vallabhu
11-13 04:44 PM
India EB3 2004 June.
myvinbox@gmail.com
08-17 01:44 PM
I just decided to wait and see . hopefully it will get cleared in next 2-3 months
meg_z
08-04 03:41 PM
guys many of us are considering going back to india.. any idea on whether those who have 40 credits will be eligible for social security from india...
also any adivice o what is the best way to transfer 401 to india.. withdraw immeditately or wait till 591/2 years..
Not sure about SS benefit. You can't do anything anyway with it now. If you are young, consider it gone even if you were US citizen at the moment.
If you withdraw your 401K now, you will have to pay taxes, plus 10% penalty probably. Depanding on your employer's 401K program policy, some allows money to stay if it exceeds certain minimum. Be sure to check the vesting policy. You can always roll it over to an IRA of your choice.
also any adivice o what is the best way to transfer 401 to india.. withdraw immeditately or wait till 591/2 years..
Not sure about SS benefit. You can't do anything anyway with it now. If you are young, consider it gone even if you were US citizen at the moment.
If you withdraw your 401K now, you will have to pay taxes, plus 10% penalty probably. Depanding on your employer's 401K program policy, some allows money to stay if it exceeds certain minimum. Be sure to check the vesting policy. You can always roll it over to an IRA of your choice.
PD_Dec2002
07-13 03:27 PM
Hi:
Why and how do members get those green and red squares when they post messages? I do know red squares are bad since a mouseover shows the text that the member has had some bad behavior. However, I have seen various texts for green squares. Mine says "I'm on a distinguised road"...I had no idea I was on one, but I sure do hope it ends with a Green Card in hand! :)
Anyway, does anyone know all the different variations of text for green and red squares and how do they change for different members?
Thanks,
Jayant
Why and how do members get those green and red squares when they post messages? I do know red squares are bad since a mouseover shows the text that the member has had some bad behavior. However, I have seen various texts for green squares. Mine says "I'm on a distinguised road"...I had no idea I was on one, but I sure do hope it ends with a Green Card in hand! :)
Anyway, does anyone know all the different variations of text for green and red squares and how do they change for different members?
Thanks,
Jayant
more...
fasterthanlight�
06-06 03:50 PM
The Guidlines one and the Family Guy monkey are my favorites cause they make me laugh.
Yes!!!!!
Yes!!!!!
pappu
04-19 11:06 AM
Janakp, you are now probably on their crosshairs. Their members on our site will hate you for spying!!:D
more...
srikanthmavurapu
08-16 03:00 PM
You have a valid H1 with the new employer (client), so there should be nothing wrong working with the client.
Have you or your client signed a contract with the parent company? If you have not signed a contract, there is nothing to worry. I would assume your client may have signed a contract with your parent company(old employer). If that's the case the issue is between you current employer (client) and you parent company (old employer).
You may also want to check with your attorney.
There is not direct signed contract with the client and old employer. There are like 3 layers inbetween client and the old employer. old employer have contract with the middle vendor not the client.
But, one problem is this old employer made me sign the Employee Agreement document when i was going for my visa stamping. He is using that Agreement and using it against me. And also in the offer letter which he gave me he said he will revise or increase my pay every 6 months but never did that and he didn't gave any medical benifits also.
Thanks,
Srikanth
Have you or your client signed a contract with the parent company? If you have not signed a contract, there is nothing to worry. I would assume your client may have signed a contract with your parent company(old employer). If that's the case the issue is between you current employer (client) and you parent company (old employer).
You may also want to check with your attorney.
There is not direct signed contract with the client and old employer. There are like 3 layers inbetween client and the old employer. old employer have contract with the middle vendor not the client.
But, one problem is this old employer made me sign the Employee Agreement document when i was going for my visa stamping. He is using that Agreement and using it against me. And also in the offer letter which he gave me he said he will revise or increase my pay every 6 months but never did that and he didn't gave any medical benifits also.
Thanks,
Srikanth
vallabhu
01-02 10:02 AM
Hi Guru's
My I140 filed in EB3 was denied yesterday for not having Mathematics as majors.
RFE was according to ETA 750 client accepts 3 years foreign degree please provide your transcripts to prove you have taken courses in maths, we though this was a simple query.
But I have Maths as major subject in my 3 year degree, we sent Letter signed by Registrar of Osmania University India on Math syllabus for my Degree and educational evaluation saying that Math is equivalent to maths in US Bachelors degree and also the transcripts with math highlighted.
But surprised to see this denial letter.
My attorney is confident that we would win the case if we appeal against the decision
what are my alternatives now and how long is it taking now to process this appeal.
My I140 filed in EB3 was denied yesterday for not having Mathematics as majors.
RFE was according to ETA 750 client accepts 3 years foreign degree please provide your transcripts to prove you have taken courses in maths, we though this was a simple query.
But I have Maths as major subject in my 3 year degree, we sent Letter signed by Registrar of Osmania University India on Math syllabus for my Degree and educational evaluation saying that Math is equivalent to maths in US Bachelors degree and also the transcripts with math highlighted.
But surprised to see this denial letter.
My attorney is confident that we would win the case if we appeal against the decision
what are my alternatives now and how long is it taking now to process this appeal.
more...
SU1979
10-09 01:46 PM
To make you more clear:
The owner of company B was also a partner of company A. He had some problems with his another partner for which he created another company. I did not know anything about it as I always had contact with the owner of company B before coming to the USA. I only came to know when I entered into my first project. I am not sure whether he has generated any fake paystub from company A to transfer my H1B. If it is so, then why my H1B with company B is still pending ? I cannot also ask him as my relation is very bad with him now a days. I am not sure whether he has received or replied any RFE as the online receipt number doesn't indicate anything.
Any more comments ?
Thanks
The owner of company B was also a partner of company A. He had some problems with his another partner for which he created another company. I did not know anything about it as I always had contact with the owner of company B before coming to the USA. I only came to know when I entered into my first project. I am not sure whether he has generated any fake paystub from company A to transfer my H1B. If it is so, then why my H1B with company B is still pending ? I cannot also ask him as my relation is very bad with him now a days. I am not sure whether he has received or replied any RFE as the online receipt number doesn't indicate anything.
Any more comments ?
Thanks
wandmaker
11-18 06:48 PM
enggr: You have completed the course in 2000 (per course completion certificate), but your degree was awarded in 2002 after you completed a supplemental exam. Since the position requires a candidate who qualifies for EB2, USCIS will deny your 140 petition. IMHO, you will have to start your green card journey from scratch.
more...
VivekAhuja
06-04 02:22 PM
A few months of bank statements (with most recent balance)+ your tax docs for last year+ W-2 and most importantly a letter from your employer saying how long you have been there, salary and benefits, if any - should suffice.
ItIsNotFunny
04-19 10:58 AM
Yes I have a BIG update.
Let us not ask for any updates on our site. IV core should not be forced to post update on the site.
I happened to see
our thread
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3563
quoted on Alipac site.
http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=57004&highlight=h1b
They even note down our small ideas
http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=55431&highlight=h1b
They watch every action and block our attempts. We need to be patient and not ask IV core to give us updates ahead of time. If you read their forum, you will know that when we post about a bill or a senator, these guys also call those lawmakers and start opposing the work we did. So please do not keep asking for updates ahead of time.
Funny!
Let us not ask for any updates on our site. IV core should not be forced to post update on the site.
I happened to see
our thread
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3563
quoted on Alipac site.
http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=57004&highlight=h1b
They even note down our small ideas
http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=55431&highlight=h1b
They watch every action and block our attempts. We need to be patient and not ask IV core to give us updates ahead of time. If you read their forum, you will know that when we post about a bill or a senator, these guys also call those lawmakers and start opposing the work we did. So please do not keep asking for updates ahead of time.
Funny!
more...
manishcp
09-21 08:30 AM
I went to PennDOT to renew my PA Driver license and they took all my pepers. Offcer informed me that he cannot get verification for my Immigration status so he can not renew my License.
They gave me a printed peper which says we will informed you by letter within 21 dyas.
Anyone has proble to renew Lic. in PA.
They gave me a printed peper which says we will informed you by letter within 21 dyas.
Anyone has proble to renew Lic. in PA.
Michael chertoff
03-28 06:49 PM
Wait for ITIN to be processed and once get the ITIN amend your tax filing.
you seems to know everything man...whats your PD sir.
you seems to know everything man...whats your PD sir.
more...
noone2day78
02-19 08:13 AM
ohh is this really true? can u specify a source for this ?
Dandruff said "You can reapply for H1-B but you are NOT subject to H1-B cap / quota.
It should not be subject to the annual cap unless you have been out of the U.S. for at least one year since you were last in H-1B status."
Is this true for ppl who haven't done masters in usa?
Dandruff said "You can reapply for H1-B but you are NOT subject to H1-B cap / quota.
It should not be subject to the annual cap unless you have been out of the U.S. for at least one year since you were last in H-1B status."
Is this true for ppl who haven't done masters in usa?
needhelp!
08-31 12:50 AM
You guys are the experts.. I am a newbie. Good I asked, I would have never known!!
Am I missing something here. Isn't it via country of birth and not country of citizenship. There might be better ways to get around the system. EB2 Indians should marry EB3 ROW folk and apply cross-chargeability! I have yet to think of a way out for EB3 India!
Am I missing something here. Isn't it via country of birth and not country of citizenship. There might be better ways to get around the system. EB2 Indians should marry EB3 ROW folk and apply cross-chargeability! I have yet to think of a way out for EB3 India!
more...
arjun007
01-26 12:53 PM
H1B Stamping in Halifax Canada (only for revalidation)
If this is your first H1 do not book your appointment. I had my H1 from my first company and I was going for the stamp for my third company.
-Appointment
I Scheduled the appointment on the website. While scheduling it the page for entering the I-797 information (notice date, receipt date, receipt number) did not show up. But a few days before the appointment I logged in again to my account with the passport number and reference number, this page showed up and I entered the information. It is important to fill out this information and DS 156 online.
I would suggest filling up a sample DS-156 offline and after reviewing it filling it up online. You should get 3 pages for the DS 156 and 2 of them have a barcode.
*Do not glue the 2x2 photograph on the form.
*Also do not leave any blank spaces (.... write NA)
At the airport
As soon as I got out of the immigration at Halifax, a few yards down the airport lounge I saw the Travelex foreign exchange and converted a few us dollars. there is a 7 $ fee for every transaction. If you have somebody with you, I would recommend both of you to do the transaction in one go. I recommend not taking a cab to the city. It costs 54 Canadan $. There is a shuttle service managed by AIRPORTER. Its 18 $ per person. Book your ticket in the airport terminal itself. Ask the driver to drop you at Delta Halifax (Hotel).
-Scotia Bank
Once you get down at Delta Halifax you will see the Scotia Bank Sign. Get into the building. The bank is in this building (Scotia Mall) right behind a fountain.
Deposit the money and get the deposit slips stamped. I converted another 50 US $ for a 2 $ fee ( Cheaper than the airport). The food court is next to the bank. I ate at TASTE OF INDIA, but I would recommend the Chicken kabob platter at the Lebanese joint. After lunch I walked all the way through the skywalk to the PURDY WHARFS TOWER 2, behind the Casino, to check out the consulate, so that I do not have to struggle the next day to find it. The security at the reception area called a cab for us to my Dartmouth motel.
-Stay
I booked a motel (air+hotel package on ORBITZ) in Darthmouth, Nova Scotia (Comfort Inn, 456 Windmill rd) $ 72 per night for a 2 bed room. Its 20 minutes away from the city. 14 $ by cab. You can also take the bus number 51 (2$ coins only) right across the motel to the place called Bridge (it literally takes you to the bridge which connects Dartmouth and Halifax city). Remember to take the transfer stub and change the bus. Most of the buses from the bridge go to the Scotia Mall in Halifax. We travelled by bus for most of the day. It was very cold. January and temperature were around -20 C. There is a Chinese restaurant and a Pizza/Sub place right across the Motel. Also the Bridge area has a few places like Wendy's.
-day of the interview
My appt was at 9:30 , I was there by 8. They took me in. Gave me a list of documents to be kept ready (I was missing the travel itenary, fortunately my friend who was travelling with me had an extra copy). The security guy checks the documents and gives you a stub for the passport. Keep this stub safely, you have to show it the next day to get back your passport. (Its cool even if you lose it.The security guy is very freindly. He remembers people. A few had lost it, but no issue)
questions
- how long you have been in US
- what degree (Masters or Bachelors)
- how long with this company
- why did you leave the first company
- why did you leave the second company
- when did you leave the company
She told me ( as with other applicants) that my information is not in the new system called PIMPS, so its possible that I could not get my passport the next day at 3 pm.
After the interview we went back to the scotia mall, had lebonese food, took a bus number 1 to the park lane mall ( you could also walk) and watched an awesome movie (Kite Runner)
Next Tense day
This was friday, my flight was at 6:15 pm. The US immigration closes at 5:30, so I had to be back to the airport at the most by 5:15 pm.
I was at the consulate at 2:50 pm. I security guy let us in. Has a small chat with us. Said only a few passports are ready. unfortunate none of them were ours. We waited till 3:15 pm but the passports werent ready. There were 7 of us , only 2 were H1B. He asked us to come back at 4:30 pm, if not by then he ased us to enjoy our weekend at Halifax !! We went back to the Scotia mall, ate some more, came back at 4:00, clock was ticking...all 7 of us were there by 4:30 pm. All were very tensed, they had booked their tickets like us. 4:45 nothing yet....4:56 I got my passport, 4:59 my friends got my passport. We ran down to the reception, the security called a cab,
All of us had got the Passports. The Taxi driver (Indian) drove like crazy to get us to the airport. It was rush hour and the Bridge is packed. The most amazing driving I have seen. We got to the airport at 5:30 pm, but they didnt let us check in as the Immigration was closed. I paid 200$ for 2 if us to rebook the next available flight next morning and stayed the whole night at the airport.
-
Hope this information was useful. Too detail, but I was in the mood of writing after watching Kite Runner. Do watch it !
If this is your first H1 do not book your appointment. I had my H1 from my first company and I was going for the stamp for my third company.
-Appointment
I Scheduled the appointment on the website. While scheduling it the page for entering the I-797 information (notice date, receipt date, receipt number) did not show up. But a few days before the appointment I logged in again to my account with the passport number and reference number, this page showed up and I entered the information. It is important to fill out this information and DS 156 online.
I would suggest filling up a sample DS-156 offline and after reviewing it filling it up online. You should get 3 pages for the DS 156 and 2 of them have a barcode.
*Do not glue the 2x2 photograph on the form.
*Also do not leave any blank spaces (.... write NA)
At the airport
As soon as I got out of the immigration at Halifax, a few yards down the airport lounge I saw the Travelex foreign exchange and converted a few us dollars. there is a 7 $ fee for every transaction. If you have somebody with you, I would recommend both of you to do the transaction in one go. I recommend not taking a cab to the city. It costs 54 Canadan $. There is a shuttle service managed by AIRPORTER. Its 18 $ per person. Book your ticket in the airport terminal itself. Ask the driver to drop you at Delta Halifax (Hotel).
-Scotia Bank
Once you get down at Delta Halifax you will see the Scotia Bank Sign. Get into the building. The bank is in this building (Scotia Mall) right behind a fountain.
Deposit the money and get the deposit slips stamped. I converted another 50 US $ for a 2 $ fee ( Cheaper than the airport). The food court is next to the bank. I ate at TASTE OF INDIA, but I would recommend the Chicken kabob platter at the Lebanese joint. After lunch I walked all the way through the skywalk to the PURDY WHARFS TOWER 2, behind the Casino, to check out the consulate, so that I do not have to struggle the next day to find it. The security at the reception area called a cab for us to my Dartmouth motel.
-Stay
I booked a motel (air+hotel package on ORBITZ) in Darthmouth, Nova Scotia (Comfort Inn, 456 Windmill rd) $ 72 per night for a 2 bed room. Its 20 minutes away from the city. 14 $ by cab. You can also take the bus number 51 (2$ coins only) right across the motel to the place called Bridge (it literally takes you to the bridge which connects Dartmouth and Halifax city). Remember to take the transfer stub and change the bus. Most of the buses from the bridge go to the Scotia Mall in Halifax. We travelled by bus for most of the day. It was very cold. January and temperature were around -20 C. There is a Chinese restaurant and a Pizza/Sub place right across the Motel. Also the Bridge area has a few places like Wendy's.
-day of the interview
My appt was at 9:30 , I was there by 8. They took me in. Gave me a list of documents to be kept ready (I was missing the travel itenary, fortunately my friend who was travelling with me had an extra copy). The security guy checks the documents and gives you a stub for the passport. Keep this stub safely, you have to show it the next day to get back your passport. (Its cool even if you lose it.The security guy is very freindly. He remembers people. A few had lost it, but no issue)
questions
- how long you have been in US
- what degree (Masters or Bachelors)
- how long with this company
- why did you leave the first company
- why did you leave the second company
- when did you leave the company
She told me ( as with other applicants) that my information is not in the new system called PIMPS, so its possible that I could not get my passport the next day at 3 pm.
After the interview we went back to the scotia mall, had lebonese food, took a bus number 1 to the park lane mall ( you could also walk) and watched an awesome movie (Kite Runner)
Next Tense day
This was friday, my flight was at 6:15 pm. The US immigration closes at 5:30, so I had to be back to the airport at the most by 5:15 pm.
I was at the consulate at 2:50 pm. I security guy let us in. Has a small chat with us. Said only a few passports are ready. unfortunate none of them were ours. We waited till 3:15 pm but the passports werent ready. There were 7 of us , only 2 were H1B. He asked us to come back at 4:30 pm, if not by then he ased us to enjoy our weekend at Halifax !! We went back to the Scotia mall, ate some more, came back at 4:00, clock was ticking...all 7 of us were there by 4:30 pm. All were very tensed, they had booked their tickets like us. 4:45 nothing yet....4:56 I got my passport, 4:59 my friends got my passport. We ran down to the reception, the security called a cab,
All of us had got the Passports. The Taxi driver (Indian) drove like crazy to get us to the airport. It was rush hour and the Bridge is packed. The most amazing driving I have seen. We got to the airport at 5:30 pm, but they didnt let us check in as the Immigration was closed. I paid 200$ for 2 if us to rebook the next available flight next morning and stayed the whole night at the airport.
-
Hope this information was useful. Too detail, but I was in the mood of writing after watching Kite Runner. Do watch it !
samsu
03-22 08:31 AM
Hi,
My Situation is very similar to above mentioned and I would appreciate if someone can give comments.
My I-485 was filed during July'07 and I-140 was approved during the same time but I was on H1 until Feb'10 working for employer directly and lost my job. I have found new job now starting March 15 but I am not going to transfer H1 and started working on EAD. I am not sure about filling AC21 as it might create unnecessary confusion and I don't want to miss out in case my date become current (Nov'06) due to spill over.
Now, I have to travel internationally for work and will be using first time my AP but not sure how to answer question on my employer without filling AC21.
I can bring AC21 memo and show them paycheck from last employer and new employer (with little more than one month gap in between) but not sure if that is enough. Let me know your suggestion.
Also, my old employer will most likely not revoke 140.
Thanks,
Sam
My Situation is very similar to above mentioned and I would appreciate if someone can give comments.
My I-485 was filed during July'07 and I-140 was approved during the same time but I was on H1 until Feb'10 working for employer directly and lost my job. I have found new job now starting March 15 but I am not going to transfer H1 and started working on EAD. I am not sure about filling AC21 as it might create unnecessary confusion and I don't want to miss out in case my date become current (Nov'06) due to spill over.
Now, I have to travel internationally for work and will be using first time my AP but not sure how to answer question on my employer without filling AC21.
I can bring AC21 memo and show them paycheck from last employer and new employer (with little more than one month gap in between) but not sure if that is enough. Let me know your suggestion.
Also, my old employer will most likely not revoke 140.
Thanks,
Sam
corleone
03-19 11:18 AM
How will an I-140 gets cancelled just because he left the company. GC is for future employment, that should have nothing to do with the current employment. Same with Place of work issue, place of issue on H1 has nothing to do with I-140
As amit has suggested approaching Senators will do wonders (atleast for some)
GC is for future employment but I-140 is not GC. I-485 is Adjustment of status to Permanent resident (GC).
If you leave the company prior I-140 approval. I-140, I-485, EAD & AP are canceled.
If your I-140 is approved and I-485 is pending for more than 180 days, then and only then, you can switch company using AC21 while still keeping your I-485 pending.
Mind you, I-140 is not your application, it is employers!
As amit has suggested approaching Senators will do wonders (atleast for some)
GC is for future employment but I-140 is not GC. I-485 is Adjustment of status to Permanent resident (GC).
If you leave the company prior I-140 approval. I-140, I-485, EAD & AP are canceled.
If your I-140 is approved and I-485 is pending for more than 180 days, then and only then, you can switch company using AC21 while still keeping your I-485 pending.
Mind you, I-140 is not your application, it is employers!
Blog Feeds
09-27 10:50 AM
VIA USCIS.gov
Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions. Thefinal rule (http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-23725_PI.pdf)follows a period of public comment on a proposed version of the rule, which USCIS published in theFederal Register (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-13991.pdf)on June 11, 2010. After encouraging stakeholders to share their input, USCIS considered all 225 comments received. The final rule will increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but will not increase the fee for the naturalization application. The rule will also reduce fees for six individual applications and petitions and will expand the availability of fee waivers to new categories. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register September 24, and the adjusted fees will go into effect on November 23, 2010.
USCIS is a primarily fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits. The law requires USCIS to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine whether it is recovering its costs to administer the nation�s immigration laws, process applications, and provide the infrastructure needed to support those activities. Remaining funds come from appropriations provided annually by Congress. The final fee rule concludes a comprehensive fee review begun in 2009.
USCIS�s Fee-based Budget
Fees account for approximately $2.4 billion of USCIS�s $2.8 billion budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2011. More than two-thirds of the budget supports the adjudication of applications and petitions for immigration benefits at USCIS field offices, service centers, customer service call centers and records facilities. The remainder supports USCIS business transformation efforts and the funding of headquarters program offices.
The adjudication areas supported by fees include the following:
Family-based petitions - facilitating the process for close relatives to immigrate, gain permanent residency, travel and work;
Employment-based petitions - facilitating the process for current and prospective employees to immigrate to or stay in the U.S. temporarily;
Asylum and refugee processing - adjudicating asylum and processing refugees;
Naturalization - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. citizenship;
Special status programs - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. immigration status as a form of humanitarian aid to foreign nationals; and
Document issuance and renewal - verifying eligibility for, producing and issuing immigration documents.
USCIS�s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low. While USCIS did receive appropriations from Congress and made budget cuts of approximately $160 million, this has not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue. A fee adjustment, as detailed in the final rule, is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations while also meeting the application processing goals identified in the 2007 fee rule.
Highlights of the 2010 Final Fee Rule
The final fee rule will increase the average application and petition fees by approximately 10 percent. In recognition of the unique importance of naturalization, the final fee rule contains no increase in the naturalization application fee.
The final fee rule establishes three new fees for:
Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5);
Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation (with an exemption for certain physicians who examine service members, veterans, and their families at U.S. government facilities); and
Recovery of the USCIS cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.
The final fee rule adjusts fees for the premium processing service. This adjustment will ensure that USCIS can continue to modernize as an efficient and effective organization.
The final fee rule reduces fees for six individual applications and petitions:
Petition for Alien Fianc� (Form I-129F);
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);
Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Form I-698);
Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817);
Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565); and
Application for Travel Document (Form I-131), when filed for Refugee Travel Document.
The final fee rule eliminates two citizenship-related fees for those service members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces who are eligible to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with no fee:
Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Form N-336); and
Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600).
Lastly, the final fee rule expands the availability of fee waivers to new categories, including:
Individuals seeking humanitarian parole under an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131);
Individuals with any benefit request under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008; and
Individuals filing a Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B) following a denial of any application or petition that did not initially require a fee.
Final Rule: Schedule of Fees
The following schedule lists the adjusted fees that will take effect on November 23, 2010, alongside the existing fees in effect until that date:
Form No.
Application/Petition Description
Existing Fees (effective through Nov. 22, 2010
Adjusted Fees (effective beginning Nov. 23, 2010)
I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card $290 $365 I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document $320 $330 I-129/129CW Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker $320 $325 I-129F Petition for Alien Fianc�(e) $455 $340 I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $355 $420 I-131 Application for Travel Document $305 $360 I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker $475 $580 I-191 Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile $545 $585 I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant $545 $585 I-193 Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa $545 $585 I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. after Deportation or Removal $545 $585 I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion $585 $630 I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant $375 $405 I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status $930 $985 I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur $1,435 $1,500 I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $300 $290 I-600/600A
I-800/800A Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative/Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition $670 $720 I-601 Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability $545 $585 I-612 Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement $545 $585 I-687 Application for Status as a Temporary Resident under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act $710 $1,130 I-690 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility $185 $200 I-694 Notice of Appeal of Decision under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act $545 $755 I-698 Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603) $1,370 $1,020 I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence $465 $505 I-765 Application for Employment Authorization $340 $380 I-817 Application for Family Unity Benefits $440 $435 I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition $340 $405 I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions $2,850 $3,750 I-881 Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105�110) $285 $285 I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service $1,000 $1,225 Civil Surgeon Designation $0 $615 I-924 Application for Regional Center under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program $0 $6,230 N-300 Application to File Declaration of Intention $235 $250 N-336 Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings $605 $650 N-400 Application for Naturalization $595 $595 N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes $305 $330 N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document $380 $345 N-600/600K Application for Certification of Citizenship/ Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322 $460 $600 Immigrant $0 $165 Biometrics Capturing, Processing, and Storing Biometric Information $80 $85
Last updated:09/23/2010
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Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions. Thefinal rule (http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-23725_PI.pdf)follows a period of public comment on a proposed version of the rule, which USCIS published in theFederal Register (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-13991.pdf)on June 11, 2010. After encouraging stakeholders to share their input, USCIS considered all 225 comments received. The final rule will increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but will not increase the fee for the naturalization application. The rule will also reduce fees for six individual applications and petitions and will expand the availability of fee waivers to new categories. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register September 24, and the adjusted fees will go into effect on November 23, 2010.
USCIS is a primarily fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits. The law requires USCIS to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine whether it is recovering its costs to administer the nation�s immigration laws, process applications, and provide the infrastructure needed to support those activities. Remaining funds come from appropriations provided annually by Congress. The final fee rule concludes a comprehensive fee review begun in 2009.
USCIS�s Fee-based Budget
Fees account for approximately $2.4 billion of USCIS�s $2.8 billion budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2011. More than two-thirds of the budget supports the adjudication of applications and petitions for immigration benefits at USCIS field offices, service centers, customer service call centers and records facilities. The remainder supports USCIS business transformation efforts and the funding of headquarters program offices.
The adjudication areas supported by fees include the following:
Family-based petitions - facilitating the process for close relatives to immigrate, gain permanent residency, travel and work;
Employment-based petitions - facilitating the process for current and prospective employees to immigrate to or stay in the U.S. temporarily;
Asylum and refugee processing - adjudicating asylum and processing refugees;
Naturalization - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. citizenship;
Special status programs - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. immigration status as a form of humanitarian aid to foreign nationals; and
Document issuance and renewal - verifying eligibility for, producing and issuing immigration documents.
USCIS�s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low. While USCIS did receive appropriations from Congress and made budget cuts of approximately $160 million, this has not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue. A fee adjustment, as detailed in the final rule, is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations while also meeting the application processing goals identified in the 2007 fee rule.
Highlights of the 2010 Final Fee Rule
The final fee rule will increase the average application and petition fees by approximately 10 percent. In recognition of the unique importance of naturalization, the final fee rule contains no increase in the naturalization application fee.
The final fee rule establishes three new fees for:
Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5);
Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation (with an exemption for certain physicians who examine service members, veterans, and their families at U.S. government facilities); and
Recovery of the USCIS cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.
The final fee rule adjusts fees for the premium processing service. This adjustment will ensure that USCIS can continue to modernize as an efficient and effective organization.
The final fee rule reduces fees for six individual applications and petitions:
Petition for Alien Fianc� (Form I-129F);
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);
Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Form I-698);
Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817);
Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565); and
Application for Travel Document (Form I-131), when filed for Refugee Travel Document.
The final fee rule eliminates two citizenship-related fees for those service members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces who are eligible to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with no fee:
Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Form N-336); and
Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600).
Lastly, the final fee rule expands the availability of fee waivers to new categories, including:
Individuals seeking humanitarian parole under an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131);
Individuals with any benefit request under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008; and
Individuals filing a Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B) following a denial of any application or petition that did not initially require a fee.
Final Rule: Schedule of Fees
The following schedule lists the adjusted fees that will take effect on November 23, 2010, alongside the existing fees in effect until that date:
Form No.
Application/Petition Description
Existing Fees (effective through Nov. 22, 2010
Adjusted Fees (effective beginning Nov. 23, 2010)
I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card $290 $365 I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document $320 $330 I-129/129CW Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker $320 $325 I-129F Petition for Alien Fianc�(e) $455 $340 I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $355 $420 I-131 Application for Travel Document $305 $360 I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker $475 $580 I-191 Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile $545 $585 I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant $545 $585 I-193 Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa $545 $585 I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. after Deportation or Removal $545 $585 I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion $585 $630 I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant $375 $405 I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status $930 $985 I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur $1,435 $1,500 I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $300 $290 I-600/600A
I-800/800A Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative/Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition $670 $720 I-601 Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability $545 $585 I-612 Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement $545 $585 I-687 Application for Status as a Temporary Resident under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act $710 $1,130 I-690 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility $185 $200 I-694 Notice of Appeal of Decision under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act $545 $755 I-698 Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603) $1,370 $1,020 I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence $465 $505 I-765 Application for Employment Authorization $340 $380 I-817 Application for Family Unity Benefits $440 $435 I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition $340 $405 I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions $2,850 $3,750 I-881 Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105�110) $285 $285 I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service $1,000 $1,225 Civil Surgeon Designation $0 $615 I-924 Application for Regional Center under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program $0 $6,230 N-300 Application to File Declaration of Intention $235 $250 N-336 Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings $605 $650 N-400 Application for Naturalization $595 $595 N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes $305 $330 N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document $380 $345 N-600/600K Application for Certification of Citizenship/ Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322 $460 $600 Immigrant $0 $165 Biometrics Capturing, Processing, and Storing Biometric Information $80 $85
Last updated:09/23/2010
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2010/09/24/information-on-the-new-uscis-fee-increase.aspx?ref=rss)
sac-r-ten
02-26 04:56 PM
Sorry for your situation. Its better to look for H1 transfer soon. Also expose such body shopper here, so that future H1B are aware of such dingy fly by night operators.
Nothing more anybody can do here on this forum, because everyone is sitting tight and holding on to their seats in this economy.
Good luck man.
Nothing more anybody can do here on this forum, because everyone is sitting tight and holding on to their seats in this economy.
Good luck man.
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