Sen. Specter and Immigration Policy

The nation (and particularly here in Washington, DC) is still abuzz with Senator Arlen Specter’s switch from Republican to Democrat (CNN news article).   The political implications are important – the U.S. Senate’s balance of power will be 59 in favor of the Democrats.
Filibuster Proof Majority?
With the very likely possibility that when Al Franken becomes Minnesota’s [...]

Automatic Vise Revalidation Fact Sheet

We have written about the Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) program in the past.  The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a fact sheet which seeks to clarify some of the AVR provisions.  We reprint it here in its entirety:
Automatic Visa Revalidation Fact Sheet
March 9, 2009
Pursuant to 22 CFR 4 1.1 12 and 8 CFR [...]

Report on State Laws Related to Immigration for First Quarter 2009

The National Conference of State Legislatures has released its 2009 Immigration-Related Bills and Resolutions in the States, dated as of April 22, 2009, and covering the first quarter of 2009.
The report is interesting in that is compares the states’ immigration-related activity over the past few years and helps us draw some conclusions on where the [...]

USCIS Acknowledges Problems with Case Numbers and Online Status

We have experienced difficulty in obtaining case status information from the USCIS Online Status system – the difficulties are sometimes related to new cases not being timely reflected into the system or slow updates of case status on pending cases.   We have also heard a number of complaints from clients and readers that they have [...]

FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update (April 27, 2009)

USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.  As of Monday, April 27, USCIS has received approximately 45,000 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, [...]

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 [...]