U.S. Immigration Attorneys and Counselors

Archive for April 2011

Apr

FY2012 H-1B Numbers Update – 8,000 Regular and 5,900 Masters Cap Visas Used (April 22, 2011)

USCIS released the weekly information on the numbers of cap-subject FY2012 H-1Bs filed since April 1. As of April 22, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 8,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 2,100 over the last two weeks). Similarly, as of April 22, there were 5,900 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap which has 20,000 limit (an increase of about 1,400 over the last two weeks).

Apr

Current PERM Processing Dates and Times (as of April 25, 2011)

Our office handles a substantial number of ETA Form 9089 – Permanent Labor Certification (“PERM”) applications and we are closely monitoring the current PERM processing times not only for the benefit of our clients but also to be able to predict longer-term trends in PERM processing.

Apr

Special Registration Program (NSEERS) Ends Effective Today (April 28, 2011)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) will be eliminated effective April 28, 2011. See the Federal Register notice and WSJ article.

Apr

FY2012 H-1B Numbers Update – 5,900 Regular and 4,500 Masters Cap Visas Used (April 8, 2011)

The H-1B season is well underway and USCIS just released the first “official” FY2012 update on the number of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1 for both the Vermont and California Service Centers. As of April 8, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 5,900 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. This count means that as of April 8, there are 59,100 H-1B visas left under this year’s H-1B quota and USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general (regular) cap.

Apr

May 2011 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 India Advances; FB1 and FB2B Unchanged; Future Visa Bulletin Predictions

The U.S. State Department just released the May 2011 Visa Bulletin which is the eighth Visa Bulletin for the FY2011 fiscal year. The major headline in the upcoming month’s bulletin is the forward movement in EB-2 India (after eight months of no movement) and the continued (but slow) slow forward movement in FB2A (after few significant backward movements).

Apr

Government Shutdown and Immigration: (How) Will It Affect Me?

Important Update: April 9, 2011: Short-term Government Funding Bill Passed.

As it appears as of the time of this article, the U.S. federal government is likely to shut down, we would like to provide some information as to how the shutdown would affect the immigration cases pending or to be filed shortly. Our office has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from alarmed clients as to what would happen should the federal government close on Monday if a deal is not reached on the federal government’s budget. (See latest Google News)

Apr

Texas Service Center Premium Processing Unit Sends Old I-140 Receipt and Approval Email Notices (Updated)

It may seem like an April Fools Day joke at first sight, but apparently it is not. The Texas Service Center has been issuing and emailing premium processing receipt and approval notices for I-140 cases filed as far back as April 2010.

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Testimonial B.T., U.S. (December 27, 2011). "Thank you kindly for your excellent service throughout the entire [employment-based green card] process. I have been so impressed and grateful for your clear and timely communication. You are very well organized and knowledgeable about the entire [...] process. We always felt you were representing us well and moving us through all of the requirements in a very expeditious and professional manner."
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