USCIS Reaches FY-2012 U Visa Quota
On August 21, 2012, USCIS announced that it had approved the statutory maximum 10,000 U visa petitions for the third consecutive year. The U visa is available for victims of crime who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement authorities investigate or prosecute the crimes. The U visa […]
USCIS Launches ELIS Online System
On May 22, 2012, USCIS announced the launch of the Electronic Immigration System (ELIS). The system was created to modernize the immigration application process. Individuals can now establish ELIS accounts and apply to extend or change nonimmigrant status for certain visa types, including temporary study, business, medical treatment, or vacation. ELIS will allow USCIS officers […]
USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Reached for FY-2013
On June 12, 2012, USCIS announced that it has reached the H-1B statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year 2013 (FY-2013). USCIS will reject cap subject petitions for new H-1B petitions received after June 11, 2012. The additional 20,000 cap for advanced degree H-1B petitions was reached on June 7, 2012. USCIS will continue to […]
DHS Announces Redesignation of TPS Status for Somalia
On May 1, 2012, DHS re-designated nationals of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and extended existing TPS designation for Somalia from September 18, 2012 through March 17, 2014. Eligible nationals of Somalia may register or reregister. Those seeking to reregister must file the applications between May 1, 2012 through July 2, 2012. Somalis who […]
USCIS Provides Guidance on T and U Visa Processing for Family Members
On April 6, 2012, USCIS issued guidance on consular processing for derivative beneficiaries of T and U status holders. A T or U nonimmigrant derivative family member is someone who may be eligible for a T or U visa because of their family relationship with the principal victim. Related Links Consular Processing for Overseas Derivative […]
USCIS Announces Queens Office
On January 20, 2012, USCIS announced opening of newest field office at 27–35 Jackson Avenue, in Queens, New York. The office consists of waiting rooms, Application Support Center, naturalization ceremony room, interview and file rooms. The office is expected to service 500 people each day. Office hours are from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Related […]
USCIS Proposes Provisional Waiver Program for Unlawful Presence
On January 6, 2012, USCIS announced proposed regulatory changes in the processing of waivers of inadmissibility intended to significantly reduce the time U.S. citizens are separated from spouses and children while family members are seeking immigrant visas. The purpose is to minimize bureaucratic delays separating family caused by waivers of inadmissibility for unlawful presence. The […]
USCIS Announces 18 Month Extension of TPS for Nicaragua and Honduras
USCIS announced an 18 month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Nicaragua and Honduras. TPS is extended through July 5, 2013. On November 4, 2011, USCIS published Federal Register notices (Honduras, Nicaragua) that provide additional guidance on re-registration eligibility requirements, fees and procedures, and when to file applications. About the Author Vishal […]
USCIS Announces 58 Countries Eligible for H-2A & H-2B
The Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Department of State identified 58 countries whose nationals are eligible for the H-2A and H-2B programs. The H-2A program allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in agricultural jobs. The H-2B program allows foreign nationals to work in non-agricultural temporary, seasonal, and peak load jobs. Effective Jan. […]
USCIS Reaches FY 2012 H-1B Cap
On November 23, 2011, USCIS announced that it had reached the 65,000 statutory H-1B cap for fiscal year 2014 (FY-2012) on November 22, 2011. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for FY-2012 that are received after November 22, 2011. USCIS reached the 20,000 additional cap for advanced degree H-1B petitions on October 19, 2011. The H-1B […]