Processing Times and Status Checks
Processing Times for immigration matters vary widely. The U.S. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S.
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Proposal on H-1B Visa and Green Card Fee Hike
As stated by "Indian Express" :
A proposal that will hit Indian IT companies the most, US software giant Microsoft Corporation has suggested a whopping fee of USD 10,000 (over Rs 5 lakh) for a new category of H-1B visas and USD 15,000 (more than Rs 7.5 lakh) for permanent residency or Green card.
This could raise a huge USD5 billion over a decade, it said.
USCIS Announces Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has extended Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Next week, the Department of Homeland Security will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing this decision.
The Federal Register notice will provide additional guidance on:
DOL Issues Prevailing Wage Update for H-2B
The Department, in anticipation of the enactment of H.J.Res 117, which prohibits the Department from expending funds to implement the 2011 H-2B Wage Rule for the duration of that Continuing Resolution, will publish in the Federal Register a Final Rule extending the effective date of the 2011 Wage Rule to March 27, 2013.The Final Rule is posted on the Federal Register's web site September 28, 2012 and it is accessible here.
DOL Releases FY 2012 Selected Statistics by Program
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification has posted updated program factsheets containing the FY 2012 selected statistics for the:
My interview and oath experience. (Same day - Thursday)
Myself and my husband had our interview yesterday in Atlanta USCIS office (2nd floor). Appointment for both of us was at 9:45 am. We were there about 30 mins early and submitted our interview letters at the counter and waited. The waiting area was crowded.
I-131 (Reentry Permit) and N-470 FAQ
Implementation of New USCIS Immigrant Fee Feb. 1
New fee allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas after individuals receive their visa packages from the Department of State abroad
N-400 interview with continuous residence issues - APPROVED!
Hi all,I wanted to share my wife's N400 interview experience which had lots of continuous residency issues. it is thanks to this forum's contributions that we decided to apply anyway in spite of the fact our own lawyer advised us against it. and she got approved and had her oath on the very same day!
Citizenship and Naturalization
SSN for Non-working Purposes
Question details
I am on H-1B visa and my wife just received her H-4B. She is not allowed to get SSN as this is only for people who allowed to work. I need to get her TIN (TAX Identification Number) but not sure where to start as I have been told she needs TIN for Driver licensing and open Bank account.
I-20 Terminated
Question details
1.I am in India and my I-20 has been terminated. What should I do to reenter in the United States?
2.Can I reenter the United States with an I-20 issued by a private university for a full time course and not by public university?
1. You will have to look for another school/visa.
2. As long as the school is authorized to issue I-20, you can apply for an F-1 visa. But make sure the school is not running into problems like Tri-Valley University did.
New Interview Requirement for B-1 Employers in Manila, Philippines
Visas for Domestic Employees of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, O, P, and Q Visa Holders and U.S. Citizens Temporarily Assigned To The United States (B-1)
Why Should Immigration Law Interest or Alarm You?
Immigration.com
Immigration Law
Substantial transcription for video
A Continuing Legal Education seminar delivered by Rajiv S. Khanna. This information is relevant for lawyers and business/HR management professionals. This seminar was presented for American Law Institute/American Bar Association and Lawline.
State Dept. Notice on Exchange Visitor Program Fees & Charges
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6263-6269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01555]
---------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 62
[Public Notice 8163]
RIN 1400-AD28
Exchange Visitor Program--Fees and Charges
AGENCY: U.S. Department of State.
ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comment.
Decision on RFE
Question details
We filed my H-1B petition using premium processing and now we received an RFE. How much longer will it take before USCIS makes a decision now?
When USCIS issues an RFE, they give a date by which the response to the RFE must be received by USCIS. Once USCIS receives the RFE response, the 15-day clock starts again for you to receive a decision from USCIS. This decision can be an approval, a denial, a notice of intent to deny (NOID), or USCIS could issue a second RFE.
USCIS Publishes Improved Forms in Easier-To-Use Format
USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:
USCIS Form Improvements Initiative Web page
USCIS has launched a new Form Improvements Initiative Web page which explains the types of improvements in the initiative, introduces recently published and upcoming forms, and links to each form’s landing Web page. You’ll also find information related to form improvement initiatives, including enhanced Web content (i.e., posting filing addresses and detailed fee information on form landing pages) and filing reminders.
AAO Processing Times February 1, 2013
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AAO Processing Times as of February 1, 2013 |
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Time |
Case Type |
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I - 129 CW |
CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker |
Current |
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I - 129 F | |||
Agency
Online Customer Service Tools Unavailable Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST
USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST.
During this time, the following on-line tools will be unavailable:
- Check My Case Status
- Sign-Up for Case Status
- Check Processing Times
- Change of Address Online
- Civil Surgeon Locator
- e-Request
- Office Locator
For immediate change of address needs during the outage, we suggest you submit the form manually.
SEVIS Form I-20
Question details
What is the SEVIS Form I-20?
Foreign exchange students will receive a Form I-20 from the DSO of the educational institution that accepted the student to study in the United States. That student must have a Form I-20 to apply for a visa, to enter the United States, and to apply for benefits.
Form I-20 valid without a stamp
Question details
Is a Form I-20 valid without a stamp?
Yes. A stamp is not required on the Form I-20. Some state and federal agencies require foreign students to present a Form I-20 to identify the end date for the student’s program. However, a stamp is not required for this purpose.
Form I-20 and Work Authorization
Question details
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect work authorization?
A student should have no negative impact on off-campus employment if s/he has the USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document and a Form I-20.
Form I-20 and Applying for State or Federal Benefits
Question details
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect applying for state or federal benefits?
An unstamped Form I-20 should have no negative impact on applications for state or federal benefits, including driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. USCIS is actively communicating with Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to ensure their understanding that a Form I-20 does not require a stamp to be valid.