We Are on Facebook – Join Us
Better late than never. The Capitol Immigration Law Group is now on Facebook. Join our page, become a fan, share with your friends, post comments or just browse our Facebook pages.
FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update (April 20, 2009)
USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Tuesday, April 20, USCIS has received approximately 44,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, [...]
USCIS Update on Processing Time Goals
The USCIS has provided an updated chart of its processing time goals and the current progress towards meeting these goals. The report also provides a very useful update on the current average processing times for certain petitions and the number of petitions in backlog status. The goals are intended to be met by the end of [...]
Many Cap-subject H-1Bs To Receive RFE
Due to the passage of Employ American Workers Act (EAWA), as part of the Stimulus Bill, USCIS is required to collect TARP (and Section 13 funding) information on each H-1B petitioner. However, by the time the new form became available, many practitioners had already completed their packages for the H-1B cap filing period for April [...]
Tips on Filing I-539 Applications
The Vermont Service Center has issued some guidance on properly completing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. The guidance is based on experience with improperly completed and filed Forms I-539. Ensure that the applicant and beneficiary names as entered in the form I-539 match the names as written in the passport; Provide a copy of biographical [...]
Talk of Immigration Reform in Washington
We have been hearing an increased amount of chatter about comprehensive immigration reform in Washington. Today the Wall Street Journal published an article saying that Rahm Emanuel, President Obama’s Chief of Staff, is increasing talk about comprehensive immigration reform and is pushing it to the agenda from possibly the second Obama term to some time [...]
FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update
USCIS today released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of Thursday, April 9, USCIS has received approximately 42,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; [...]
May 2009 Visa Bulletin – EB-3 Unavailable; EB-2 Unchanged
The May 2009 Visa Bulletin has been released. Unfortunately, and as expected, all EB-3 categories are now “unavailable.” Also, there is no movement in all EB-2 categories. Here is a summary of the May 2009 Visa Bulletin: EB-1 remains current across the board. EB-2 remains unchanged for all categories - EB-2 ROW (Rest of World) is current, [...]
H-1B Update: No Lottery This Year, USCIS Still Accepts Cap-Subject H-1Bs
The USCIS announced today (April 8, 2009) that within the first five business days, it received almost half the petitions needed to meet the FY2010 cap and has received just short of the 20,000 needed to reach the master’s cap. This means that there will be no general H-1B lottery this year for both master’s [...]
USCIS Fees – Common Problems and Mistakes
The USCIS Ombudsman has released a recommendation report which urges overhaul of the USCIS fee payment system. USCIS is considered a “pay-for-service” government agency where petitioners pay for the provision of a particular service. However, the current system which accepts checks or money orders for most, and credit cards for a few e-filing-enabled forms, has [...]