS Announces Historic Visa Agreement Enters Into Force September 9, 2012
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is pleased to announce that the historic U.S.-Russia visa agreement will enter into effect September 9, 2012. The agreement will facilitate travel and establish stronger ties between Russia and the United States, as it will benefit the largest segment of travelers in both our countries: business travelers and tourists. Starting September 9, Russian and American travelers for business or tourism will be eligible to receive visas valid for multiple entries during a period of 36 months.
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
01/20/2025 09:15 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting July 3, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 04/01/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
New 5% remittance tax bill for non-US citizens: Will it pass and are non-citizens eligible for tax credit?
Question details
I am reasonably sure that many people would be interested in learning about the new 5% remittance bill for non-US citizens and non-nationals. It's part of the big beautiful bill, so does it have a chance of getting passed? Is there a component of tax credit back for non-citizens (It says it has a tax credit back for taxpayers, but does not specify if they have to be US citizens/nationals or not) - if so, what % of it is reimbursed?
This would affect all countries, but India and Nigeria would be the most impacted. The media in both countries are covering it, but they are not mentioning the tax credit. We request that you shed more light on this bill and assist us with the possibilities, dates, and details.
FAQ Transcript
Passage of the Bill: It's unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, despite passing the House. Such provisions often face significant opposition when bundled into larger bills, and there's limited political support for a tax specifically targeting non-citizens sending money home.
Tax Credit Eligibility: Generally, non-citizens are not eligible for most US tax credits, particularly those intended for citizens or permanent residents. While specific tax credit eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances and the credit itself, the expert notes that a tax credit component for non-immigrants would defeat the bill's apparent purpose.
Will admitting to an unsuccessful job search affect my B-2 visa extension approval?
Question details
While applying for a B2 extension for job search, if I mention that despite giving so many interviews, I have not been able to get a job offer, will it increase or reduce my chances of approval?
FAQ Transcript
Admitting to an unsuccessful job search on a B-2 visa extension application is unlikely to negatively affect approval, and honesty is always recommended. While not explicitly required, it's a logical and natural detail to include in your extension request, especially since your initial B-2 was likely for job searching.
When seeking an extension, you should:
- Detail your job search efforts, including specific companies you've interviewed with and the outcomes.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay without unauthorized employment.
Providing specific details about your job hunt adds credibility to your petition.
Can I stay in the U.S. on B-2 after H-1B employment ends and the grace period was previously used
Question details
Currently, I'm on H1-B with an employer. My last working day with them would be on May 31st, 2025. I've already completed my grace period in the past, which was Sep 1st, 2024 - Oct 31st, 2024. I went back to my country and came to the US with my current employer. Now, I'm still looking for a new employer, and I don't think I can find one within this week. Can I still file for a B1/B2 visa and stay in the country without an employer from next week, May 31st, 2025? Can I be unemployed during the process time? Will there be any consequences?
FAQ Transcript
No, you can potentially stay on a B-2 visa after H-1B employment ends, even if you've used a grace period before.
Here's why: The 60-day H-1B grace period renews with every new H-1B approval (extension, amendment, or transfer). Therefore, if you received a new H-1B approval with your current employer, you would have a fresh 60-day grace period.
During this grace period, you can file for a B-2 (visitor) visa to remain in the US. You are not considered unlawfully present until your B-2 application is denied. However, it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions Details
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions
Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
FULL TRAVEL BAN (12 Countries)
Complete suspension of entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants:
Recording for May 29, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Agency
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs: New 5% remittance tax bill for non-US citizens: Will it pass and are non-citizens eligible for tax credit?|| Will admitting to an unsuccessful job search affect my B-2 visa extension approval?
SCOTUS Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions: What Anxious Parents Need to Know About Birthright Citizenship
SCOTUS Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions: What Anxious Parents Need to Know About Birthright Citizenship
To put matters in context, today's 6-3 Supreme Court decision is NOT about whether your US-born children are citizens. Let me be clear about what actually happened.
The Court ruled on a procedural question: whether federal judges can issue nationwide injunctions that block government policies across all 50 states. They said no; such orders should be limited to protecting only the specific parties who sued.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US birthright citizenship: Supreme Court decision limits nationwide injunctions on Trump's birthright citizenship order
Published by: The Times of India - June 30, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-birthright-citizenship-…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Recording for June 26, 2025 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Green Card
FAQs: US Visa & Social Media: What you need to know about new screening policies and their impact
B-1/B-2 Visa for Laid-Off H-1B Holders: Current Policy and Best Practices
Question details
Is applying for a B-1/B-2 visa still an option for individuals who have been laid off while on an H-1B visa?
FAQ Transcript
Yes, applying for a B-1/B-2 visa (visitor visa) is still an option for laid-off H-1B holders. While there have been policy changes and clarifications from the US government regarding this, individuals are currently receiving approvals for B-1/B-2 applications.
Key Points and Best Practices:
Archived Policy: The previous "premium processing" policy for B-1/B-2 and subsequent H-1B applications under the Trump administration has been archived by the current administration. This means that policy is no longer in effect, and a new official policy has not been explicitly stated.
Current Practice: Despite the archived content, immigration attorneys are reporting successful B-1/B-2 approvals for individuals who have been laid off.
Job Searching on B-1/B-2: Historically, looking for a job was considered an impermissible activity on a B-1/B-2 visa. However, current practice and some recent USCIS guidance suggest that attending interviews and discussing potential roles is permitted.
Contradictory Stance: There have been instances where Request For Evidence (RFEs) were issued for B-1/B-2 to H-1B conversions, stating that job searching is not allowed on a B-1/B-2. However, upon "fighting back," the government has sometimes flip-flopped, asking for proof of job search efforts. This highlights the evolving and sometimes inconsistent nature of the policy.
Honesty and Documentation are Crucial:
Always tell the truth: When applying for a B-1/B-2, clearly state that you were unexpectedly laid off and are looking for a new job.
Prove financial stability: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without needing to work.
Document your job search: Maintain detailed records of your job search efforts, including:
Resumes sent out
Companies contacted
Dates of contact
Interview details and outcomes
This documentation can be vital if an RFE is issued.
Conversion to H-1B: If you secure a new H-1B job offer while on B-1/B-2, your new employer will need to file an H-1B petition on your behalf. You cannot begin working until your H-1B status is approved. In some cases, USCIS may process a pending B-1/B-2 and a new H-1B petition concurrently, especially if the H-1 B is premium processed.
Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change. I will post further updates on my LinkedIn, so keep an eye out there.
Also see Rajiv Khanna's Author Page in THE ECONOMIC TIMES
In summary, while the official stance on B-1/B-2 for laid-off H-1B holders has been ambiguous, the practical experience suggests it remains a viable option. The key is to be truthful in your application, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, and meticulously document all job search activities.