This progression suggests that spouses and children (under the age of 21) of permanent residents, who are applying to immigrate to the US, may only need to wait for some months (as opposed to years) to receive an immigrant visa number. 

Aug 6, 2010

The 2011 fiscal year filing period for cap-subject H-1B petitions is now open.  So far, USCIS has received 28,500 petitions towards the H-1B Regular Cap, and 11,900 petitions towards the H-1B Master's Exemption Cap. 

U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers. A total of 65,000 H-1B petitions are permitted per fiscal year.  An additional 20,000 H-1B petitions are reserved for persons holding US advanced degrees.  However, those who hold US advanced degrees can continue to file new petitions against the standard H-1B cap until the 65,000 limit has been reached.

Certain H-1B petitions are exempt from the annual cap. Such H-1B petitions include, for example, applications requesting extension or amendment of previously approved H-1B status, or petitions filed by institutions exempt from the annual cap, such as institutions of higher education or related/affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations, or governmental research organizations.

Please contact our office immediately if you are interested in applying for an H-1B visa.

Aug 3, 2010

The Department of Health and Human Services published the 2010 poverty guidelines.  These guidelines impact the financial criteria for persons filing certain immigrant petitions on behalf of a foreign national.  No changes were made from 2009 guidelines. 

USCIS announced that, starting on October 1, 2010, domestic offices and US territories (including the US Virgin Islands and Guam) will no longer accept cash payments.  Customers may now pay using checks (including personal checks), money orders, and credit cards.  All checks and money orders should be made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.  USCIS will accept credit cards in all Field Offices that accept such payments.  Accepted cards include Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover® Network.  USCIS International Operations offices, located in embassies internationally, may continue to accept cash.