Update to Form I-918
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s):
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s):
In July, the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) will begin processing cases involving Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Sharing this workload with the Vermont Service Center (VSC) will balance workloads between centers and provide flexibility as USCIS works towards improving processing times, efficiency and customer service to this victim population.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the statutory maximum of 10,000 petitions for U-1 nonimmigrant status (U visas) for fiscal year 2016. This marks the seventh straight year that USCIS has reached the statutory maximum since it began issuing U visas in 2009.
I entered US on Jan 2011 on F-1 Visa, completed my Masters and am now working for a reputed US organization since May 2012(OPT start date: May 2012, H-1B start date:Oct 2012. H-1B till: Oct 2017). My work does not require me to go to office, so I work from Home. Now I am planning to visit India next year and get my Visa stamped.<br>
My Questions are<br>
1. Can telecommuting job cause any issue during Visa stamping? I heard someone was asked "if you can work from home, why can’t you work from India?” The organization I am working for has offices in India.<br>
2. Do I need any extra evidence to prove that I am telecommuting, therefore not within commuting distance from my office?<br>
3. I am married. Would you suggest going alone to India for Visa stamping and in case of rejection comeback on H-4 or will it be good to go as a family. My husband is also on H-1B
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
On April 9, 2015, USCIS’ Administrative Appeal Office (AAO) issued a precedent decision, Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC, which held that employers must file amended H-1B petitions when a new Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers (LCA) is required due to a change in the H-1B worker’s worksite location. Specifically, the decision stated:
Discussion topics:
EAD Renewals, prevailing wages for Illinois, H-1B transfer, F2A category Green Card, Rules changed on LCA,
Point system - how it will affect those who are already waiting for Green Card.
E Visa company registrations - It is advisable for “E” visa companies to update “registration” files at post every year although there is no specific regulation.
Following-to-Join for adjustment cases - An applicant who is the principal alien and whose spouse or child now needs to follow to join can now continue to deal directly with posts in paths:
Please see the attached memorandum released by the USCIS on Dec 10,09.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the intent to end U nonimmigrant interim relief program. The U nonimmigrant interim relief program was created to allow certain crime victims to receive temporary benefits until the regulations governing U visas were published.
CIS Ombudsman released a recommendation on "Temporary Acceptance of Filed Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for Certain H-1B Filings."
Please check attachment for detailed information.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is announcing a 120-day period in which it will temporarily accept H-1B petitions filed without Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) that have been certified by the Department of Labor (DOL).
The policy update will help provide stability to U Visa Petitioners supporting law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a pilot program for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for U nonimmigrants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Posted by Louis F. Quijas, Assistant Secretary for the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement and January Contreras, Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
This report contains information on the Victims of Trafficking (T visa) applications and the Victims of Crime (U visa) petitions. The number of receipts, approvals, denials, and pending cases are displayed by fiscal year and by office.
On June 20, 2011, the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman's Office (Ombudsman's Office) hosted a public teleconference regarding U nonimmigrant visas and interviewed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) officials.
Released Sept. 19, 2011
WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to provide relief to victims of crimes, has for the second straight year approved 10,000 petitions for U nonimmigrant status, also referred to as the U-visa.
On an annual basis, 10,000 U-visas are set aside for victims of crime who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to help law enforcement authorities investigate or prosecute crime.
It has hardly been a couple of weeks we started working with Mr. Khanna & his closely knitted team. We already got the confidence that we are shielded with strong support and great care! What else does a client need! Thanks to the team!
This Policy Memorandum (PM) authorizes the Vermont Service Center (VSC) to approve an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form 1-539) to extend U nonimmigrant status for a derivative family member whose initial period of stay is less than four years.
Secretary of Labor delegated the authority to issue U nonimmigrant status certifications to the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division.
On March 15, 2010 Secretary Solis announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) will begin exercising its authority to certify applications for U Nonimmigrant Status Visas ("U Visas").
What are U Visas?
ICE Memorandum provides guidance to ICE, DRO and Field Office Directors about the factors to consider when adjudicating requests for a Stay of a Final Administrative Order of Removal filed by an alien with a pending petition for U Nonimmigrant status.
I had an accident and am on disability while my green card adjustment of status application ( form I-485 ) has been pending for over 4 years. My I-140 had been approved about 5 years back but my case has been caught up in the visa backlogs at USCIS and Department of State. I wanted to know if there was any provision for help in the immigration laws, in case I am sent for long term disability or my employment is terminated before I receive my green card. I learnt that employment and disability are subjects to be discussed with a benefits or employment attorney. The only immigration benefits are via AC 21 or via a private bill. Also, that one should not loose the advance parole anytime while the AOS is pending. I want to thank Mr. Rajiv Khanna for his generosity with time and expert guidance. Over the phone I found him to have a very pleasant personality. he had me feel comfortable and didnt seem money minded at all.