AAO Processing Times as of April 1, 2016
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Visa Bulletin - May 2016
Number 92
Volume IX
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during May for: “Application 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.
Green Card
USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2017
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 7, 2016, that it has received enough H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 visas for fiscal year (FY) 2017. USCIS has also received more than the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions filed under the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.
USCIS Publishes New Edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
On April 13, 2016, USCIS revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The revised version is available at uscis.gov/n-400. You may continue to use the 9/13/13 edition of the form until August 9, 2016. USCIS will reject and return previous versions of Form N-400 submitted on or after August 10, 2016.
Deadline to Apply for Citizenship and Integration Grants Is April 22
Applications for USCIS’ Citizenship and Integration Grant Program for fiscal year 2016 are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 22, 2016.
On March 2, USCIS began accepting applications for two competitive grant opportunities for organizations that prepare permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics.
EB-4 Visa Limits Reached for Special Immigrants From El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for May 2016 reflects a final action date of January 1, 2010, for EB-4 visas for special immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Use of Pre-Paid Mailers for Certain H-1B Cap Subject Petitions
For two weeks after premium processing resumes for H-1B cap-subject petitions, USCIS will not use pre-paid mailers to send out final notices for premium processing H-1B cap-subject petitions. Instead, USCIS will use regular mail. USCIS will be doing this due to resource limitations as work to process all premium processing petitions in a timely manner. After the two week period, USCIS will resume sending out final notices in the pre-paid mailers provided by petitioners.
New Workload Transfer Updates Web Page
USCIS has created a new Workload Transfer Updates page on their website where customers can keep track of workload transfers between the five service centers. Occasionally, USCIS will transfer cases from one service center to another in order to balance workloads and ensure timely processing. In the past, USCIS has issued a Web alert for each transfer. Now, the new Web page will list all of the transfers that USCIS makes as well as any additional information that customers should know about the transfer.
Fiscal Year 2017 H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin May 12
On May 12, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting premium processing, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 2016, April 21
Immigration.com
Agency
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Topics for Discussion, Thursday, 21 April 2016:
FAQ: Is H-4 Visa needed after H-4 EAD approval; H-1 cap exempt working concurrently for H-1 cap employer; Safe time to change jobs after I-140 approval; PERM-based green card through relative-owned company; What to do if company is under visa fraud investigation, indictment, conviction.
Other: L-1B expiring, options to stay and work in the USA; Form N-600 child born outside the USA to a US citizen parent; H-1 quota exemption if visa is not stamped; H-4 EAD gap in EAD; Attorney negligence in H-1 filing; H-1 approval for projects where duration is 6 months and only vendor letter is available – no end client letter; CAP Gap extension; Priority date transfer problem – delays; Police clearance from the USA; Unlawful presence under H-1B; Renewing green card; L-1A options to stay in the USA after 7 years; Applying for naturalization – several visits outside the USA – residency requirement; H-1B unlawful presence; Bounced check USCIS fees problems; etc.
USCIS Offers Immigration Relief for Those Affected by Severe Earthquakes
USCIS offers immigration relief measures for people affected by natural disasters, such as the severe earthquakes that recently occurred in Ecuador, Japan and Burma.
These measures may be available upon request:
PERM Processing Times Updated
The Analyst Review and Audit dates posted on iCERT above reflect the month and year in which cases were filed that are now being adjudicated at the Atlanta National Processing Center. *The Reconsideration Request to the CO dates posted on iCERT above reflect the month and year in which cases that are now being reviewed at the Atlanta National Processing Center were appealed.