USCIS updated its count of FY2011 cap-subject H-1B petitions and advanced degree cap-exempt petitions receipted. As of 8/20/10, approximately 33,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. USCIS has receipted 12,600 H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees. This is a major jump from the last update of August 13, 2010 where…
Great Videos to share from the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez on what to expect when going to the Consulate for a visa interview as well as a video on how to avoid people who engage in unlawful practices outside the consulate, such as people who sell false documents.…
In the recent concluded 2010 AILA Annual Meeting, many attorneys shared their experiences which are similar to those experienced by our firm -a surge of H-1B RFEs. The California Service Center (CSC) has been especially tough or “ridiculously tough” in adjudicating H-1B applications, according to some attorneys. However, according to…
According to Public Law 111-230, which contains provisions to increase certain H-1B and L-1 petition fees. Public Law 111-230 requires the submission of an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions. The law became effective upon signing and will expire on…
Many clients have been calling my office in the past week or so, they have been reporting denials of adjustment of status applications at the San Diego District Office for applicants, that entered under the Visa Waiver program and later overstayed. The overstay took place before marriage to a US…
According to KPBS, A bill to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico border could be a mixed blessing for San Diego. That’s because paying for more for border security will require a hike in H1B visas. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section…
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism…
After some procedural stumbling, today the U.S. Congress passed a $600 million immigration enforcement supplemental appropriations package for additional border enforcement funding through the fiscal year 2011. The package was sponsored by a group of senators and representatives who had previously insisted on holding the line for a comprehensive approach…
USCIS continues to streamline its processing of applications and petitions with the recent change in filing locations for several forms. The following forms should be mailed to USCIS lockbox facilities rather than directly to USCIS Service Centers: * I-129F * I-130 * I-140 * I-526 * I-539 * I-817 The…
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to steeply hike U.S. visa fees for skilled workers to raise $600 million in emergency funding to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Senators passed a similar plan last week. But since the House version passed in a voice vote on Tuesday…