Guestbook Entry for Lila T., United States
Name
Lila T.
Country
United States
State
France
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New Direct Filing Addresses for L, O, and P Nonimmigrant Petitions for Beneficiaries in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina
USCIS has changed the direct filing addresses for where to file certain forms for beneficiaries who will be working or training in Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina. The changes are as follows:
The Economic Times NRI Helpdesk: Can I extend my US visitor visa before it expires? And other FAQ's answered by Rajiv S. Khanna
Question: I have a visitor visa for the USA for multiple visits up to June-2023. Can I apply for an extension of the visa before the expiry date? Also, advise procedure for extensions and where I can get the application form, so I can keep all details ready.
Answer: I am not aware if there is a procedure to apply for a visitor visa extension before expiration. You can send an email to the consulate to confirm. There is, however, a restriction under the consular standard operating procedures on holding concurrently valid visas of the same type.
USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Vermont Service Center
As part of the credit card payment pilot program, the Vermont Service Center is now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for O and P nonimmigrants.
P Visa Processing times & status checks
Processing Times
- USCIS Service Center Processing Times
- California Service Center
- Nebraska Service Center
- Texas service Center
- Vermont Service Center
Nonimmigrant Visas
Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas
For latest updates, watch this video with Rajiv from Dec 28, 2021.
Feb 3, 2022 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Citizenship and Naturalization
Green Card
Discussion topics:
I-140 EAD Regulations Effective 17 January 2017
2 December 2016
Radio Show Discussing Overview of the new I-140 EAD Regulations
2 December 2016
Discussing I-140 EAD FAQ in community conference call
Jan 23, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 23, 2020
FAQ: Tourist/Visitors visa for people with special needs or challenges || Risk for green card process in joining a small company, unfamiliar with immigration || Impact of 214(b) denial || Requirements for obtaining green card under EB-1C, International Managers and Executives ||
OTHER: NVC fees issues || USC relocating to India while green card petition for parents is pending || Is original I-140 approval required for priority date transfer? || Effect of subsequent H-1B, H-4 approval on current H-1B, H-4 case || Additional review of a pending I-140, delay || USCIS processing times estimate || 221(g) Administrative processing for H-1B visa || CSPA logistical problems || Carrying cash in and out of the USA || Incorrect DS-160 || List of cap exempt employers || Naturalization of children
P Visa Overview
The P-Visa category covers entertainers and athletes who cannot qualify under the extraordinary ability standard for the O-category. The P-1 category is set aside for:
1. Alien athletes who compete individually or as part of a team at an internationally recognized level; and
Nonimmigrant Visas
USCIS Clarifies Requirements For Agents Filing as Petitioners For the O and P Visa Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance on October 7, 2009 to clarify for performing arts associations and their members the regulatory requirements for agents who file as petitioners for the O and P visa classification.
O and P visas apply to non-immigrants with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or in the motion picture and television field. O and P petitions may only be filed by a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent.
U.S. Embassy in London O and P Visa Reissuance Program
Please check the link to know more about the O and P visa Reissuance in London embassy.
Recording for March 23, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Discussion Topics - March 23, 2023
FAQs: Handling H-1B visa and layoff : What happens if I get laid off before or after stamping my visa in India? || Marriage and relocation to the U.S. : Quickest path for prospective fiancé of U.S Citizen living in India || AC21 AOS portability: Pending AOS I-140 withdrawn before 180 days || What to do if one is in India during the PERM and I-140 process ||
Recording for April 06, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Discussion Topics:
USCIS Issues Precedent Appeals Decision on P-3 Nonimmigrant Visa Petition
Issuance Based on 2009 Petition by Los Angeles-based Skirball Cultural Center
Released May 15, 2012
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) today issued a binding precedent decision addressing the term “culturally unique” and its significance in the adjudication of petitions for performing artists and entertainers.
Visas and Green Cards for Artists, Musicians and Performers
[custom:eb-1-classification-introduction]
Profession/Occupation
Green Card
U.S. Embassy in Paris Announces Changes in NIV Appointment System
As of July 29, 2012, all non-immigrant visa applicants must fill in the DS 160 application form and pay the MRV fee through purchase of a mandat compte before scheduling an appointment. The reference numbers of both the DS 160 and the mandat compte must be provided at time of scheduling.
Important notice
USCIS Updates Five RFE Templates For Stakeholder Viewing
On April 12, 2010, Director Mayorkas introduced the Request for Evidence (RFE) Project, an initiative that engages stakeholders in the review and revision of RFE templates used at the Service Centers to ensure they are:
Recording for September 26, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: EB-2 NIW I-140 portability for employer-sponsored cases || Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact || Maintaining LPR status (Green Card) during extended absences for employment || Rising NIW rejection rates: Examining changes in eligibility criteria
Recording for February 20, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs:
1. Can I volunteer with a Non-Profit while on any temporary visa (for example, F-1 OPT)?
2. Options after layoff on approved EB-1 - Compelling circumstances EAD and GC EAD conversion
3. NIW I-485 rejected: Refiling options and priority date usage?
Immigration impact of past criminal law allegations - Will a reduced traffic misdemeanor affect my US visa application?
Question details
I was involved in a car accident 2 years ago and got a traffic misdemeanor ticket that was reduced to illegal parking and 200$ fine from court. There was No Arrest & No Hearing. Given the current crisis, I would like to know whether it will impact my visa or immigration cases. If yes, how can we avoid those problems?
Related FAQs:
FAQ: Immigration impact of past omission or errors in Form DS-160 or other government forms.
I am a mechanical engineering PhD student in PA on an F1 visa from a ROW, with no travel ban. Came to the US in Dec 20XX.
When applying F1, made a mistake in DS-160, said i never applied to immigrant visa before though I had applied to DV (DV rejected). I only said so without realizing DV is also called an immigrant visa (I thought it was company sponsor, marriage, etc.); it was an innocent mistake. I realized it last week in an immigration seminar at uni. I also applied for DV after arriving in the USA.
I-20 ends in 12/20XX, F1 ends in 11/20XX, and the passport ends in 2032. Will travel be an issue before 11/20? How likely is it that a random check will reveal this mistake without traveling? I'll tell the truth when asked, but what are the consequences? What can I do?
For OPT, STEM OPT, or if I need extra PhD time and graduate in 2028, will it be a problem if I extend the I-20 duration? Or if I switch to another US uni next semester?
NIW prepared DIY, ready to file, but unsure because it is an immigrant visa, similar to DV. Wanna do PP, with approved I-140, can I get OPT or stem opt (before filing 485)? Should I go home for a visa extension, or can Mexico/Canada do it?
FAQ: Immigration impact of prior dismissed Domestic Violence case
I had a domestic violence case 5 years ago, which was dismissed. With the new government now and the news about visa denials and deportations, can you please tell me your thoughts on if there will be any problems with my stamping even if I get the stamping done successfully, will there be challenges entering into the US in the port of entry?
Or there are no changes in how visa processing is handled for people with dismissed domestic violence cases. Thank you for your guidance.
FAQ Transcript
Minor past infractions, even those reduced to non-criminal violations like illegal parking, are causing concern for visa applicants. Here's a breakdown:
- Non-immigrant visas (B1/B2, F/J): These are the most vulnerable. Even minor issues can be raised during visa stamping due to a shift in the US government's stance, though denial based on a reduced traffic misdemeanor is unlikely. The impact on already issued visas is still unclear and is being litigated.
- Work visas (H, L, E): These are less likely to be affected by minor past incidents.
- Green cards: Generally, only more serious issues, like drug convictions or multiple convictions, pose a problem.
- Citizenship: Good moral character is required, but incidents outside the 5 years preceding the application usually aren't a major concern, and rehabilitation can be a factor.
Regarding the specific question about a traffic misdemeanor reduced to illegal parking with a fine:
- Immigration impact: It should not impact your immigration status (deportability/inadmissibility).
- Visa impact: While the government might cause a delay during stamping, they should not deny your visa based on this.
Crucially, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in deportation/removal defense (with at least 10-15 years of experience) in the state where the incident occurred to understand the specific potential impact on your case. Dismissals can sometimes have immigration consequences even if they aren't criminal convictions.
National Hockey League (NHL) and Vermont Service Center Meeting
The National Hockey League (NHL) requested USCIS to hold a teleconference during its annual conference. During that teleconference, NHL counsel posed several questions to USCIS. The question and answers are provided below (see attachment) for the benefit of interested stakeholders.In order to avoid repetition in the answers, USCIS notes that it stated several times that each petition mustestablish visa eligibility on its own merits. The Vermont Service Center (VSC) does not maintain acentral document depository for O and P nonimmigrant visa petitions.
P Visa Services and Fees
Fee schedule for P classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Legal fees (to our Office, payable at the commencement of the case) | $3,600 |
| Fedex Expenses | appx. $100 |
| Filing fees (Form I-129) (to the USCIS) |
$1,015 (for companies with 25 or more employees) |