Monthly Archives: October 2016

27
October 2016
The fees are going up. USCIS is almost entirely funded by application and petition fees. The fee schedule was last adjusted in November 2010.
Fees

This chart lists USCIS’ fees effective December 23, 2016. Applications and petitions postmarked or filed on or after December 23, 2016, must include these new fees or USCIS will reject your submission.

Immigration Benefit Request New Fee ($) Old Fee ($)
G–1041 Genealogy Index Search Request 65 20
G–1041A Genealogy Records Request (Copy from Microfilm) 65 20
G–1041A Genealogy Records Request (Copy from Textual Record) 65 35
I–90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card 455 365
I–102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document 445 330
I–129/129CW Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker 460 325
I–129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) 535 340
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative 535 420
I-131/I-131A Application for Travel Document 575 360
I–140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker 700 580
I-191 Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 930 585
I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant 585/9301 585
I-193 Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa 585 585
I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal 930 585
I–290B Notice of Appeal or Motion 675 630
I–360 Petition for Amerasian Widow(er) or Special Immigrant 435 405
I–485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status 1,140 985
I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (certain applicants under the age of 14 years) 750 635
I–526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur 3,675 1,500
I–539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status 370 290
I–600/600A Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative/Application for Advance Petition Processing of Orphan Petition 775 720
I-601 Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability 930 585
I–601A Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver 630 585
I-612 Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement (Under Section 212(e) of the INA, as Amended) 930 585
I–687 Application for Status as a Temporary Resident under Section 245A
of the Immigration and Nationality Act
1,130 1,130
I–690 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility 715 200
I–694 Notice of Appeal of Decision 890 755
I–698 Application to Adjust Status From Temporary to Permanent Resident
(Under Section 245A of the INA)
1,670 1,020
I–751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence 595 505
I–765 Application for Employment Authorization 410 380
I-800/800A Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative/Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country 775 720
I–800A Supp. 3 Request for Action on Approved Form I–800A 385 360
I–817 Application for Family Unity Benefits 600 435
I–824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition 465 405
I–829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions 3,750 3,750
I–910 Application for Civil Surgeon Designation 785 615
I–924 Application for Regional Center Designation Under the Immigrant
Investor Program
17,795 6,230
I–924A Annual Certification of Regional Center 3,035 0
I–929 Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U–1 Nonimmigrant 230 215
N–300 Application to File Declaration of Intention 270 250
N–336 Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings 700 650
N–400 Application for Naturalization2 640 595
N–470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes 355 330
N–565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document 555 345
N–600/N–600K Application for Certificate of Citizenship 1,170 600/5503
USCIS Immigrant Fee 220 165
Biometric Services Fee 85 85

Note:

  1. The fee for Form I-192 will remain $585 when filed with and processed by CBP.
  2. Certain low-income naturalization applicants may pay a filing fee of $320 plus the $85 biometric services fee. For eligibility details and filing instructions, see Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee and Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
  3. The old fee for N-600/N-600K applications filed on behalf of a biological child was $600 and on behalf of an adopted child was $550. There is no fee for a Form N-600 filed by a member or veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces filing on his or her behalf.

For more information, see the final fee rule in the Federal Register, which contains a more detailed version of this chart.

27
October 2016

Where an applicant has a valid visa annotated for one employer (Employer A) and has since changed employers or added a concurrent employer (Employer B), CBP confirmed that the applicant does not need to first obtain a new visa with Employer B before seeking admission. In the case of TN applicants, a foreign national may present either an I-797 approval notice issued by USCIS or an employment letter from the new employer, in addition to evidence that the applicant and the position itself qualifies for TN status.

With regard to most other petition-based NIV classifications (including H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, and R-1), CBP confirmed that in most situations, an applicant for admission with a valid visa can present an I-797 approval notice for a new employer (Employer B) and be admitted through the petition expiration date, even if the visa has been approved for and annotated with Employer A. Moreover, CBP verified that this policy generally applies to those applicants previously granted an INA §212(d)(3) inadmissibility waiver as part of the initial visa application (unless the waiver places conditions on entry which preclude a change in employment) as well as those seeking automatic visa revalidation under 22 CFR §41.112(d). Of course, the usual limitations apply, e.g., foreign nationals cannot be readmitted beyond their passport expiration date, and those who are not nationals of a country that extends passport validity for an additional six months after expiration [see 9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(2)] cannot be readmitted to a date more than six months in advance of the passport expiration date.

It should be noted that, to date, there has been no direct written guidance from CBP on this point.

 

26
October 2016

Canadian TNs:

  • Canadian TN applicants applying at a Port of Entry (POE) should bring a TN support letter from each of the employers for whom he/she will be working in the U.S.
    • At Land POEs: CBP will issue an I-94 with the names of the different employers annotated on the back. If there is not enough room on a single I-94 document, additional I-94s will be issued to accommodate the names of all of the employers. Where multiple I-94s are issued, CBP will put the same I-94 number on each. CBP will also update the electronic I-94 system to reflect all employers for whom the TN is authorized to work. The TN will be authorized to work for all employers listed in the electronic system, even if on subsequent trips he or she is issued only a single I-94.
    • At Airports: CBP will list the names of all employers in the electronic I-94 system. The TN should download the electronic I-94 after entry.
    • Note: TN applicants will pay the $50 filing fee only one time, regardless of the number of employers. The $6 I-94 fee will also be paid only one time, unless multiple I-94s are issued at a land POE, in which case the TN must pay $6 for each I-94.
  • Canadian TNs originally approved for only one employer may return to the POE with new, additional TN applications to add concurrent employers at a later date. If new, concurrent TN employment is added at a later date, the applicant will need to pay a new $50 filing fee, plus $6 for a new I-94.

Mexican TNs:

  • Mexican TN applicants working for multiple employers must typically present this information to the consulate when applying for a visa. DOS should endorse the visa to reflect the names of approved employers.
  • Mexican TN applicants who are in possession of a valid TN visa endorsed for only one employer may present TN application letters at the POE to add new, concurrent employers.
  • CBP confirmed that Mexican citizens in possession of a valid TN visa may change employers by departing the U.S. and seeking reentry at a POE using the existing TN visa endorsed for the original employer, together with a TN application letter from the new employer. CBP will charge $50 plus a $6 I-94 fee to adjudicate the new TN application.
  • Alternatively, Mexican citizens holding a valid TN visa, and for whom an I-129 petition is filed and approved while he or she in the U.S., may add concurrent employers or change employers by appearing at a POE and presenting the I-129 approval notice and visa without going to the consulate for a new visa. The petitioner(s) on the I-129 petition(s) need not be the same petitioner(s) endorsed on the visa.

 

14
October 2016

There are many applicants across the family categories who can now process their (and their family members’) I-485 Adjustment of Status applications from within the U.S. or process their immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if our office can help you take advantage of this (very time-sensitive for some) opportunity to file I-485 applications. We are also happy to provide a free quote for preparing and filing your I-485 application.

We also invite you to contact us if our office can be of any assistance in your immigration matters or you have any questions or comments about the November 2016 Visa Bulletin.

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); “C” means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and “U” means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlierthan the final action date listed below.)

Family-
Sponsored
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-mainland
born
INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
F1 22OCT09 22OCT09 22OCT09 08APR95 01SEP05
F2A 22JAN15 22JAN15 22JAN15 08JAN15 22JAN15
F2B 15APR10 15APR10 15APR10 08OCT95 15FEB06
F3 22JAN05 22JAN05 22JAN05 01DEC94 08AUG94
F4 01DEC03 01AUG03 15FEB03 08MAY97 08MAY93

*NOTE: For November, F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority datesearlier than 08JAN15. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates beginning 08JAN15 and earlier than 22JAN15. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

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FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:

Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:

A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:

B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:

Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:

Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:

13
October 2016

DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which isearlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS.

Family-
Sponsored
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland
born
INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
F1 01JAN11 01JAN11 01JAN11 01JUN95 01MAY06
F2A 22NOV15 22NOV15 22NOV15 22NOV15 22NOV15
F2B 08FEB11 08FEB11 08FEB11 01JUN96 01FEB07
F3 22AUG05 22AUG05 22AUG05 01MAY95 01JAN95
F4 01JUL04 01JUL04 01MAY04 01DEC97 01APR94

 

 

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:

Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:

A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:

B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:

Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:

Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:

13
October 2016

EB-2 India and China advance notably while the forward movement in most of the other categories is minor. Additionally, EB-3 China continues to have a more favorable cutoff date than EB-2 China which creates favorable conditions for EB-2 to EB-3 China downgrades.

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); “C” means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and “U” means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)

Employ-
ment
based
All Charge-
ability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland
born
EL SALVADOR
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
1st C C C C C C
2nd C 15JUL12 C 01NOV07 C C
3rd 01JUL16 15APR13 01JUL16 08MAR05 01JUL16 01APR11
Other Workers 01JUL16 01SEP05 01JUL16 08MAR05 01JUL16 01APR11
4th C C 15JUL15 C C C
Certain Religious Workers C C 15JUL15 C C C
5th
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
C 08MAR14 C C C C
5th
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
C 08MAR14 C C C C

 

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EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to “*Other Workers”.

Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants: 7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth: Employment Creation: 7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and 3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.

13
October 2016

Trump, la ‘papa más caliente’ del Partido Republicano
Maribel Hastings

Hoy Dallas

Trump choca con figuras republicanas y se aleja cada vez más de su partido
AFP/El País (Colombia)

Partido Republicano, al borde de la ruptura total con Donald Trump
Noticias Caracol (Colombia)

EEUU: Donald Trump declara la Guerra al Partido Republicano
Página Siete (Bolivia)

Donald Trump declara la guerra al Partido Republicano
Poder y Gloria

Clinton aventaja en 11 puntos a Trump
Equilibrio Informativo (Venezuela)

Hillary supera a Trump por 11 puntos en nueva encuesta
El Regio Deporte (España)

Hillary Clinton ganó segundo debate a Donald Trump
TyN Cloud

Trump es un insulto a la igualdad de oportunidades
TecnoAlimen Info

Ejército de voluntarios y activistas registra votantes en Nevada
Maribel Hastings y David Torres/
Buenos Días Nebraska

“Esa cosa mexicana”, la frase que despertó la ira de latinos en Twitter
Sumarium

Somos más que ‘una cosa’: somos un voto
David Torres/
La Conexión USA (NC)

DONALD TRUMP CONFRONTADO POR MUJERES Y LA FUERZA DE SU VOTO

Una avalancha de acusaciones de acoso sexual le cae a Trump en la recta final de la campaña
Univision.com

El New York Times publica versiones de dos mujeres que dicen haber sido acosadas sexualmente por Donald Trump
Noticiero Univision Edición Nocturna

¿Quién ganaría las elecciones presidenciales si votaran solo las mujeres?
Univision.com

Ex Miss Arizona USA afirma que Trump se paseaba entre las concursantes cuando estaban en topless o desnudas
Univision.com

Mujeres protestan frente a oficinas de Donald Trump en Nueva York por maltrato verbal contra género femenino (Video)
Noticiero Univision

Dos mujeres acusan a Trump de tocarlas inapropiadamente, reporta ‘New York Times’ (Video)
CNN en Español

AUMENTAN LAS INTIMIDACIONES DE TRUMP

Los mensajes de Trump intimidan a votantes de minorías
Univision.com

Trump: Paul Ryan y el Partido Republicano tienen “un acuerdo siniestro” en mi contra
Univision.com

Donald Trump arremete fuertemente contra aquellos que se oponen a su candidatura
Univision.com

Mítines de Trump: la realidad paralela donde el candidato ya es presidente
Univision.com

En problemas policías de San Antonio, Texas, por usar gorra de la campaña de Donald Trump mientras se encontraban uniformados (Video)
Noticiero Univision

Donald Trump: “Asegúrense de salir a votar este 28 de noviembre” (Video)
Univision

MÁS NOTAS SOBRE POLÍTICA Y VOTO

Cómo será el voto joven en noviembre (Video)
Noticiero Telemundo

El plan para despertar a un gigante: la propuesta del exalcalde Villaraigosa (Video)
CNN en Español

Hillary gana chances de quedarse con Texas, un estado históricamente republicano
Yahoo Noticias

Lo que piensa Maduro sobre Clinton y Trump
AFP/El Nuevo Herald

INMIGRANTES ROMPEN PIÑATA DE TRUMP EN MÉXICO

Inmigrantes cogen a golpes piñata de Trump (Video)
Noticiero Telemundo

Mexicanos anti-Trump descargaron su furia contra una piñata del candidato republicano (Video)
Univision.com

EDITORIALES Y OPINIÓN

Una justa extensión para los votantes de la Florida
El Nuevo Herald /Editorial

OBAMA Y EL MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA

Obama celebra herencia hispana en español (Video)
Noticiero Telemundo

OTRAS NOTICIAS

Estos 23 hispanos son un ejemplo en los servicios de salud de EEUU
Univision.com

Chicago otorgará tarjeta de identificación municipal a todos sus habitantes, incluidos los indocumentados
Univision.com

Esta ciudad de California es el mejor ejemplo nacional de la fuerza de los hispanos en Estados Unidos (Video)
Noticiero Univision

Inmigrantes que perdieron documentos por Matthew serán atendidos de urgencia
Univision.com

Corte analizará muerte de joven mexicano en la frontera (Video)
Noticiero Telemundo

Miles de inmigrantes centroamericanos que llegaron al país desde 2014 podrán permanecer de forma legal en Estados Unidos (Video)
Noticiero Univision

Y colorín, colorado… los 10 mejores libros bilingües para tus hijos (fotos)
Univision.com

 

12
October 2016

Effective October 5, 2016, USCIS has increased the validity period for initial or renewal Employment Authorization Documents for asylum applicants from one year to two years. Applicants with pending asylum claims file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, under category (c)(8). This change applies to all (c)(8)-based applications that are pending as of October 5, 2016 and all such applications filed on or after October 5, 2016.

Certain aliens who are temporarily in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other aliens who are authorized to work in the United States without restrictions must also use this form to apply to USCIS for a document that shows such authorization

Special Filing Instructions for Those With Pending Asylum Applications ((c)(8)) Asylum Applicant (with a pending asylum application) who filed for asylum on or after January 4, 1995. You must wait at least 150 days following the filling of your asylum claim before you are eligible to apply for an EAD.

Note to Asylum Applicants: If you are an asylum applicant, please refer to the asylum Web pages for criteria for eligibility, including information about the calculation of the 180-day Asylum EAD Clock.

 

 

12
October 2016

As of October 12, 2016, USCIS has not advised whether in November 2016, it will accept adjustment of status applications for family- or employment-based petitions based on filing dates, rather than final action dates. USCIS anticipates that this information will be released within one week of the monthly Visa Bulletin.

 

DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS.

 

Employment-
based
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland
born
INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
1st C C C C C
2nd C 01MAR13 22APR09 C C
3rd C 01MAY14 01JUL05 C 01SEP13
Other Workers C 01AUG09 01JUL05 C 01SEP13
4th C C C C C
Certain Religious Workers C C C C C
5th
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
C 15JUN14 C C C
5th
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
C 15JUN14 C C C

 

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EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First: Priority Workers:

Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:

Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:

Fourth: Certain Special Immigrants:

Fifth: Employment Creation: Some of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and others set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.

 

12
October 2016

EXTENSION OF TWO EMPLOYMENT VISA CATEGORIES

An extension of both the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) and Employment Fifth Preference Pilot (I5 and R5) Categories was signed into law in late September. As indicated in item D of the Visa Bulletin which announced the October final action dates, the extension has resulted in the immediate application of the following final action dates for the month of October:

SR: “Current” for all countries except El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras which are subject to a June 15, 2015 final action date for October.

I5 and R5: “Current” for all countries except China-mainland born for October. China-mainland born applicants are subject to a February 22, 2014 final action date for October.