Updates to Lockbox Filing Locations
USCIS recently updated the lockbox filing location information for the following USCIS form(s). Please see the “Where to File” section of the webpage for your form.
Filing Location Updates in 2021
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Rajiv's Comments in the News - Immigration reforms that would've helped Indians in America blocked by Senate Parliamentarian
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: September 20, 2021
Synopsis
Lawyers said that this development would make it difficult for the reforms to be passed as part of this bill. Rajiv S Khanna, Managing Partner at immigration.com said that this barrier would be very difficult to overcome.
For more on this news please see the attachment below.
USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests
Release Date
09/24/2021
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants, petitioners and requestors who are responding to certain:
Most CW-1 Employers Must File Required Semiannual Report (Form I-129CWR)
USCIS reminds employers of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Transitional Workers (CW-1) that, if you have a currently-approved CW-1 petition with a validity period of six months or more, you must file Form I-129CWR, Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers, with USCIS every six months after the petition validity start date. Employers use this report to certify the continued employment and payment of each worker under the terms and conditions of the approved petition.
USCIS Provides Third Gender Option on Form N-400
Release Date:
04/01/2024
USCIS has revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity.” USCIS is also updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to account for this form revision and other forthcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option; see the Policy Alert (PDF, 344.77 KB).
Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders
Release Date:
04/01/2024
H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant
04/01/2024 06:16 PM EDT
March 30, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
USCIS Announces New Guidance on Form I-693 Validity Period
Release Date:
04/04/2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced (PDF, 317.28 KB) that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
Staying outside the US on Re-Entry Permit Validity, Usage, and Multiple Entries for Green Card Holders
Question details
Background Context
Applied for I131, ReEntry Permit for my parents, who hold GC
Receipt Notice: 12/27/2022
Biometrics: Jan 2023
Left US: March 1, 2023
Approval Notice received: 03/07/2024 with validity from 02/29/2024 to 02/27/2026
Question
While the intention is to be back in the US as soon as possible, can parents stay outside US till 02/27/2026 or do they need to be back before Feb 25, 2025 (as it would be two years by then since they left)?
Can the re-entry permit be used for multiple entries, or is it just for one-time use?
FAQ Transcript
One can stay outside the US for the entire validity period of the re-entry permit, and yes, they can use it for multiple entries during that time.
Unemployment Benefits for H-1, H-4 + EAD Holders with Previous H-1B Employment
Question details
Can someone in H4 + EAD status receive unemployment benefits if they only worked on H1b status? Would receiving such benefits be considered a public charge or have any other negative impact down the road?
FAQ Transcript
Unemployment benefits in the US vary by state and can be complex. If you are an H1B visa holder who has been laid off, you may be eligible for benefits during your 60-day grace period, but it's important to confirm with your state's unemployment office. Regardless of your visa situation, it's important to remember that unemployment benefits are considered an earned benefit funded by your employer's contributions, so there's no public charge concern. Always check with your state's unemployment office for specific requirements and the application process.
Visa Bulletin For May 2024
Number 89
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during May 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 Adopts Department of Labor Definition of “Science or Art”
Release Date:
04/10/2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance (PDF, 321.14 KB) in the USCIS Policy Manual to add the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definition of “science or art” for Schedule A, Group II cases.
Recording for April 11, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Green Card
Discussion Topics:
April 13, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
PERM Processing Times (as of 3/31/2024)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | March 2023 |
| Audit Review | December 2022 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | May 2023 |
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
AAO Processing Times (January - March 2024)
The AAO reports its processing times by form type, displaying the total number of completions for the quarter and the percentage completed within 180 days, which is our goal.
The administrative appeals process has two stages: initial field review and AAO appellate review.
Immigration Law
Recording for April 25, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs:
1) H-1B lottery layoff before start, Automatic status change, Multiple filings, and Traveling
2) Layoff during Self-NIW application, changing jobs with NIW not yet filed, pending, or approved
3) What is Cap Gap extension? How does it work?
4)Is it COS to change from cap-exempt H-1B to cap H-1B?
Rajiv's Comments in the News - "No grace period": The consequences Indian students will face if caught protesting in US universities
Published by: The Economic Times: April 30, 2024
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/no-grace-period-damning-…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
USCIS Reminds Certain Employment-Based Petitioners to Submit the Correct Required Fees
Release Date
04/29/2024
USCIS is updating the Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule to help certain employment-based petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees.
New FAQ:
Q. How can I make sure that my filing is not rejected at intake for incorrect fees?