tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25958787555674071002024-03-18T09:15:38.428-07:00Latest Immigration NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1801125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-55902432159259672632024-03-18T09:15:00.001-07:002024-03-18T09:15:04.286-07:00USCIS Clarifies Anti-Discrimination Policy<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced agency-wide anti-discrimination guidance that addresses public-facing interactions and affirms our public service principles.</p><p>The Policy Manual update reiterates that, consistent with the USCIS <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/mission-and-core-values" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d4340066-cde4-419d-83dd-858d23334bd5" data-entity-substitution="canonical">mission statement and core values</a>, USCIS does not tolerate the discriminatory treatment of any individuals. USCIS considers discrimination to be the unlawful treatment of a person or group of persons based on classes or other categories to which they belong or are perceived to belong. The update clarifies that it is USCIS policy to treat the public in a nondiscriminatory manner, regardless of whether they belong to a class or group s<a name='more'></a>pecifically protected under federal anti-discrimination laws or other legal authorities.</p><p>Agency-wide anti-discrimination training is available to all employees to support awareness and understanding of the policy and its impacts.</p><p>For more information, please see the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ff64aa90-1880-4e85-a763-693dff0398da" data-entity-substitution="canonical">USCIS Policy Manual</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-89243671543684888872024-03-16T09:15:00.001-07:002024-03-16T09:15:03.974-07:00USCIS Streamlines Process for Refugee Employment Authorization Documents<p>USCIS has begun implementing a streamlined process for <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-765" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="983b2b27-2406-41b0-a21b-c5c916fc669c" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</a>, to provide Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) more efficiently to eligible <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/refugees" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f83952fd-b668-4389-b71f-6f15669e9166" data-entity-substitution="canonical">refugees</a> after they are admitted into the United States. This streamlined process shortens the wait time for an EAD to approximately 30 days instead of several months. All individuals admitted into the United States as refugees on or after Dec. 10, 2023, will receive EADs pursuant to this new process.</p><p>Under U.S. <a name='more'></a>law, a refugee is legally authorized to work as soon as they arrive in the United States. Obtaining proof of this work authorization in the form of an EAD, however, was previously a cumbersome paper-based process that led to undue delays. The new process is fully automated and no longer requires refugees to apply for an EAD, allowing for more efficient processing and adjudication of Form I-765 and quicker delivery of EADs after we approve them.</p><p>With this new process, USCIS will digitally create a Form I-765 for arriving refugees and begin adjudicating it as soon as they are admitted into the United States. After USCIS approves a refugee's Form I-765, refugees will generally receive their EAD within one to two weeks. USCIS will mail their EAD via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail to their address of record. The time frame for a refugee to receive their EAD card may vary, depending on delivery times. Please allow a total of 30 days before inquiring.</p><p>USCIS will also electronically provide the Social Security Administration with the information required to assign a Social Security number and mail a Social Security card to the refugee.</p><p>USCIS recognizes that documents such as an EAD and Social Security card are critical to a newly arrived refugee's ability to integrate into the United States. This new process is the result of coordination across the U.S. government to support the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.state.gov/refugee-admissions/">U.S. Refugee Admissions Program</a> and refugee integration. USCIS is committed to streamlining and digitizing our processes to make them more efficient. We launched this process on Dec. 10, 2023, following a successful trial period.</p><p>This process does <strong>not</strong> apply to following-to join refugees admitted into the United States based on an approved <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-730" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="93041ffa-50e9-478d-ab0b-c2416825f54f" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition</a>. Additionally, refugees seeking a replacement or renewal EAD will still need to complete and submit Form I-765.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-63854060922049027342024-03-13T09:15:00.001-07:002024-03-13T09:15:02.816-07:00USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024 and Announces Filing Dates for the Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2024 made available under the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-availability-of-additional-h-2b-visas-for-fiscal-year-2024" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="bcf9df61-3895-4fac-8351-702f999e8fd2" data-entity-substitution="canonical">FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule</a>.</p><p><strong>H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024</strong></p><p>USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/cap-count-for-h-2b-nonimmigrants" data-entity-type="node" dat<a name='more'></a>a-entity-uuid="99ac9fb3-a5bf-476c-a3ff-e3b4d0a57ef6" data-entity-substitution="canonical">H-2B cap</a> for the second half of FY 2024. March 7, 2024, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date on or after April 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2024. We will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after March 7, 2024, that request an employment start date on or after April 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2024.</p><p>We continue to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for:</p><ul><li>Current H-2B workers in the United States who wish to extend their stay and, if applicable, change the terms of their employment or change their employers;</li><li>Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians and/or supervisors of fish roe processing; and</li><li>Workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and/or Guam (until Dec. 31, 2029).</li></ul><p><strong>Filing Dates for Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas</strong></p><p>The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) jointly published a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/17/2023-25493/exercise-of-time-limited-authority-to-increase-the-numerical-limitation-for-fy-2024-for-the-h-2b">temporary final rule</a> on Nov. 17, 2023, increasing the numerical limit (or cap) on H-2B nonimmigrant visas by up to 64,716 additional visas for all of FY 2024. These supplemental visas are available only to U.S. businesses that are suffering irreparable harm or will suffer impending irreparable harm without the ability to employ all the H-2B workers requested in their petition, as attested by the employer on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/oflc/pdfs/ETA%209142-B-CAA-8_Attestation_508%20Compliant%2011.14.23.pdf">DOL Form ETA 9142-B-CAA-8 (PDF)</a>. These supplemental H-2B visas are for U.S. employers seeking to petition for additional workers at certain periods of the fiscal year.</p><p>Below are the filing start dates for each of the remaining supplemental visa allocations under the temporary final rule:</p><ul><li><strong>For employers seeking workers who are nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, regardless of whether such nationals are returning workers:</strong> USCIS will begin accepting petitions for employers requesting an employment start date from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024, on March 22, 2024. USCIS began accepting petitions from employers with employment start dates from Oct. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, in November 2023. A cap count for this country-specific allocation is available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/temporary-increase-in-h-2b-nonimmigrant-visas-for-fy-2024" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3e1f9373-9018-4ee7-89ae-9f302eff5f7a" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024</a> page.</li><li><strong>For employers seeking returning workers for the early second half of FY 2024 (April 1 to May 14): </strong>USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 19,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on March 22, 2024.</li><li><strong>For employers seeking returning workers for the late second half of FY 2024 (May 15 to Sept. 30): </strong>USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 5,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on April 22, 2024.</li></ul><p>USCIS will stop accepting petitions under this temporary final rule received after Sept. 16, 2024, or after the applicable cap has been reached, whichever occurs first.</p><p>USCIS has already <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/cap-reached-for-additional-returning-worker-h-2b-visas-for-the-first-half-of-fy-2024">announced</a> that we have received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of FY 2024 with employment start dates on or before March 31, 2024.</p><p>Additional information on the FY 2024 supplemental visas is available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/temporary-increase-in-h-2b-nonimmigrant-visas-for-fy-2024" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3e1f9373-9018-4ee7-89ae-9f302eff5f7a" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024</a> page.</p><p><strong>Reminder: Upcoming Changes in Required Fee and Form Editions for H-2B Petitions</strong></p><p>On Jan. 30, 2024, USCIS announced a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule">final rule</a>, published in the Federal Register, that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024. There will be no grace period for filing the new version of <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5c210fe6-2270-43ff-a7e4-b26246f1ab8b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</a>, because it must include the new fee calculation.</p><p>H-2B petitions postmarked <strong><u>on or after April 1, 2024</u></strong>, must include the new fees and be filed on the 04/01/24 edition of the form or we will not accept them. USCIS has published a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129-fr.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-substitution="media" type="application/pdf; length=2166806" data-lang="en">preview version of the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129<span class="file-info"> (PDF, 2.07 MB)</span></a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-81739318269211449712024-03-11T09:15:00.001-07:002024-03-11T09:15:05.928-07:00Reminder: Certain Updated Forms Take Effect on April 1 with No Grace Period<p>With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions of the following forms:</p><ul><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5c210fe6-2270-43ff-a7e4-b26246f1ab8b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</a>;</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129cw" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6b57e7e1-c904-4740-9769-6660daa16182" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker;</a></li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="da160f98-a26e-4dff-aeed-90c66d3dfc0a" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers</a>; </li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.us<a name='more'></a>cis.gov/i-600" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f5041112-7f56-49b3-b478-3646046d3eff" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative</a>; and</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-600a" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e7b6ca23-5743-4913-8af0-ee57febae6b0" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition</a>, and the form's supplements.</li></ul><p>Although we usually provide a grace period when publishing new forms, the forms listed above include changes necessary for us to administer the new fees. We have published preview versions of each of these forms on each form's webpage linked above. Beginning April 1, 2024, applicants and petitioners must submit the 04/01/24 edition of these forms with the appropriate fee listed on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="944bb8d1-cae6-467c-96b4-979e03f8ca66" data-entity-substitution="canonical">USCIS Fee Schedule G-1055</a>. We will reject prior versions of the above forms.</p><p><strong>****We will only accept the 04/01/24 edition of these forms if they are postmarked on or after April 1, 2024.****</strong></p><p><strong>More Information</strong></p><p>For more information about USCIS, please visit <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/" target="_blank">uscis.gov</a> or follow us on <a target='_blank' href="https://twitter.com/uscis">Twitter</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.instagram.com/uscis">Instagram</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.youtube.com/user/uscis">YouTube</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.facebook.com/uscis/">Facebook</a>, and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/uscis">LinkedIn</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-53249102375449339242024-03-08T08:40:00.003-08:002024-03-08T08:40:05.412-08:00April 2024 Visa Bulletin AnalysisFor April 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-april-2024.aspx'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-april-2024.aspx</a><p class='fbeb'>Please see below analysis of April 2024 Visa Bulletin:</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 16 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 16 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 16 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 16 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Year</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+5 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 23 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 23 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 23 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+2 Months 14 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+11 Months</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/immigration/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/immigration/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-30746484182548285102024-03-08T08:40:00.001-08:002024-03-08T08:40:02.231-08:00April 2024 Visa BulletinFor March 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-march-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-march-2024.aspx</a><p>For analysis of April 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-april-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-april-2024.aspx</a></p><p class='fbeb'>April 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from April 1 to April 30 only). Please see below for more details.</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>08FEB15<br> </td> <td>08FEB15</td> <td>08FEB15</td> <td>01MAY01</td> <td>01MAR12</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>08SEP20</td> <td>08SEP20</td> <td>08SEP20</td> <td>15AUG20</td> <td>08SEP20</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22OCT03</td> <td>22OCT11</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>08SEP98</td> <td>08JUN02</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>08JUN07</td> <td>08JUN07</td> <td>15DEC05</td> <td>15OCT00</td> <td>15JUN03</td> </tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01APR05</td> <td>22APR15</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01AUG04</td> <td>01OCT13</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>15JUN01</td> <td>08NOV03</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>08APR06</td> <td>15APR01</td> <td>22APR05</td> </tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>01SEP22</td> <td>01MAR21</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>15JAN23</td> <td>01FEB20</td> <td>01APR12</td> <td>15JAN23</td> <td>15JAN23</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>22NOV22</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>15AUG12</td> <td>22NOV22</td> <td>22NOV22</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>08OCT20</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>15AUG12</td> <td>08OCT20</td> <td>01MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>01NOV20</td> <td>01NOV20</td> <td>01NOV20</td> <td>01NOV20</td> <td>01NOV20</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>U</td> <td>U</td> <td>U</td> <td>U</td> <td>U</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>15DEC15</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Rural (20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> High Unemployment (10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Infrastructure (2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability<br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO </b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN23</td> <td>01APR21</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>01JUN20</td> <td>15MAY12 </td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>15FEB23</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JUL21</td> <td>15SEP12</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JAN23</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>01JUN17</td> <td>15SEP12</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>15MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>01DEC20</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01APR22</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Rural - 20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (High Unemployment - 10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Infrastructure - 2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><br /><div class='VBLink'>Link: <a href='https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-april-2024.html?src=MyGCVisa.com' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-april-2024.html</a></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/immigration/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/immigration/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-40178826594253000232024-03-04T09:15:00.001-08:002024-03-04T09:15:03.479-08:00FY 2025 H-1B Registration Period and myUSCIS Organizational Account Reminders<div><p paraid="1988799510" paraeid="{999deee9-efbe-4565-8577-5a98f77ce9f2}{246}">On Feb. 28, 2024, we <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-strengthened-integrity-measures-for-h-1b-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched</a> new myUSCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organization, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. A new organizational account is required to participate in the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-electronic-registration-process" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H-1B Electronic Registration Process</a> starting in M<a name='more'></a>arch 2024. </p></div><div><p paraid="188060200" paraeid="{8b845d0b-5f89-4f1f-a798-a79ddc100174}{19}">We are working expeditiously to address any technical issues that may arise for legal representatives whose accounts migrated when they logged into their online account on or after Feb. 14, 2024, including impacts on cases other than H-1B filings. If you previously experienced issues upon logging in to your online account after migration, please log back in to see if your issues have been resolved by our ongoing technical fixes. For additional information and resources, please review updated information on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/organizational-accounts-frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Organizational Accounts Frequently Asked Questions</a> page. </p></div><div><p paraid="557102750" paraeid="{8b845d0b-5f89-4f1f-a798-a79ddc100174}{42}">The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024. During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary. </p></div><div><p paraid="2119073589" paraeid="{8b845d0b-5f89-4f1f-a798-a79ddc100174}{56}">Starting with the FY 2025 initial registration period, USCIS will require registrants to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for each beneficiary. The passport or travel document provided must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the United States if issued an H-1B visa. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one passport or travel document.</p></div><div><p paraid="611522680" paraeid="{8b845d0b-5f89-4f1f-a798-a79ddc100174}{66}">In March we will launch online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.</p></div><div><p paraid="1020991575" paraeid="{8b845d0b-5f89-4f1f-a798-a79ddc100174}{78}">To help guide organizations and legal representatives through the new process, we launched our Tech Talks session in February 2024. During these sessions, individuals can ask questions about the organizational accounts and online filing of Form I-129 for H-1B petitions. USCIS encourages all individuals involved in the H-1B registration and petition filing process to attend these sessions. Additional information and dates are available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/upcoming-national-engagements" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upcoming National Engagements</a> page. </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-82257716739063162582024-03-02T09:15:00.001-08:002024-03-02T09:15:04.240-08:00Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole<div><div><p paraid="1637479670" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{9}">Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are physically present in the United States can now be considered for re-parole so they can continue to temporarily remain in the United States. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022, can apply for re-parole under this process. As with any parole application, we will consider these applications on a discretionary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. </p></div><div><p paraid="354818216" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{35}">Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the secretary of homeland security exercised his discretionary authority to allow certain Ukrainians to <a name='more'></a>seek temporary parole in the United States, as well as apply for work authorization. The extraordinary circumstances in Ukraine that supported the prior exercise of discretionary parole authority continue to exist. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has continued and has resulted in tremendous civilian casualties. USCIS will take these current extraordinary circumstances into account on a case-by-case basis when we evaluate requests for re-parole. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations alike have used parole authority on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.</p></div><div><p paraid="394919716" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{75}">Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, USCIS will accept and consider re-parole applications from certain Ukrainians and their immediate family members paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members may apply for re-parole by submitting <a target='_blank' href="http://www.uscis.gov/i-131" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form I-131, Application for Travel Document</a>, along with supporting documentation and the proper filing fee or <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-912" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fee waiver request</a>. You can submit Form I-131 online or on paper by mail. </p></div><div><p paraid="1068675919" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{119}">To be eligible for re-parole under this process, you must demonstrate the following:</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="424515129" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{129}">That you are a Ukrainian citizen or their immediate family member who was paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022;</p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1351145831" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{136}">That there are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for issuance of a new period of parole, including the urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit factors identified above, as well as any additional factors;</p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="755578447" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{143}">That you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion;</p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1433752098" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{154}">That you are physically present in the United States as a parolee;</p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="282906522" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{161}">That you have complied with the conditions of the initial parole; and</p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="32" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="34927611" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{168}">That you clear biographic and biometric background checks.</p></li></ul></div></div><div><div><p paraid="1545295123" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{183}">You can find your initial date of parole on your <a target='_blank' href="https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record</a>, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. </p></div><div><p paraid="822009282" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{200}">You can apply for re-parole under this process either online or on paper by mail. Note: If you are submitting a fee waiver request on Form I-912, you will not be able to apply online. You can only submit a fee waiver request if you file on paper by mail. </p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="31" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1015954217" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{214}">If you are applying online, mark "Yes" to the question, "Are you applying for re-parole?"; or </p></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="31" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="931163139" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{225}">If you are applying by mail on a paper application, write "Ukraine RE-PAROLE" at the top of Form I-131. </p></li></ul></div><div><p paraid="1570700799" paraeid="{35dd33a6-a799-4cdf-967f-ba3b1607a9cb}{240}">We encourage you to file your Form I-131 through your <a target='_blank' href="https://myaccount.uscis.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USCIS online account</a>, instead of on paper. If you do not have a USCIS online account, you can create one at any time by accessing our <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Create a USCIS Online Account</a> webpage. (See also <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account-ukrainian-translation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Ukrainian</a> and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account-russian-translation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Russian</a>.) Filing online will help you avoid common mistakes such as a missing signature, missing pages, or an incomplete application. We reject some forms filed on paper because of these issues. You can also get case status updates, case history, and access notices we post to your account. You will also have access to the documents you upload to support your case, among other benefits. For more information about online filing, see our <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">File Online</a> webpage. </p></div><div><p paraid="962670514" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{22}">See our new <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine/re-parole-process-for-certain-ukrainian-citizens-and-their-immediate-family-members" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainians</a> page for additional information on the process and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for re-parole under this process. </p></div><div><p paraid="878001166" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{40}"><strong>Employment Authorization</strong></p></div><div><p paraid="1156425881" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{46}">If we approve your re-parole application, you may then file <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-765" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</a>, in category (c)(11), to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as proof of employment authorization consistent with your re-parole period. You may file Form I-765 either online or on paper. You can use your USCIS Online Account to file Form I-765. Do not file Form I-765 before you receive a re-parole approval notice. If you file Form I-765 before we approve your re-parole application, we may deny your Form I-765 and will not refund any fees.</p></div><div><p paraid="810560138" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{65}">While we adjudicate their EAD applications, certain parolees will be able to show their new Form I-94 as acceptable evidence of identity and employment authorization for a period of up to 90 days from the date they are hired (or for reverification, when employment authorization expires). To be eligible, a parolee must have been: </p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="33" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="243057122" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{87}">Granted re-parole as a certain Ukrainian citizen or an immediate family member; </p></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="33" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1663481112" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{94}">Have a most recent date of entry on or before Sept. 30, 2023; and </p></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="33" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1593723439" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{101}">Have new I-94 with "UHP" listed as the class of admission. </p></li></ul></div><div><p paraid="1533610212" paraeid="{9d2f5512-e7d6-435c-8cda-6160699b4013}{112}">Within 90 days, the employee must present an unexpired EAD or unrestricted Social Security card and a List B identity document such as a state-issued driver's license or identification card to meet the Form I-9 requirements. </p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-76903791945090960972024-03-01T10:58:00.001-08:002024-03-01T10:58:12.592-08:00Reminder: Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees Takes Effect Today<p>As previously <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-inflation-adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="88e169f0-78b0-44bc-9ed6-1ce517ea9bee" data-entity-substitution="canonical">announced</a>, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-28529/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees">final rule</a> announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.</p><p>The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to adjust the premium fees on a biennial basis. After leaving these fees unchanged for the three years<a name='more'></a> following passage of the Act, DHS is now increasing the premium processing fees USCIS charges for all eligible forms and categories to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2021 through June 2023 according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The adjustment increases certain premium processing fees from $1,500 to $1,685, $1,750 to $1,965, and $2,500 to $2,805.</p><p>If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024, with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.</p><p>DHS will use the revenue generated by the premium processing fee increase to provide premium processing services; make improvements to adjudications processes; respond to adjudication demands, including reducing benefit request processing backlogs; and otherwise fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.</p><p>The full table of adjusted fees is:</p><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Form</strong></th><th><strong>Previous Fee</strong></th><th><strong>New Fee</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</td><td><p>$1,500 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)</p><p>$2,500 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2))</p></td><td><p>$1,685 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)</p><p>$2,805 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2))</p></td></tr><tr><td>Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker</td><td>$2,500 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW))</td><td>$2,805 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW))</td></tr><tr><td>Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status</td><td>$1,750 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2)</td><td>$1,965 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2)</td></tr><tr><td>Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</td><td>$1,500 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C)</td><td>$1,685 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>You may only request premium processing for a benefit if USCIS has <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3eee8d6a-750f-4141-9c65-23dc0b2a4cc7" data-entity-substitution="canonical">announced on its website</a> that premium processing is available for that benefit.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-40734973299285017262024-02-10T09:15:00.001-08:002024-02-10T09:15:05.744-08:00Completing an Unprecedented 10 Million Immigration Cases in Fiscal Year 2023, USCIS Reduced Its Backlog for the First Time in Over a Decade<p class="text-align-center"><em>New USCIS data show progress on customer experience, employment-based immigration, naturalization, and humanitarian work</em></p><p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong>— Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data that illustrate the agency's progress in meeting its strategic priorities. The USCIS workforce has worked tirelessly over the past year to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility by reducing backlogs, improving customer experience, addressing humanitarian needs, and strengthening employment-based immigration.<br><br>"I'm so proud of the USCIS workforce and our dedication to fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "We've completed a record number of cases, responded to emerging crises around the globe with essential humanitarian<a name='more'></a> relief, and applied innovative solutions to improve customer experience and reduce backlogs."</p><p><strong><u></u><p></p></strong></p><p><strong><u>Reducing Backlogs</u></strong></p><p>In FY 2023, USCIS received 10.9 million filings and completed more than 10 million pending cases– both record-breaking numbers in the agency's history. In doing so, <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="1">USCIS reduced overall backlogs by 15%</a>. Among USCIS' record number of case completions in FY 2023, the agency administered the Oath of Allegiance to more than 878,500 new U.S. citizens, including 12,000 members of the military, effectively eliminating the backlog of <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="2">naturalization applications</a> . The median processing time for naturalization applicants decreased from 10.5 months to 6.1 months by the end of the fiscal year, achieving the agency's longstanding goal and significantly reducing waiting times for most individuals seeking U.S. citizenship.</p><p><strong><u>Improving Customer Experience</u></strong></p><p>USCIS implemented several new technology solutions that meaningfully advance the <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="3">customer experience </a>for those navigating our immigration system. Our new self-service tool for online rescheduling of biometrics appointments was used to reschedule over 33,000 such appointments in FY 2023. Our new enterprise change of address capabilities enabled over 430,000 address changes to be submitted online through Dec. 2023. This tool is expected to reduce USCIS Contact Center phone inquiries by up to 31%, or approximately 1.5 million inquiries annually. From August to September 2023, USCIS received more than 16,000 field office appointment requests using our online request form, while a new text-ahead capability for callers to our 1-800 number gives them a more predictable call-back window and reduces missed calls.</p><p><strong><u>Strengthening Immigration for Workers and Employers</u></strong></p><p>In FY 2023, USCIS and the Department of State helped meet the needs of U.S. employers by issuing more than 192,000 employment-based immigrant visas – far above the pre-pandemic number – and, for the second year running ensured that no available <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="4">visas</a> went unused. The agency further <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="4">supported U.S. employers and noncitizen workers</a> in FY 2023 by increasing the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to five years for adjustment of status applicants. We clarified eligibility for a range of immigration services, including the International Entrepreneur Rule, the EB-1 immigrant visa for individuals of extraordinary ability and outstanding professors and researchers, and the waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement for J-1 cultural and educational exchange visitors (including foreign medical graduates). We proposed a new rule to strengthen worker protections and the integrity of the H-2 temporary worker program.</p><p>USCIS also removed the biometrics fee and appointment requirement for applicants for a change or extension of nonimmigrant status and updated the agency's interpretation of the Child Status Protection Act to prevent many child beneficiaries of noncitizen workers from "aging out" of child status, allowing them to seek permanent residence along with their parents.</p><p><strong><u>Fulfilling Our Humanitarian Mission</u></strong></p><p>USCIS continues to address growing humanitarian needs around the globe, as individuals seek protection in the United States from oppression, violence, and other urgent circumstances. At a time when the world is experiencing the greatest displacement of people since World War II, our agency's dedicated employees continue to <a class="accordion-jump-link" href="#" data-count="5">advance our humanitarian mission</a> and provide protection to vulnerable populations.</p><p>USCIS interviewed over 100,000 refugee applicants – more than double the amount completed in the previous fiscal year – resulting in the admission and resettlement of over 60,000 refugees. As of the end of FY 2023, USCIS completed more than 52,000 asylum cases; this included prioritizing process of asylum cases for Afghan alliance and their families. USCIS also completed a record-breaking 146,000 credible fear and reasonable fear screenings of individuals expressing a fear of return after being encountered at the border.</p><p>In FY 2023, USCIS continued to support Biden-Harris Administration efforts to establish lawful pathways that allow for the safe and orderly processing of individuals into the United States through the implementation of new processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV); the creation of new family reunification processes for individuals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and the modernization of existing processes for Cuba and Haiti; and by maintaining support for the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) process. As of the end of FY 2023, more than 150,000 Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members had entered the United States under the U4U process and nearly 238,000 individuals through the CHNV process. USCIS is also a key partner in the Safe Mobility Office initiative, one of the many ways the United States is facilitating access to safe and lawful pathways in partner countries in Central and South America to prevent refugees and vulnerable migrants from undertaking dangerous journeys and discourage criminal smugglers who endanger the lives of vulnerable noncitizens. USCIS also announced enhancements to the Central American Minors Program, including expanding eligibility criteria for such children to qualify for access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. </p><p>USCIS announced the creation of its sixth service center, the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, which focuses on adjudicating benefits requests filed by vulnerable populations. USCIS made significant strides in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training new hires, growing the HART Service Center by almost 90% in FY23, and enhancing agency capabilities to adjudicate humanitarian and related cases.</p><p><strong><u>Looking Ahead</u></strong></p><p>In FY 2024, the agency is continuing to build on this progress while monitoring and addressing remaining processing delays. USCIS will work to maintain the median processing times of 30 days for certain EAD applications filed by individuals who entered the United States after scheduling an appointment through the CBP One mobile application or through the CHNV processes. The agency also proposed new rules to modernize and improve the efficiency and integrity of the H-1B program for specialty occupation workers. USCIS will work to maintain naturalization processing times and utilize all available employment-based visas.</p><p>As a fee-funded agency, USCIS achieved all these accomplishments within the constraints of a fee schedule that was last updated in 2016. We <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-issues-final-rule-to-adjust-certain-immigration-and-naturalization-fees">announced a new fee schedule</a> that allows USCIS to more fully recover our operating costs, reestablish and maintain timely case processing, support the development and implementation of tools that further increase our efficiency and improve the customer experience, and help prevent the accumulation of future case backlogs. We continue to call on Congress to pass the Administration's supplemental funding request, including additional resources for USCIS to cover projected shortfalls and hire additional personnel.</p><p>USCIS will continue to build capacity for processing historically high referrals for protection screenings at the southern border, while focusing remaining resources on the unprecedented number of pending affirmative asylum applications. USCIS will continue to increase refugee adjudications to support the target of admitting 125,000 refugees this fiscal year. USCIS also plans to increase refugee processing in the Western Hemisphere through the Safe Mobility Office initiative and is on track to admit between 35,000 and 50,000 refugees from the Western Hemisphere this fiscal year, the largest number from this region in history.</p><p>To enhance accessibility for those we serve, USCIS will also continue efforts to expand our international footprint outside the United States and remains committed to Operation Enduring Welcome for Afghan allies. USCIS will also invest additional resources to stand up the HART Service Center.</p><p>Finally, USCIS will implement new online filing tools to enhance the customer experience, including adding organizational accounts, launching online filing of H-1B petitions on Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and adding an additional electronic intake channel for submission of forms and evidence in PDF format.</p><p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-76154740894094986302024-02-09T14:00:00.003-08:002024-02-09T14:00:05.055-08:00March 2024 Visa BulletinFor February 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx</a><p>For analysis of March 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-march-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-march-2024.aspx</a></p><p class='fbeb'>March 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from March 1 to March 31 only). Please see below for more details.</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>08FEB15<br> </td> <td>08FEB15</td> <td>08FEB15</td> <td>01MAY01</td> <td>01MAR12</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>22JUN20</td> <td>22JUN20</td> <td>22JUN20</td> <td>15JUN20</td> <td>22JUN20</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22NOV15</td> <td>22OCT03</td> <td>22OCT11</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>01OCT09</td> <td>08SEP98</td> <td>08JUN02</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>08JUN07</td> <td>08JUN07</td> <td>15DEC05</td> <td>15OCT00</td> <td>15JUN03</td> </tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01APR05</td> <td>22APR15</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01AUG04</td> <td>01OCT13</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>15JUN01</td> <td>08NOV03</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>22FEB06</td> <td>15APR01</td> <td>22APR04</td> </tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>15JUL22</td> <td>01OCT20</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>22NOV22</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01MAR12</td> <td>22NOV22</td> <td>22NOV22</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>08SEP22</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>01JUL12</td> <td>08SEP22</td> <td>08SEP22</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>08SEP20</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JUL12</td> <td>08SEP20</td> <td>01MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> <td>01DEC19</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>15DEC15</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Rural (20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> High Unemployment (10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Infrastructure (2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability<br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO </b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN23</td> <td>01JAN21</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>01JUN20</td> <td>15MAY12 </td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>15FEB23</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JUL21</td> <td>01AUG12</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JAN23</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>01JUN17</td> <td>01AUG12</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>15MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01JAN20</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01APR22</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Rural - 20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (High Unemployment - 10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Infrastructure - 2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><br /><div class='VBLink'>Link: <a href='https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-march-2024.html?src=MyGCVisa.com' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-march-2024.html</a></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/visa/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-81233888162600504932024-02-09T14:00:00.001-08:002024-02-09T14:00:02.852-08:00March 2024 Visa Bulletin AnalysisFor March 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-march-2024.aspx'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-march-2024.aspx</a><p class='fbeb'>Please see below analysis of March 2024 Visa Bulletin:</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months 14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months 14 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 21 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 21 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month 21 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+5 Months 9 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+5 Months 9 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+5 Months 9 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+8 Months</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+7 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+6 Months 17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+6 Months 17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+6 Months 17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+6 Months 17 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+6 Months 17 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+4 Months</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/visa/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-6533367263109962162024-02-03T09:15:00.001-08:002024-02-03T09:15:03.636-08:00USCIS Announces Strengthened Integrity Measures for H-1B Program<p class="text-align-center"><em>Announces FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period and Online Filing of H-1B Petitions</em></p><p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong>—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-01770/improving-the-h-1b-registration-selection-process-and-program-integrity">final rule</a> to strengthen the integrity of and reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process, including by reducing the potential for gaming the registration system and ensuring each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf. USCIS is also announcing the initial registration period dates for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap, and the launch of an online filing option for <a target='_blank' href="https<a name='more'></a>://www.uscis.gov/i-129" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5c210fe6-2270-43ff-a7e4-b26246f1ab8b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Forms I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker,</a> and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-907" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a12396c0-398a-42af-a1d0-4b0c5da8337d" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service</a>, for H-1B petitioners.</p><p>"We're always looking for ways to bolster integrity and curtail the potential for fraud while improving and streamlining our application processes," <strong>said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.</strong> "The improvements in these areas should make H-1B selections more equitable for petitioners and beneficiaries and will allow for the H-1B process to be fully electronic from registration, if applicable, until final decision and transmission of approved petitions to the Department of State."</p><p><strong>H-1B Registration Final Rule</strong></p><p>This final rule contains provisions that will create a beneficiary-centric selection process for registrations by employers, codify start date flexibility for certain petitions subject to the congressionally mandated H-1B cap, and add more integrity measures related to the registration process.</p><p>Under the beneficiary centric process, registrations will be selected by unique beneficiary rather than by registration. This new process is designed to reduce the potential for fraud and ensure each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf by an employer. Starting with the FY 2025 initial registration period, USCIS will require registrants to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for each beneficiary. The passport or travel document provided must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the United States if issued an H-1B visa. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one passport or travel document.</p><p>USCIS is also clarifying requirements regarding the requested employment start date on certain petitions subject to the congressionally mandated H-1B cap to permit filing with requested start dates that are after Oct. 1 of the relevant fiscal year, consistent with current policy.</p><p>Additionally, the H-1B final rule codifies USCIS' ability to deny or revoke H-1B petitions where the underlying registration contained a false attestation or was otherwise invalid. Also under the new rule, USCIS may deny or revoke the approval of an H-1B petition if it determines that the fee associated with the registration is declined, not reconciled, disputed, or otherwise invalid after submission.</p><p>USCIS has also <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-issues-final-rule-to-adjust-certain-immigration-and-naturalization-fees" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="07b40ecd-fd9c-4035-8bf9-f8275b093660" data-entity-substitution="canonical">announced</a> the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-01427/fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration-benefit-request-requirements">Fee Schedule final rule</a>. That rule will go into effect after the initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. Therefore, the registration fee during the registration period starting in March 2024, will remain $10.</p><p>A new edition of Form I-129 with the H-1B Registration final rule and Fee Schedule final rule changes will soon be available to preview on uscis.gov (edition date 04/01/24). On April 1, 2024, only the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted.</p><p>The H-1B Registration final rule makes final some provisions proposed in the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/23/2023-23381/modernizing-h-1b-requirements-providing-flexibility-in-the-f-1-program-and-program-improvements">Oct. 23, 2023, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)</a>. Note that DHS intends to publish a separate final rule to address the remaining provisions contained in the NPRM.</p><p><strong>FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period</strong></p><p>The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024. During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary. </p><p>For more information on the H-1B Cap Season, visit <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-cap-season" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5dc946f3-d30f-4161-b391-dab2dc67fa99" data-entity-substitution="canonical">H-1B Cap Season</a> webpage.</p><p><strong>Organizational Accounts and Online Filing for Forms I-129 and I-907</strong></p><p>On Feb. 28, 2024, USCIS will launch the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-launch-organizational-accounts-enabling-online-collaboration-and-submission-of-h-1b" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="93379f8e-86c2-458c-a9fa-e4703862c7c0" data-entity-substitution="canonical">previously announced</a> new organizational accounts in the USCIS online account that will allow multiple people within an organization and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907. </p><p>Also on Feb. 28, USCIS will launch online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.</p><p>Petitioners will continue to have the option of filing a paper Form I-129 H-1B petition and any associated Form I-907 if they prefer. However, during the initial launch of organizational accounts, users will not be able to link paper-filed Forms I-129 and I-907 to their online accounts.</p><p>As a reminder, USCIS recently <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-inflation-adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="88e169f0-78b0-44bc-9ed6-1ce517ea9bee" data-entity-substitution="canonical">announced</a> a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/28/2023-28529/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees">final rule</a> that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, to adjust for inflation, effective Feb. 26, 2024. If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024, with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.</p><p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-17909972549361738082024-01-31T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-31T09:15:05.053-08:00USCIS Issues Final Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration and Naturalization Fees<p><strong>WASHINGTON – </strong>Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-01427/fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration-benefit-request-requirements">final rule</a> to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. The final rule will allow USCIS to recover a greater share of its operating costs and support more timely processing of new applications.</p><p>The final rule is the result of a comprehensive fee review, as required by law, and follows the January 2023 publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking. The review concluded that the current fee schedule falls far short in recovering the full cost of agency operations, including the necessary expansion of humanitarian programs, federally mandated pay raises, add<a name='more'></a>itional staffing requirements, and other essential investments.</p><p>"For the first time in over seven years, USCIS is updating our fees to better meet the needs of our agency, enabling us to provide more timely decisions to those we serve," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Despite years of inadequate funding, the USCIS workforce has made great strides in customer service, backlog reduction, implementing new processes and programs, and upholding fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve."</p><p>USCIS received over 5,400 unique public comments in response to its January 2023 notice of proposed rulemaking. USCIS took into consideration comments and feedback received during the proposed rulemaking process. Acknowledging this feedback from stakeholders, the final fee rule includes several important updates since the initial rulemaking. The final rule:</p><ul><li>Lowers the agency's required annual cost recovery by $727 million, in part by considering the budget effects of improved efficiency measures;</li><li>Expands fee exemptions for Special Immigrant Juveniles and victims of human trafficking, crime, and domestic violence; U.S. military service members and our Afghan allies; and families pursuing international adoption;</li><li>Provides special fee discounts for nonprofit organizations and small business employers;</li><li>Allows for half-price Employment Authorization Document applications for applicants for adjustment of status and a reduced fee for adjustment of status applicants under the age of 14 in certain situations;</li><li>Expands eligibility for a 50% fee reduction for naturalization applications, available to individuals who can demonstrate household income between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and</li><li>Implements a standard $50 discount for online filers.</li></ul><p>Every fee in the final rule is the same or lower than in the proposed rule. For most individual filers, the final rule limits how much newly established fees may increase. Under the final rule, the new fees will not increase by more than 26%, which is equivalent to the increase in the Consumer Price Index since the last fee rule was issued in 2016.</p><p>With the new revenues the rule will generate, USCIS will continue using innovative solutions to improve customer experience and stem backlog growth. Although the fee increases announced today will allow USCIS to better offset overall costs, congressional funding continues to be necessary to sustainably and fully address the increased volume of caseloads associated with recent border crossers, including by hiring additional USCIS personnel to help right-size a system that was not built to manage the numbers of cases USCIS receives.</p><p>The new fees under the final rule will go into effect on April 1, 2024.</p><p>USCIS encourages stakeholders to visit the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1c9adb01-18e2-4026-bee4-6437dfe3dff8" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Frequently Asked Questions</a> page on its website to view a full list of the revised forms that will go into effect on April 1, 2024, along with the new fees. USCIS will accept prior editions of most forms during a grace period from April 1, 2024, through June 3, 2024. During this grace period, USCIS will accept both previous and new editions of certain forms, filed with the correct fee.</p><p>There will be no grace period for the following new forms, however, because they must be revised with a new fee calculation. Filers should click the links below to access a preview version of each new form edition before the April 1, 2024, effective date:</p><ul><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5c210fe6-2270-43ff-a7e4-b26246f1ab8b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</a>;</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129cw" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6b57e7e1-c904-4740-9769-6660daa16182" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker</a>;</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="da160f98-a26e-4dff-aeed-90c66d3dfc0a" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers</a>;</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-600a" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e7b6ca23-5743-4913-8af0-ee57febae6b0" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition</a> (and supplement 1, 2 and 3); and</li><li><a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-600" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f5041112-7f56-49b3-b478-3646046d3eff" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.</a></li></ul><p><u></u></p><p></p><p>USCIS will use the postmark date of a filing to determine which form version and fees are correct but will use the receipt date for purposes of any regulatory or statutory filing deadlines.</p><p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-40270744125621204802024-01-29T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-29T09:15:05.399-08:00USCIS Changes Fee Payment Process for Filing In-Person<p>We are starting a new process for most applicants, petitioners, and requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives to pay for certain benefit request forms by mail or remotely instead of in person at a field office. Under the new process, applicants may mail either a check or <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5e3d5a4e-a176-4696-984e-46e629ea4ee4" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions,</a> to the field office with their benefit request. Applicants, petitioners, and requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives should carefully read the filing instructions to ensure that their benefit request form can be submitted by mail or remotely and that they are filing at the correct location. We will return any incorrect filings to <a name='more'></a>the applicant, who must then resubmit their filing to the correct office. By eliminating the need for an office appointment, this new process should save time and money for anyone who must pay these fees.</p><p>In addition, attorneys and accredited representatives now can process payments for <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/eoir-29" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="66a52869-b33f-4f83-a839-774f0db0130d" data-entity-substitution="canonical">EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer,</a> through a link in the email they receive or via text from the USCIS Contact Center. Once such payment has processed, attorneys and accredited representatives must mail their client's EOIR-29; their EOIR-2; their <a target='_blank' href="https://www.justice.gov/eoir/file/639741/dl?inline">EOIR-2<strong>7</strong>, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals</a>, and their Pay.gov receipt to the field office.</p><p>An exception to the new process is emergency advance parole (EAP) requests. Applicants submitting <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-131" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="190cf238-4e01-4e33-950f-f57dca4bb670" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-131, Application for Travel Document</a>, with an EAP request must still make an appointment with the USCIS Contact Center, apply in person with their package (completed form and supporting documentation), and pay the application fee (if applicable) by credit card with Form G-1450 or check at the field office.</p><p><strong>More Information</strong></p><p>For more information on <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f42d7fe8-6124-4c4d-a3e3-28568a8462ce" data-entity-substitution="canonical">paying fees</a> or USCIS, please visit <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/home" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="93b84cf8-d908-49b7-a52e-b7be30c7b763" data-entity-substitution="canonical">uscis.gov</a> or follow us on <a target='_blank' href="https://twitter.com/uscis">Twitter</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.instagram.com/uscis">Instagram</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.youtube.com/user/uscis">YouTube</a>, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.facebook.com/uscis/">Facebook</a>, and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/uscis">LinkedIn</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-13004235271758913142024-01-27T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-27T09:15:02.996-08:00Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status<p><em>Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Syrian Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents</em> <br><br><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> <strong>– </strong>Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Syria that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-01764/extension-and-redesignation-of-syria-for-temporary-protected-status">Federal Register notice</a> provides information about how to register as a new or current beneficiary for TPS under Syria 's extension and redesignation.</p><p>Secretary Mayorkas made the decision to extend and redes<a name='more'></a>ignate TPS for this population in consultation with interagency partners and with careful consideration of certain country conditions. The civil war in Syria has involved large-scale destruction of infrastructure, widespread civilian casualties, and human rights abuses and violations. The humanitarian consequences are dire, with mass displacement of civilians, high levels of food insecurity, and limited access to health care and clean water. These effects were compounded by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, which further destroyed infrastructure, worsened the breakdown of the economy, and intensified demand on an already overburdened health care system.</p><p>Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Syria so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period.</p><p>"We recognize the vulnerable status of Syrian nationals already present in the United States who cannot safely return home," <strong>said Secretary Mayorkas.</strong> "We are therefore using the legal tool available to us to provide them with this much-needed humanitarian relief."</p><p>A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Syria's designation is based on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, specifically, he serious threat posed by ongoing hostilities and human rights abuses by Syrian regime forces, terrorist groups and other non-state actors, food insecurity, spread of disease and mass displacement.</p><p>The extension of TPS for Syria allows approximately 6,200 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 5, 2025 if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. The redesignation of Syria for TPS allows an estimated 2,000 additional Syrian nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Syria) who have been continuously residing in the United States since January 25, 2024, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Syrians who were not residing in the United States as of January 25, 2024, are not eligible for TPS. The initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation runs from January 29, 2024, through September 30, 2025.</p><p>Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Syria's prior designation. Current Syrian TPS beneficiaries must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from January 29, 2024, through March 29, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.</p><p>The Department of Homeland Security recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through March 31, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Syria's TPS designation.</p><p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Syria. Individuals with a pending <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-821" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6e5ede40-ee58-46f2-bdb7-4cf72e2c4f51" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status</a>, or a related <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-765" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="983b2b27-2406-41b0-a21b-c5c916fc669c" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</a>, as of January 29, 2024, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Syria, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Sept. 30, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.</p><p>Under the redesignation of Syria, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-821" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6e5ede40-ee58-46f2-bdb7-4cf72e2c4f51" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status</a>, during the initial registration period that runs from February 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-765" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="983b2b27-2406-41b0-a21b-c5c916fc669c" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</a>, with their Form I-821, or separately later.</p><p><a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-01764/extension-and-redesignation-of-syria-for-temporary-protected-status">The Federal Register notice</a> explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew their EAD, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-74421150264964782612024-01-24T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-24T09:15:02.070-08:00USCIS Updates Guidance on Untimely Filed Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced an update to its <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-a-chapter-4" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6c447bed-b188-435d-b19e-abc7edca693e" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Policy Manual</a> providing that USCIS, in our discretion and under certain conditions, may excuse a nonimmigrant's failure to timely file an extension of stay or change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner.</p><p>The <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20240124-UntimelyFiledRequests.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-substitution="media" type="application/pdf; length=319637" data-lang="en">update<span class="file-info"> (PDF, 312.15 KB)</span></a> clarifies th<a name='more'></a>at extraordinary circumstances may include, but are not limited to, where the delay was due to a slowdown or stoppage of work involving a strike, lockout, or other labor dispute, or where the primary reason for the late filing is the inability to obtain a certified labor condition application or temporary labor certification due to a lapse in government funding supporting those certifications.</p><p>This Policy Manual update addresses a commitment made in the report by the H-2B Worker Protection Task Force (see p. 6-7 of the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/H-2B-Worker-Protection-Taskforce-Report.pdf">report (PDF)</a> – Action 1.1.). The report requires that DHS clarify that a worker who has remained in the United States after the expiration of their period of admission identified in their Form I-94 due to a workplace labor dispute will not be negatively affected solely for these reasons when applying for "a subsequent visa" or a change of immigration status.</p><p>While USCIS does not issue visas, we do adjudicate extension of stay and change of status requests. Generally, certain nonimmigrants present in the United States who are admitted for a specified period, or their petitioners, may request an extension of their admission period in order to continue to engage in those activities permitted under the nonimmigrant classification in which they were admitted. Also, certain nonimmigrants present in the United States, or their petitioners, may seek to change their status to another nonimmigrant classification if they meet certain requirements.</p><p>In general, USCIS does not approve an extension of stay or change of status for a person who failed to maintain the previously accorded status or where such status expired before the filing date of the application or petition. If certain conditions are met, however, USCIS, in its discretion, may excuse the failure to file before the period of authorized stay expired.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-89034796579931735602024-01-22T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-22T09:15:02.124-08:00Visa Bulletin March 2024 Predictions<script src='https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.5.1/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'></script>For official February 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx</a><p class='fbeb2'>Please see March 2024 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):</p><p><div id="FutureVB">Let us know in the comments below what your <span class='cred'>prediction</span> is for March 2024 Visa Bulletin!!</div></p> <div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD2' data-tab2='FBDFA2'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA2' data-tab2='FBFAD2'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD2"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td>08MAR15</td><td>08MAR15</td><td>08MAR15</td><td>15MAY01</td><td>22APR12</td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td>01MAR20</td><td>01MAR20</td><td>01MAR20</td><td>01MAR20</td><td>01MAR20</td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td>15NOV15</td><td>15NOV15</td><td>15NOV15</td><td>08JAN04</td><td>01DEC11</td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td>08MAY09</td><td>08MAY09</td><td>08MAY09</td><td>08OCT98</td><td>01JUL02</td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td>15JUN07</td><td>15JUN07</td><td>08DEC05</td><td>08OCT00</td><td>15NOV02</td></tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA2"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td>08OCT17</td><td>08OCT17</td><td>08OCT17</td><td>15JUN05</td><td>08JUN15</td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td>22SEP23</td><td>22SEP23</td><td>22SEP23</td><td>01OCT23</td><td>22SEP23</td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td>15FEB17</td><td>15FEB17</td><td>15FEB17</td><td>22OCT04</td><td>08NOV13</td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td>08MAR10</td><td>08MAR10</td><td>08MAR10</td><td>22JUN01</td><td>01DEC03</td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td>08MAR08</td><td>08MAR08</td><td>15MAR06</td><td>08MAY01</td><td>22MAY04</td></tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD2' data-tab2='EBDFA2'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA2' data-tab2='EBFAD2'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD2"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO </b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td>C</td><td>15JUL22</td><td>01OCT20</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td>15DEC22</td><td>22JAN20</td><td>15MAR12</td><td>15DEC22</td><td>15DEC22</td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td>01OCT22</td><td>08NOV20</td><td>22JUL12</td><td>01OCT22</td><td>15JAN23</td></tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td><td>01OCT22</td><td>TBD</td><td>22JUL12</td><td>01OCT22</td><td>15JAN23</td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td></tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td><td>15JUN19</td></tr><tr><td>5th<br> Non-Regional<br> Center<br> (C5 and T5)</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr><tr><td>5th<br> Regional<br> Center<br> (I5 and R5)</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA2"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO </b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td>C</td><td>22JAN23</td><td>01FEB21</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td>15MAR23</td><td>01JUL20</td><td>08JUN12</td><td>15MAR23</td><td>15MAR23</td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td>01MAR23</td><td>01OCT21</td><td>22AUG12</td><td>01MAR23</td><td>15MAY23</td></tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td><td>01MAR23</td><td>TBD</td><td>22AUG12</td><td>01MAR23</td><td>15MAY23</td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td></tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td><td>01OCT19</td></tr><tr><td>5th<br> Non-Regional<br> Center<br> (C5 and T5)</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr><tr><td>5th<br> Regional<br> Center<br> (I5 and R5)</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td><td>C</td></tr></table></div><br /><b>If you have not done it, <span style='color: red;'>please </span>remember to add or update your I-130/NVC/I-140/I-485 case in the free GC tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></b><br /><br /> It would be very useful to understand how USCIS is currently processing these cases. It would also help in estimating date movements in future visa bulletin.<br /><br /> The dates above have been calculated from data provided by USCIS/DOS. It does not include future demand (which can increase or decrease anytime). Hence data will keep changing every month.We will update these tables as we get more data from USCIS or DOS.<br /><br />Similar to <a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/eb3-visa-bulletin-predictions.html' target='_blank'>EB3 category movement</a>, we have previously added a blog post for <a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/06/eb2-india-prediction-2013-2014-part2.html' target='_blank'>EB2 category forward movement</a>. Please <a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/07/fb-category-frequently-asked-questions.html' target='_blank'>click here</a> for FB category.<br /><br /><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br /> 1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html' target='_blank'>https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /> <br /> 2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a> <br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><ul><li style='padding-bottom: 7px;'><a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/01/frequently-asked-questions-uscis-visa.html' style='color: #3399bb;' target='_tab'>Frequently Asked Questions: USCIS Visa Bulletin</a> </li> <li style='padding-bottom: 7px;'><a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/02/faq-eb-i-485-pending-inventory.html' style='color: #3399bb;' target='_tab'>Frequently Asked Questions: I-485 Pending Inventory</a></li> </ul><b>More Reading:</b><p>Please <a href='https://blog.mygcvisa.com/' target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for the latest analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-4585689508066646362024-01-15T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-15T09:15:02.564-08:00Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the First Half of FY 2024<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year 2024 with start dates on or before March 31, 2024, under <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/17/2023-25493/exercise-of-time-limited-authority-to-increase-the-numerical-limitation-for-fy-2024-for-the-h-2b">the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2024 TFR)</a>. Jan.9, 2024, was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under the FY 2024 first half returning worker allocation.</p><p>We are still accepting petitions for H-2B nonimmigrant workers with start dates on or before March 31, 2024, for the additional 20,000 visas allotted for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa <a name='more'></a>Rica (country-specific allocation), as well as those who are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap, as well as those who are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap.</p><p>The FY 2024 TFR was published on Nov. 17, 2023, with an immediate effective date. USCIS immediately began accepting H-2B petitions with start dates on or before March 31, 2024, for the 20,716 returning worker allocation for the first half of FY2024, and the 20,000 allocation for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica who are exempt from the returning worker requirement.</p><p>Petitioners with start dates on or before March 31, 2024, whose workers were not accepted for the 20,716 returning worker allocation are encouraged to file under the country-specific allocation while visas remain available. As of Jan. 12, 2024, USCIS has received petitions requesting 4,500 workers under the 20,000 visas set aside for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.</p><p>Additional information on the FY 2024 supplemental visas is available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/temporary-increase-in-h-2b-nonimmigrant-visas-for-fy-2023">Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024</a> page.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-15918374195937235332024-01-13T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-13T09:15:02.946-08:00USCIS to Launch Organizational Accounts, Enabling Online Collaboration and Submission of H-1B Registrations<p class="text-align-center"><em>Will Also Introduce Online Filing for I-129 H-1B Petitions and H-1B I-907 Premium Processing Service </em></p><p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong>—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the upcoming launch of a package of customer experience improvements for H-1B cap season. The measures are expected to increase efficiency and ease collaboration for organizations and their legal representatives.</p><p>USCIS will launch organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season. The introduction of organizational accounts will allow multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or other business entity, and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form I-129, Petiti<a name='more'></a>on for a Nonimmigrant Worker</a>, and associated <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-907" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a12396c0-398a-42af-a1d0-4b0c5da8337d" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service</a>.</p><p>"USCIS is always striving to improve and streamline our processes, and this is a big step forward," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Once we launch the organizational accounts and online filing of I-129 H-1B petitions, the entire H-1B lifecycle becomes fully electronic -- from registration, if applicable, to our final decision and transmission to the Department of State."</p><p>USCIS expects to launch the organizational accounts in February 2024, with online filing of Forms I-129 and I-907 following shortly thereafter. In addition to streamlining the Form I-129 H-1B petition process, these changes should help reduce duplicate H-1B registrations and other common errors. </p><p>USCIS will also transition the paper filing location for Forms I-129 and I-907 from service centers to the USCIS lockbox as part of our efforts to increase efficiency by standardizing processes and reducing costs.</p><p>USCIS will host two <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/upcoming-national-engagements" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">national engagements</a> on organizational accounts on Jan. 23 and 24 as well as several smaller sessions leading up to the H-1B registration period to help guide organizations and legal representatives through the process. During these sessions individuals will have the opportunity to ask questions about the organizational accounts in preparation for the FY 2025 H-1B electronic registration process and launch of online filing of Form I-129 for H-1B petitions. USCIS encourages all individuals involved in the H-1B registration and petition filing process to attend these engagements. Invitations to these engagements will be sent later this month. Visit our <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/contact-public-engagement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact Public Engagement</a> page to subscribe to notifications about upcoming engagements. Additional details regarding organizational accounts will be available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-electronic-registration-process" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H-1B Electronic Registration Process</a> page.</p><p>For more information about which forms are eligible for online filing, visit our <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forms Available to File Online</a> page.</p><p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-26031094583896219012024-01-12T06:00:00.003-08:002024-01-12T06:00:07.914-08:00February 2024 Visa BulletinFor January 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-january-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-january-2024.aspx</a><p>For analysis of February 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-february-2024.aspx' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-february-2024.aspx</a></p><p class='fbeb'>February 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from February 1 to February 29 only). Please see below for more details.</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>01JAN15<br> </td> <td>01JAN15</td> <td>01JAN15</td> <td>01MAY01</td> <td>01MAR12</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>08FEB20</td> <td>08FEB20</td> <td>08FEB20</td> <td>01FEB20</td> <td>08FEB20</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>01OCT15</td> <td>01OCT15</td> <td>01OCT15</td> <td>22OCT03</td> <td>22OCT11</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>22APR09</td> <td>22APR09</td> <td>22APR09</td> <td>08SEP98</td> <td>08JUN02</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>22MAY07</td> <td>22MAY07</td> <td>15NOV05</td> <td>15SEP00</td> <td>15OCT02</td> </tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br> Sponsored </b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>F1</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01SEP17</td> <td>01APR05</td> <td>22APR15</td> </tr><tr><td>F2A</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> <td>01SEP23</td> </tr><tr><td>F2B</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01AUG04</td> <td>01OCT13</td> </tr><tr><td>F3</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>01MAR10</td> <td>15JUN01</td> <td>08NOV03</td> </tr><tr><td>F4</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>01MAR08</td> <td>22FEB06</td> <td>15APR01</td> <td>22APR04</td> </tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability <br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO</b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JUL22</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>15NOV22</td> <td>01JAN20</td> <td>01MAR12</td> <td>15NOV22</td> <td>15NOV22</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>01SEP22</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>01JUL12</td> <td>01SEP22</td> <td>01SEP22</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01JUL12</td> <td>01SEP20</td> <td>01MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> <td>15MAY19</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>15DEC15</td> <td>01DEC20</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Rural (20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> High Unemployment (10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> Infrastructure (2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br> based</b></td> <td><b>All Chargeability<br> Areas Except<br> Those Listed</b></td> <td><b>CHINA-<br> mainland <br> born</b></td> <td><b>INDIA</b></td> <td><b>MEXICO </b></td> <td><b>PHILIPPINES </b></td> </tr><tr><td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN23</td> <td>01JAN21</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>2nd</td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>01JUN20</td> <td>15MAY12 </td> <td>15FEB23</td> <td>15FEB23</td> </tr><tr><td>3rd</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JUL21</td> <td>01AUG12</td> <td>01FEB23</td> <td>01JAN23</td> </tr><tr><td>Other Workers</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>01JUN17</td> <td>01AUG12</td> <td>15DEC20</td> <td>15MAY20</td> </tr><tr><td>4th</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> </tr><tr><td>Certain Religious Workers</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> <td>01SEP19</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Unreserved<br> (including C5, T5, I5, R5)</td> <td>C</td> <td>01JAN17</td> <td>01APR22</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Rural - 20%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (High Unemployment - 10%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr><tr><td>5th Set Aside:<br> (Infrastructure - 2%)</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> <td>C</td> </tr></table></div><br /><div class='VBLink'>Link: <a href='https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-february-2024.html?src=MyGCVisa.com' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-for-february-2024.html</a></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/visa/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-10296041320334830742024-01-12T06:00:00.001-08:002024-01-12T06:00:07.466-08:00February 2024 Visa Bulletin AnalysisFor February 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-february-2024.aspx</a><p class='fbeb'>Please see below analysis of February 2024 Visa Bulletin:</p><div class='FEBHeading'>Family Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='FBFAD' data-tab2='FBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='FBDFA' data-tab2='FBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="FBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months 7 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months 10 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+3 Months 7 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="FBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Family-<br>Sponsored</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>F1</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2A</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F2B</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F3</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>F4</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><a name='more'></a><div class='FEBHeading'>Employment Based:</div><div class='tabs'><div class='tabs2 selected' data-tab='EBFAD' data-tab2='EBDFA'>Final Action Dates</div> <div class='tabs2' data-tab='EBDFA' data-tab2='EBFAD'>Dates For Filing Applications</div></div><div id="EBFAD"><div class="FEBDescription">"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date. </div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+14 Days</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+14 Days</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+1 Month</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><div id="EBDFA"><div class="FEBDescription">"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.</div><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><b>Employment-<br>based</b></td><td><b>All Chargeability<br>Areas Except<br>Those Listed</b></td><td><b>CHINA-mainland<br>born</b></td><td><b>INDIA</b></td><td><b>MEXICO</b></td><td><b>PHILIPPINES</b></td></tr><tr><td>1st</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGreen'>+5 Months</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td><td><span class='cGray'>No Change</span></td></tr></table></div><br /><b>Also See:</b><ul><li>Add, Edit or View <b>thousands</b> of I-130 / NVC / I-140 / I-485 cases in <b style='color: red'>free</b> GC Tracker: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/tracker/</a></li><li style='margin: 5px 0 4px 0'>Latest Immigration News (updated every 15 minutes): <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/' target='_blank'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/news/</a></li></ul><p><b>More Options:</b> If you are new to immigration process or would like to see what other immigration options are available, please click here: <a href='/visa/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa/</a></p><p><b>Email Newsletter:</b> To receive email as soon as latest visa bulletin is released, please <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/#NewsLetter' target='_blank'>click here</a>.</p><p style='line-height: 1.5em'><b>Current Step:</b> If your priority date is not current, then you can calculate when it may become current, check your case status, case processing time, etc: <a href='https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator/'>https://www.mygcvisa.com/calculator</a></p><b>Next Steps:</b> If priority date is current and<br /><br />1. If applicant is inside US, they will have to file I-485: <a href="https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html" target="_blank">https://blog.mygcvisa.com/2013/04/how-to-file-i-485-application.html</a><br /><br />2. If applicant is outside US, it will be sent to NVC: <a href="https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.mygcvisa.com/nvc/overview-after-nvc-petition-approved.aspx</a><br /><br /><b>Recommended Reading:</b><br /><br />Please <a href="https://topimmigrationnews.blogspot.com/" target='_blank'>click here for latest immigration news</a> or see the right side menu for analysis, news stories and other useful FAQ or USCIS links. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-12714728503729994622024-01-06T09:15:00.001-08:002024-01-06T09:15:03.781-08:00USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on “Ability to Pay” Requirement When Adjustment of Status Applicants Change Employers<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20240105-AbilityToPay.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-substitution="media" type="application/pdf; length=330036" data-lang="en">policy guidance<span class="file-info"> (PDF, 322.3 KB)</span></a> on how we analyze an employer's ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications, including instances when the sponsored worker is changing employers. </p><p>Generally, employers seeking to classify prospective or current employees under the first-, second-, and third-preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications that require a job offer must demonstrate their continuing ability to pay the proffered wage to the benefic<a name='more'></a>iary as of the priority date of the immigrant petition until the beneficiary obtains lawful permanent residence.</p><p>The updated guidance explains that when the beneficiary of a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="da160f98-a26e-4dff-aeed-90c66d3dfc0a" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers</a>, moves (or "ports") to a new employer under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) while the Form I-140 is pending, USCIS determines whether the petitioner meets the ability to pay requirements only by reviewing the facts in existence from the priority date until the filing of the Form I-140. USCIS is also making other minor technical revisions to improve clarity and readability, and otherwise streamline existing guidance.</p><p>This guidance, contained in <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-e-chapter-4" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e7858499-0ce5-4486-a5cc-de1498b3ae2f" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Volume 6, Part E, Chapter 4 of the Policy Manual</a>, is effective immediately upon publication and applies prospectively to petitions filed on or after that date. It builds on <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-on-analyzing-employers-ability-to-pay-wages" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5efb9dd2-bb3e-4796-baa3-9481e5e1a02b" data-entity-substitution="canonical">previous guidance</a> from March 15, 2023, on how USCIS analyzes employers' ability to pay the proffered wage, and is one of many recent <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/uscis-actions-to-support-adjustment-of-status-applicants-who-are-in-h-1b-status-in-the-united-states" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7b822676-bb40-43ba-8259-80dc8c2057af" data-entity-substitution="canonical">actions to support adjustment of status applicants</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-36266301137300875582023-12-27T09:15:00.001-08:002023-12-27T09:15:05.297-08:00USCIS Announces Inflation Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-28529/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees">final rule</a> that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation.</p><p>The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to adjust the premium fees on a biennial basis. After leaving these fees unchanged for the three years following passage of the Act, DHS is now increasing the premium processing fees USCIS charges for all eligible forms and categories to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2021 through June 2023 according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The adjustment increases certain premium processing fees from $1,500 to $1,685, $1,7<a name='more'></a>50 to $1,965, and $2,500 to $2,805.</p><p>DHS will use the revenue generated by the premium processing fee increase to provide premium processing services; make improvements to adjudications processes; respond to adjudication demands, including reducing benefit request processing backlogs; and otherwise fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.</p><p>The fee change will go into effect on Feb. 26, 2024. If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024 with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.</p><p>The full table of adjusted fees is:</p><table><thead><tr><th>Form</th><th>Previous Fee</th><th>New Fee</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</td><td><p>$1,500 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)</p><p>$2,500 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2))</p></td><td><p>$1,685 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)</p><p>$2,805 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2))</p></td></tr><tr><td>Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker</td><td>$2,500 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW))</td><td>$2,805 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW))</td></tr><tr><td>Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status</td><td>$1,750 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2)</td><td>$1,965 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2)</td></tr><tr><td>Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization</td><td>$1,500 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C)</td><td>$1,685 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>You may only request premium processing for a benefit if USCIS has <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3eee8d6a-750f-4141-9c65-23dc0b2a4cc7" data-entity-substitution="canonical">announced on its website</a> that premium processing is available for that benefit.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2595878755567407100.post-59707049890315378992023-12-23T09:15:00.001-08:002023-12-23T09:15:03.144-08:00USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications, including the agency's role in adjudicating applications for employment authorization, change of status, extension of stay, and reinstatement of status for these students and their dependents in the United States.</p><p>This guidance consolidates existing policy. USCIS expects that this will provide welcome clarity to international students and U.S. educational institutions on a wealth of topics, including eligibility requirements, school transfers, practical training, and on- and off-campus employment.</p><p>For example, the guidance clarifies that F and M students must have a foreign residence that they do not intend to abandon, but that such students may be the beneficiary of a permanent labor certification application or immigrant visa petition a<a name='more'></a>nd may still be able to demonstrate their intention to depart after a temporary period of stay.</p><p>In addition, the guidance specifies how F students seeking an extension of optional practical training (OPT) based on their degree in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field may be employed by startup companies, as long as the employer adheres to the training plan requirements, remains in good standing with E-Verify, and provides compensation commensurate to that provided to similarly situated U.S. workers, among other requirements.</p><p>The nonimmigrant academic student (F-1) classification allows a noncitizen to enter the United States as a full-time student at a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. The nonimmigrant vocational student (M-1) classification includes students in established vocational or other recognized nonacademic programs, other than language training programs.</p><p>For more information about the USCIS guidance, see the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20231220-NonimmigrantStudents.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-substitution="media" type="application/pdf; length=319547" data-lang="en">Policy Alert<span class="file-info"> (PDF, 312.06 KB)</span></a> and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-f" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a89863e2-7036-49b2-a918-424d7ec2adc4" data-entity-substitution="canonical">Volume 2, Part F of the Policy Manual</a>. For more information about the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in administering these nonimmigrant student programs, see the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.ice.gov/sevis">Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS)</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0