gbof
09-30 04:08 PM
I liked the tone and tenor of aila. What surprises me the most is there is NO work audit at uscis and they feel all powerful to scare/ trouble at their whim...
I got a RFE asking for I-612 approval from uscis. This was not at all required as the same was attached with I-485 filing. Moreover, without this approval H1B could not be filed and subsequently extended.
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9745bYxD2gnBTpNQUIi1V-0vZe1RcTr360yOChUWCsrUIm5eKiXkaFQQJJ9xKn0A4oClh7QKPGngFOJhLT4CMQsH3Wqeb5Smu2bYgw25Mi0jnXC4NA2XdSZH8jj2o9zIqSUcQhwYLAAs/s320/RFE+FROM+HELL.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9745bYxD2gnBTpNQUIi1V-0vZe1RcTr360yOChUWCsrUIm5eKiXkaFQQJJ9xKn0A4oClh7QKPGngFOJhLT4CMQsH3Wqeb5Smu2bYgw25Mi0jnXC4NA2XdSZH8jj2o9zIqSUcQhwYLAAs/s1600-h/RFE+FROM+HELL.JPG)
Dear Director Mayorkas:
Last week in a speech you broached the subject of the possible need to increase filing fees because of a decrease in the number of applications received by USCIS this fiscal year. You also noted that there was over $100 million shortfall in your budget because of these decreased filings. I have some suggestions to meet your budget.
First, look at your budget projections from this last year. Last October, who didn't see the recession? Why weren't reductions in force made at that time? On April 1 when only 33% of the H-1B applications were filed as compared to the year before, why didn't USCIS staff get pared down? A monumental increase in naturalization applications occurred before the Presidential elections (as they do every 4 years), who did not not see a decrease in naturalization applications for 2009! My heck, every business in America was laying off employees, but not USCIS!
Second, have a heart to heart talk with anyone who issues an RFE that requires more than 5 pages to respond to. This last week we submitted a 3,000 page (30 lb.) response to an RFE (see the picture above), which alleged that an Accountant was not a professional position! Director, what is the deal with your Service Centers? Is there simply too little to do and too many employees? The "service" we are receiving as your customers is not doing the American Economy any good.
Third, why are the local adjudications officers interviewing non-current priority date visa applicants, including on Saturdays in September! You are paying OVERTIME to examiners to interview people who cannot be approved for their green cards. What sense does that make?
I have many other ideas as well if you would like to chat. The bottom line is this. The agency you have just taken over is in serious need of a top to bottom review. You have a monstrous challenge ahead of you to bring this agency in line with the priorities it should have. Priorities that not only include national security, but also ensuring our own economic well being and competitiveness by promoting job growth and allowing companies to hire qualified workers, keeping families together through reunification, and bringing new citizens into the fold.
You need to get control of service centers, where officers are issuing, at increasingly frequent rates, Requests for Evidence that are not only unnecessary, but which are onerous and burdensome, and appear to be designed to make the employer give up his request for the visa application. You have local offices finding marriage "fraud" where no such fraud exists. You have CIS doing 25,000 random walk ins of legitimate U.S. employers of H-1B workers, disrupting the workplace asking questions about the H-1B employer, without regard to a lawyers appearance in the case in clear violation of the 6th Amendment. The list could go on about what your agency is doing wrong. And, while there are things USCIS does right, the reality is that rather than serving immigrants and their employers, you are punishing them.
So, before you raise your fees, I think you MUST first get your own house in order. You should not and cannot honestly balance your budgetary disaster on the backs of the employers and immigrants you are committed to serving.
With all sincerity, I wish you the best of luck in your new position.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-2662713464097056944?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/09/rfe-hell-and-increased-uscis-filing.html)
I got a RFE asking for I-612 approval from uscis. This was not at all required as the same was attached with I-485 filing. Moreover, without this approval H1B could not be filed and subsequently extended.
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9745bYxD2gnBTpNQUIi1V-0vZe1RcTr360yOChUWCsrUIm5eKiXkaFQQJJ9xKn0A4oClh7QKPGngFOJhLT4CMQsH3Wqeb5Smu2bYgw25Mi0jnXC4NA2XdSZH8jj2o9zIqSUcQhwYLAAs/s320/RFE+FROM+HELL.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9745bYxD2gnBTpNQUIi1V-0vZe1RcTr360yOChUWCsrUIm5eKiXkaFQQJJ9xKn0A4oClh7QKPGngFOJhLT4CMQsH3Wqeb5Smu2bYgw25Mi0jnXC4NA2XdSZH8jj2o9zIqSUcQhwYLAAs/s1600-h/RFE+FROM+HELL.JPG)
Dear Director Mayorkas:
Last week in a speech you broached the subject of the possible need to increase filing fees because of a decrease in the number of applications received by USCIS this fiscal year. You also noted that there was over $100 million shortfall in your budget because of these decreased filings. I have some suggestions to meet your budget.
First, look at your budget projections from this last year. Last October, who didn't see the recession? Why weren't reductions in force made at that time? On April 1 when only 33% of the H-1B applications were filed as compared to the year before, why didn't USCIS staff get pared down? A monumental increase in naturalization applications occurred before the Presidential elections (as they do every 4 years), who did not not see a decrease in naturalization applications for 2009! My heck, every business in America was laying off employees, but not USCIS!
Second, have a heart to heart talk with anyone who issues an RFE that requires more than 5 pages to respond to. This last week we submitted a 3,000 page (30 lb.) response to an RFE (see the picture above), which alleged that an Accountant was not a professional position! Director, what is the deal with your Service Centers? Is there simply too little to do and too many employees? The "service" we are receiving as your customers is not doing the American Economy any good.
Third, why are the local adjudications officers interviewing non-current priority date visa applicants, including on Saturdays in September! You are paying OVERTIME to examiners to interview people who cannot be approved for their green cards. What sense does that make?
I have many other ideas as well if you would like to chat. The bottom line is this. The agency you have just taken over is in serious need of a top to bottom review. You have a monstrous challenge ahead of you to bring this agency in line with the priorities it should have. Priorities that not only include national security, but also ensuring our own economic well being and competitiveness by promoting job growth and allowing companies to hire qualified workers, keeping families together through reunification, and bringing new citizens into the fold.
You need to get control of service centers, where officers are issuing, at increasingly frequent rates, Requests for Evidence that are not only unnecessary, but which are onerous and burdensome, and appear to be designed to make the employer give up his request for the visa application. You have local offices finding marriage "fraud" where no such fraud exists. You have CIS doing 25,000 random walk ins of legitimate U.S. employers of H-1B workers, disrupting the workplace asking questions about the H-1B employer, without regard to a lawyers appearance in the case in clear violation of the 6th Amendment. The list could go on about what your agency is doing wrong. And, while there are things USCIS does right, the reality is that rather than serving immigrants and their employers, you are punishing them.
So, before you raise your fees, I think you MUST first get your own house in order. You should not and cannot honestly balance your budgetary disaster on the backs of the employers and immigrants you are committed to serving.
With all sincerity, I wish you the best of luck in your new position.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-2662713464097056944?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/09/rfe-hell-and-increased-uscis-filing.html)
wallpaper lil jon without sunglasses. lil jon without sunglasses. Lil Jon/Beeker; Lil
bigboy007
06-17 04:13 AM
There might be way but may be you need play carefully : this is possible before you actually get your GC , Once you apply for GC and CAn PR , PR takes 1.7 years where as GC whole process needs atleast 4-5 years i dont know wherez ur state at ( that time line is from scratch)
Now you can play staying in windsor area before you actually take up GC and then apply for citizenship while leaving this is possible but timing and luck needs to play . But you cant have both for sure.
Now you can play staying in windsor area before you actually take up GC and then apply for citizenship while leaving this is possible but timing and luck needs to play . But you cant have both for sure.
arrarrgee
07-13 11:29 AM
Read on CNN that west coast is hitting 125 in some places...if thats the case guess you guys should be good not wearing any suits...would look odd:eek:
Its a good idea but make sure you guyz are comfortable. It must be hot out there.
Its a good idea but make sure you guyz are comfortable. It must be hot out there.
2011 It#39;s changed a whole lot. lil
lkapildev
11-26 10:44 PM
I got my AP status online as Document Mailed to Applicant:
What does it mean?
Has any one got the AP after Document mailed to application status?
What does it mean?
Has any one got the AP after Document mailed to application status?
more...
tsarun11
07-12 05:33 PM
I have the same question. I have my labor approved (pre-approved labor) and I-140 approved. My PD is Nov-04. I don't have a copy of my approved I-140 and my company does not give it to me.
If I wish to change companies, how do I proceed - Is there a circumvent process?
If I wish to change companies, how do I proceed - Is there a circumvent process?
amitk81
12-10 02:35 PM
Is it possible to share your sources for the same.
thanks
Amit
thanks
Amit
more...
pathiren
07-19 10:14 PM
Congrats to all those who are lucky enough to file their I-485 by August 17. I am kind of on the unlucky side. My mandatory labor recruitment wait period of 30 days end on August 17. Wonder if anyone has any idea about I-485 availability or unavailability by september or october or may even next time this year to use up the available numbers.
I appreciate all your responses.
Thanks
HP
I appreciate all your responses.
Thanks
HP
2010 For the last decade, Lil Jon
masterji
05-18 12:31 PM
If this passes this will be awesome for Ph.D. graduates.
more...
ragz4u
03-15 11:39 AM
hi Super_Moderator,
Why cant we try to add now..instead of waiting for later time..to add this ammendment thru some senator or somebody for filing 485 during retrogression...
just to know whey we need to wait for later to add this...
Unfotunately thats not the way the US political system works! Just as we are trying to get pro-immigrant stuff in, there are others who are trying to negate our force and in fact get any pro immigrant stuff out! Example, numbersusa.
As I have said in my previous post, we are trying to push for the pro-immigrant package at every step. It could happen now, it could happen later, in the worst case it might not happen at all! There are a lot of forces involved in this.
What is in our control is to keep trying and not give up till the very end. And make no mistake, we are doing that every second coz we are in the same boat as you are.
Why cant we try to add now..instead of waiting for later time..to add this ammendment thru some senator or somebody for filing 485 during retrogression...
just to know whey we need to wait for later to add this...
Unfotunately thats not the way the US political system works! Just as we are trying to get pro-immigrant stuff in, there are others who are trying to negate our force and in fact get any pro immigrant stuff out! Example, numbersusa.
As I have said in my previous post, we are trying to push for the pro-immigrant package at every step. It could happen now, it could happen later, in the worst case it might not happen at all! There are a lot of forces involved in this.
What is in our control is to keep trying and not give up till the very end. And make no mistake, we are doing that every second coz we are in the same boat as you are.
hair lil jon without sunglasses.
Libra
08-05 08:32 PM
To capture unused visa numbers we need to make DC rally big, so lets go to DC on sept 13th and make it big success.......
get relief from retrogression. Capture of unused visa numbers etc will make us ignore how many apps USCIS received.
Good thing is that people will get interim benefits like EAD/AP.
get relief from retrogression. Capture of unused visa numbers etc will make us ignore how many apps USCIS received.
Good thing is that people will get interim benefits like EAD/AP.
more...
ss1026
08-06 08:58 AM
According to USCIS Ombudsman 1/3rd of cases are pending more than 1 year due to namecheck. Also there are many cases stuck for more than 3 years. E
I think that 1/3 of PENDING cases have been stuck for more than one year, not 1/3 of all cases. Trust me if 1/3 of all cases were stuck for more than one year, there would be a huge outcry
I think that 1/3 of PENDING cases have been stuck for more than one year, not 1/3 of all cases. Trust me if 1/3 of all cases were stuck for more than one year, there would be a huge outcry
hot tired of Lil Jon#39;s shades?
tnite
06-26 03:29 PM
While filing for my wife's G-325A form, her last name was filled in first name and first name as last name. We got our FP notice yesterday and thats when I went back and reviewed all the forms I filed. I was wondering if any of you know what can be done so that an honest mistake can be corrected?
Any input appreciated. I understand it is for information purpose only and not many of us are attorneys, so no disclosure required :)
Check this forum (http://www.baraban.org/go/printthread.php?threadid=15493)
Question:Name misspelled on I-485 NOA
Yesterday we recieved 3 NOAs (for 130, 485, and 131) from USCIS, and unfortunately, most important (I-485) NOA misspelled my last name (while two other NOAs not). Nothing was misspelled on my application - I checked my copy.
On the NOA, USCIS wrote in bold: Please notify us immediately if any of the above is incorrect. Well, my last name is incorrect (twice). Unfortunately, USCIS didn't say how exactly I should notify them immediately.
So, what is the best way to correct this? Infopass? Or any good phone/fax numbers or email? We are in San Francisco.
Thank you.
Answer Yes, you can do it through INFOPASS or you can wait until your fingerprinting appointment which will happen shortly and do it at that time
An attorney has suggested them to take an infopass appt and I suggest you do the same
Any input appreciated. I understand it is for information purpose only and not many of us are attorneys, so no disclosure required :)
Check this forum (http://www.baraban.org/go/printthread.php?threadid=15493)
Question:Name misspelled on I-485 NOA
Yesterday we recieved 3 NOAs (for 130, 485, and 131) from USCIS, and unfortunately, most important (I-485) NOA misspelled my last name (while two other NOAs not). Nothing was misspelled on my application - I checked my copy.
On the NOA, USCIS wrote in bold: Please notify us immediately if any of the above is incorrect. Well, my last name is incorrect (twice). Unfortunately, USCIS didn't say how exactly I should notify them immediately.
So, what is the best way to correct this? Infopass? Or any good phone/fax numbers or email? We are in San Francisco.
Thank you.
Answer Yes, you can do it through INFOPASS or you can wait until your fingerprinting appointment which will happen shortly and do it at that time
An attorney has suggested them to take an infopass appt and I suggest you do the same
more...
house images Sunglasses are one thing lil jon without sunglasses. dior wrap around
hopefulgc
05-12 08:03 PM
thanks gconmymind!
IV leadership indulge us here for a min...
if we were to be able to raise $1million somehow..
How much would you say it improves our chances of getting the IV missions accomplished?
If there can be some certainty & improvement of possibilities, i have feeling .. people will step forward.
You have noble intentions and I salute your spirit but it does not make practical sense to try and raise $1M when on the other thread, we have not even touched $15K!! At least, this will not happen with a donations only campaign. If a corporate were to sponsor, thats a different thing..
Again, I think all (ok, most!) the members would donate $2000 if there was assurance/certainty of positive outcome. A lot of people are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for a positive outcome, without contributing time and/or money.
People, please contribute time and money towards IV to help yourselves!
IV leadership indulge us here for a min...
if we were to be able to raise $1million somehow..
How much would you say it improves our chances of getting the IV missions accomplished?
If there can be some certainty & improvement of possibilities, i have feeling .. people will step forward.
You have noble intentions and I salute your spirit but it does not make practical sense to try and raise $1M when on the other thread, we have not even touched $15K!! At least, this will not happen with a donations only campaign. If a corporate were to sponsor, thats a different thing..
Again, I think all (ok, most!) the members would donate $2000 if there was assurance/certainty of positive outcome. A lot of people are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for a positive outcome, without contributing time and/or money.
People, please contribute time and money towards IV to help yourselves!
tattoo lil jon without sunglasses.
kirupa
11-26 08:58 PM
Silverlight is a runtime - it really doesn't have a focus :P
This site focuses on the apps used to create content for the runtimes - Flash, Silverlight, WPF. I put Flex Builder and Visual Studio in the developer corner, and I put Expression Blend and Flash CS4 into a more designer corner.
The content on this site revolves around using Flash or Blend to create Flash or SL/WPF content.
This site focuses on the apps used to create content for the runtimes - Flash, Silverlight, WPF. I put Flex Builder and Visual Studio in the developer corner, and I put Expression Blend and Flash CS4 into a more designer corner.
The content on this site revolves around using Flash or Blend to create Flash or SL/WPF content.
more...
pictures lil jon without sunglasses.
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
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2010/09/24/information-on-the-new-uscis-fee-increase.aspx?ref=rss)
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)
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GC_1000Watt
12-04 06:12 PM
1> just carried the usual documents required, job letter, tax returns, I-129, LCA, Paystubs etc. I also carried whatever documentation I could find for my previous employers like experience letter, last few paystubs etc. Also original of degrees/transcripts.
2> I stayed at Hotel Real Del Rio which is less than a minute walk from the consulate. It's right behind the consulate infact. Very nice hotel; courteous staff. Recommended you do booking through expedia ($70), although expedia will not charge your credit card but you can carry the printout which will get you that rate. If you book directly with the hotel, the rate's much higher (close to $100)
3> YEs, I got the tourist visa for mexico. Although nobody checked it anywhere, but I believe entering any country without valid visa/paperwork is illegal. Getting a mexican visa was very easy. You just go to the consulate/embassy, tell them you want to go to the US consulate in Tijuana for H-1b stamping. They issue you within the hour stamped. Cost about $36. Just get your H-1b petition with you for proof, and the appointment confirmation.
4> The validity of H-1b depends on the validity of the petition I-797. Whatever period you have that for, will be stamped.
5> He just asked me for job letter, asked me if I've applied for GC (I have), asked me that don't I have to work with them for a certain time (to which I replied I did and after I was eligible I changed employers using AC-21). He just read the job duties in my H-1B petition (most likely to check for any TAL related stuff). He remarked that inspite of my experience, my close-to-six-figure salary is a bit above slavery (to which I replied that I do get other benefits such as 401k, paid time-off, health/medical insurance etc.). He just asked some other questions such as what was my major in masters, how long I've been in US, had I worked in India, if so how long. I replied all of them. It appears he put that in the comments screen on his PC. And then he said he's approving it.
It was basically a bar-like casual conversation I had with him. Within a few seconds of my start of the interview with IO, I knew he'll approve my visa. so it was pretty cool all along the way.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I will get back to you if I will have any further questions.
2> I stayed at Hotel Real Del Rio which is less than a minute walk from the consulate. It's right behind the consulate infact. Very nice hotel; courteous staff. Recommended you do booking through expedia ($70), although expedia will not charge your credit card but you can carry the printout which will get you that rate. If you book directly with the hotel, the rate's much higher (close to $100)
3> YEs, I got the tourist visa for mexico. Although nobody checked it anywhere, but I believe entering any country without valid visa/paperwork is illegal. Getting a mexican visa was very easy. You just go to the consulate/embassy, tell them you want to go to the US consulate in Tijuana for H-1b stamping. They issue you within the hour stamped. Cost about $36. Just get your H-1b petition with you for proof, and the appointment confirmation.
4> The validity of H-1b depends on the validity of the petition I-797. Whatever period you have that for, will be stamped.
5> He just asked me for job letter, asked me if I've applied for GC (I have), asked me that don't I have to work with them for a certain time (to which I replied I did and after I was eligible I changed employers using AC-21). He just read the job duties in my H-1B petition (most likely to check for any TAL related stuff). He remarked that inspite of my experience, my close-to-six-figure salary is a bit above slavery (to which I replied that I do get other benefits such as 401k, paid time-off, health/medical insurance etc.). He just asked some other questions such as what was my major in masters, how long I've been in US, had I worked in India, if so how long. I replied all of them. It appears he put that in the comments screen on his PC. And then he said he's approving it.
It was basically a bar-like casual conversation I had with him. Within a few seconds of my start of the interview with IO, I knew he'll approve my visa. so it was pretty cool all along the way.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I will get back to you if I will have any further questions.
more...
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paskal
08-22 03:02 PM
This sound like a good idea...our first option is to attend the rally. But if for some reason we are not able to make it...we can identify a place in all the states on the same day to show support for the DC rally.. I tried to find someone in Buffalo...but noone responded..dont know whether I will be able to attend the rally in DC.
if no one responds here, please find a friend in Buffalo to travel with you!
or in Rochester or Syracuse or something. Plesae help spread the word about the rally. The University most definitely has affected folks- in fact it has oodles of them! let us know hoe we can help you with motivating people to come...if you could collect enough people...one bus could start in Buffalo and work it's way down...
if no one responds here, please find a friend in Buffalo to travel with you!
or in Rochester or Syracuse or something. Plesae help spread the word about the rally. The University most definitely has affected folks- in fact it has oodles of them! let us know hoe we can help you with motivating people to come...if you could collect enough people...one bus could start in Buffalo and work it's way down...
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fasterthanlight�
08-23 05:25 PM
HOly old thread batman!!!
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gc_lover
06-28 03:44 PM
O MY GOD !! You are so right............guys.. check out Rajiv Khanna's web site, Check out Sheela Murthy's web site, USCIS.....everyone is saying the same.........we are royally screwed. God Helppppppppppp
It's not funny!
It's not funny!
krithi
03-22 12:39 PM
All,
I have filled I-485 in 2007, PD is June 2006, EB2. I went to India and came back using my AP on 07/16/2008. I was working for the same company when I came back. I have changed my employer in April, and haven't filled for AC21 yet.
Can you please help me with following question?
My Question is: Will it be Okay to travel using Advance Parole after changing employer and not filled AC21? If anyone traveled like this, Can you please let me know what documents do I need to take with me?
I am in the same boat and travelled twice, no questions asked about employment.
I have filled I-485 in 2007, PD is June 2006, EB2. I went to India and came back using my AP on 07/16/2008. I was working for the same company when I came back. I have changed my employer in April, and haven't filled for AC21 yet.
Can you please help me with following question?
My Question is: Will it be Okay to travel using Advance Parole after changing employer and not filled AC21? If anyone traveled like this, Can you please let me know what documents do I need to take with me?
I am in the same boat and travelled twice, no questions asked about employment.
ssnd03
07-12 04:32 PM
Every guy thinks that his/her problem is always the biggest bottleneck
Eliminating FBI delays will restore FIFO and stop such visa bulletin fiascos.
It will not solve retrogression which is a bigger problem, but requires congressional action for number increases
Eliminating FBI delays will restore FIFO and stop such visa bulletin fiascos.
It will not solve retrogression which is a bigger problem, but requires congressional action for number increases
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