dionysus
01-16 07:53 PM
Earlier, INS used to be very lenient with H1B transfer without current paystubs. I know of cases where people got H1 transfered without having paystubs for more than a year!
However, seems like of late CIS has woken up to the shady practices of H1 consultant body shops, and is aware of the fact that many consultants are living in this country without working and without paystubs. So they are becoming more stringent with regards to paystub evidence.
I also have a feeling that most such requests are coming from Vermont service center where many H1 petitions are hanging.
To answer your question, in the absence of any paystubs, prepare a nice letter to CIS explaining the situation, and then leave it to your destiny. US immigration processes like H1 and GC always had an element of chance in it. It is always helpful to be ready for any eventuality in such a dicey game.
However, seems like of late CIS has woken up to the shady practices of H1 consultant body shops, and is aware of the fact that many consultants are living in this country without working and without paystubs. So they are becoming more stringent with regards to paystub evidence.
I also have a feeling that most such requests are coming from Vermont service center where many H1 petitions are hanging.
To answer your question, in the absence of any paystubs, prepare a nice letter to CIS explaining the situation, and then leave it to your destiny. US immigration processes like H1 and GC always had an element of chance in it. It is always helpful to be ready for any eventuality in such a dicey game.
wallpaper pictures of hair styles for women over 60. for women over 60. stylish
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)
swapnajay
10-09 01:02 PM
Dude!! Don't even think of applying for AOS now. The dates are not current and you have some issues with your H1-B. Please consult an Attorney immediately!!!!......
I came to the USA on 3rd November, 2006 in company A. I did not work a single day in company A. I joined to company B on 17th January, 2007. I have no idea how my employer filed my H1B in company B without any paystub. I joined to company C on 24th July as they started my GC process right away. My H1B with company B and C are still pending. Company C has filed my labor on 31st August and got approval on 11th September. I am planning to file I-140, I-485, I-765 and I-131 together. So my questions are:
1) Is there any possibility to get denied/RFE for my GC as my last two H1B are still pending ?
2) What are the risks to be considered if I go back to my country and come back on AP as I don't have a visa stamp on my passport ? I am from a non-retrogressed country.
3) I heard that it takes too much time to bring spouse here if I marry after GC approval. I am planning to go back and marry and come back but don't want to bring my future wife on H4. Will it help me later to avoid unnecessesary waiting time to bring her here once my GC is approved ?
I shall be thankful to you to get my answer.
Thanks & regards,
SU1979
I came to the USA on 3rd November, 2006 in company A. I did not work a single day in company A. I joined to company B on 17th January, 2007. I have no idea how my employer filed my H1B in company B without any paystub. I joined to company C on 24th July as they started my GC process right away. My H1B with company B and C are still pending. Company C has filed my labor on 31st August and got approval on 11th September. I am planning to file I-140, I-485, I-765 and I-131 together. So my questions are:
1) Is there any possibility to get denied/RFE for my GC as my last two H1B are still pending ?
2) What are the risks to be considered if I go back to my country and come back on AP as I don't have a visa stamp on my passport ? I am from a non-retrogressed country.
3) I heard that it takes too much time to bring spouse here if I marry after GC approval. I am planning to go back and marry and come back but don't want to bring my future wife on H4. Will it help me later to avoid unnecessesary waiting time to bring her here once my GC is approved ?
I shall be thankful to you to get my answer.
Thanks & regards,
SU1979
2011 short haircuts for women over
carbon
09-19 12:46 PM
Looks like the article is coming straight out of NumberUSA's mouth!
more...
GCD
07-28 11:15 AM
Gurus. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
Gurus. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
Gurus. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
saro28
10-30 09:08 PM
Hello ncgc, Please post your experience once you get the card back. My spouse (filed seperate) has the the same issue. She received the EAD card with wrong photo and today she received the AP with the wrong photo as well. We are going to send it back to the lawyer, so he can follow up with INS. Is your AP photo looks ok?
more...
gaz
08-13 03:34 PM
oh - no disrespect to vdlrao - we're looking forward to more posts from him.
even if some of his predictions are off target, its many more than us mere mortals who cannot even predict (or analyse) this chakravyu of GC bulletins..
:)
Come on guys, give him a break.
His analysis was accurate, if any of you came across the September 08 bulletin, EB2 advanced by two months. Which equates to what vldrao analyzed in the past, the use of 20,000 visas in September.
We all IV members stand united and lets not adverse someone on the basis of his righteousness. Even if a IV member is wrong, let's all correct him.
Thanks
even if some of his predictions are off target, its many more than us mere mortals who cannot even predict (or analyse) this chakravyu of GC bulletins..
:)
Come on guys, give him a break.
His analysis was accurate, if any of you came across the September 08 bulletin, EB2 advanced by two months. Which equates to what vldrao analyzed in the past, the use of 20,000 visas in September.
We all IV members stand united and lets not adverse someone on the basis of his righteousness. Even if a IV member is wrong, let's all correct him.
Thanks
2010 Short+hairstyles+for+women
jbr
02-27 06:55 PM
Not sure if the conference call mentioned in the previous post has already been held. I wouldn't mind joining in future calls. Thanks.
more...
gbof
09-30 09:37 PM
Before you get all mushy about AILA and start bashing USCIS take deep look and see if AILA is really acting as a friend or a adversary in friends disguise?
Donot get me wrong. I have no special love for aila or uscis. please, note, aila is talking about 100 million short fall and uscis plan to raise fees.........
Donot get me wrong. I have no special love for aila or uscis. please, note, aila is talking about 100 million short fall and uscis plan to raise fees.........
hair very short hair styles for women over. short hair cuts for women over
pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
more...
ram112
09-03 05:09 AM
Folks,
I got greened today, surprisingly. Could anyone let me know what are the good numbers to reach a human in USCIS, hopefully with less wait time. I wanted to check with them what address they have on file. I filed an address change in JUne but I am not sure if they have it right in their systems. Also, is there a way to get this information without calling them.
Thanks a lot ..
I got greened today, surprisingly. Could anyone let me know what are the good numbers to reach a human in USCIS, hopefully with less wait time. I wanted to check with them what address they have on file. I filed an address change in JUne but I am not sure if they have it right in their systems. Also, is there a way to get this information without calling them.
Thanks a lot ..
hot haircuts for women over 60
smartboy75
07-09 01:59 PM
USCIS has different meening for Re-entry permit and Advance parole. Infact the eligibility criteria is different for both. Look at I-131 Instructions. Its very clearly specified there.
Hope this helps.
1. Re-entry Permit - A reentry permit allows a permanent resident or conditional resident to apply for admission to the United States upon returning from abroad during the permit's validity, without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or consulate
2. Refugee Travel Document - A refugee travel document is issued to a person classified as a refugee or asylee, or to a permanent resident who obtained such status as a result of being a refugee or asylee in the United States. Persons who hold aslyee or refugee status, and are not permanent residents, must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
3. Advance Parole Document - An advance parole document is issued solely to authorize the temporary parole of a person into the United States.
The document may be accepted by a transportation company in lieu of a visa as an authorization for the holder to travel to the United States. An advance parole document is not issued to serve in place of any required passport.
Advance parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to bring an otherwise inadmissible alien to the United States for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency. Advance parole cannot be used to circumvent the normal visa issuing procedures and is not a means to bypass delays in visa issuance.
NOTE: If you are in the United States and wish to travel abroad, you do not need to apply for advance parole if both conditions described below in A and B are met:
B. A Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was filed on your behalf and is pending with USCIS.
However, upon returning to the United States, you must present your valid H, L, K, or V nonimmigrant visa and continue to remain eligible for that status.
Thanks for clarifying....
I mistook AP to be a re-entry permit....My bad....
Hope this helps.
1. Re-entry Permit - A reentry permit allows a permanent resident or conditional resident to apply for admission to the United States upon returning from abroad during the permit's validity, without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or consulate
2. Refugee Travel Document - A refugee travel document is issued to a person classified as a refugee or asylee, or to a permanent resident who obtained such status as a result of being a refugee or asylee in the United States. Persons who hold aslyee or refugee status, and are not permanent residents, must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
3. Advance Parole Document - An advance parole document is issued solely to authorize the temporary parole of a person into the United States.
The document may be accepted by a transportation company in lieu of a visa as an authorization for the holder to travel to the United States. An advance parole document is not issued to serve in place of any required passport.
Advance parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to bring an otherwise inadmissible alien to the United States for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency. Advance parole cannot be used to circumvent the normal visa issuing procedures and is not a means to bypass delays in visa issuance.
NOTE: If you are in the United States and wish to travel abroad, you do not need to apply for advance parole if both conditions described below in A and B are met:
B. A Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was filed on your behalf and is pending with USCIS.
However, upon returning to the United States, you must present your valid H, L, K, or V nonimmigrant visa and continue to remain eligible for that status.
Thanks for clarifying....
I mistook AP to be a re-entry permit....My bad....
more...
house very short haircuts for women
Openarms
02-09 05:01 PM
what is NCR Region???
NCR Region
Sr Developer / Lead Developer (7-15yrs exp) - 8 - 15 lakhs
Project Manager (10-15yrs exp) - 10-20 lakhs
Above this level, the jobs are far and few, but some are
Principal Consultant / Program Manager (in cos like Wipro, Infy, HP) (12- 18 yrs exp) - 18-28 lakhs
Also note, just because someone has worked in US for a few years does not get any advantage above Project Manager level.
Information based on many well placed contacts at these levels.
NCR Region
Sr Developer / Lead Developer (7-15yrs exp) - 8 - 15 lakhs
Project Manager (10-15yrs exp) - 10-20 lakhs
Above this level, the jobs are far and few, but some are
Principal Consultant / Program Manager (in cos like Wipro, Infy, HP) (12- 18 yrs exp) - 18-28 lakhs
Also note, just because someone has worked in US for a few years does not get any advantage above Project Manager level.
Information based on many well placed contacts at these levels.
tattoo very short hair styles
cptbaseball
05-14 11:59 AM
Since your H-1B change of status is approved, you are in H-1B Status now. In order to continue working on H-1B status after overseas trip, you must enter USA using H-1B visa stamp. This may require you to apply and get new H-1B visa stamp.
Please consider getting professional advice from your attorney before making any travel plans and what visa to use for re-entering.
______________________
Not a legal advice.
US citizen of Indian origin
.
H-1B is approved from Oct/1/2009. Currently I should be on L-1B. As per this article, I think I can travel without jeopardizing my future status. They call it the 'Hernandez letter'. Is this true?
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_cosapp.html
Thanks..
Please consider getting professional advice from your attorney before making any travel plans and what visa to use for re-entering.
______________________
Not a legal advice.
US citizen of Indian origin
.
H-1B is approved from Oct/1/2009. Currently I should be on L-1B. As per this article, I think I can travel without jeopardizing my future status. They call it the 'Hernandez letter'. Is this true?
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_cosapp.html
Thanks..
more...
pictures Long Hairstyles For Women Over
roseball
08-07 11:10 AM
if my wife is already in US on H4 do i need to file a I-134 ,I-864 too ??
Also do i need to add my tax return, my I20 and my paystubs with application. She just came into country so she does not have any tax rerurn of her own nor any I20 or any paystubs of her own.. Please suggest.
Thanks
-M
Yes, its good to file I-134 especially when she is on H4. Paystubs and tax returns are not required documents though a lot of people tend to submit them. Just an employment letter from your employer would suffice. You dont need to include your I-20 with your wife's application....However, do include her medicals, though its not part of the initial evidence......
Also do i need to add my tax return, my I20 and my paystubs with application. She just came into country so she does not have any tax rerurn of her own nor any I20 or any paystubs of her own.. Please suggest.
Thanks
-M
Yes, its good to file I-134 especially when she is on H4. Paystubs and tax returns are not required documents though a lot of people tend to submit them. Just an employment letter from your employer would suffice. You dont need to include your I-20 with your wife's application....However, do include her medicals, though its not part of the initial evidence......
dresses hair styles for women over 60.
jasmin45
08-06 10:16 AM
I just recived mail from embassy saying that there is no visa avilable for my case. When avilable they will call me for the interview again. Thank you ALL
Sorry to hear this news! As far as I understand the july fieasco and successive events did not effect consular processing especially for scheduled interviews. How did this happen? Well!
We Hope that the visa categories will be current in October and vias be allocated to you, when they open the FY 2008.
Sorry to hear this news! As far as I understand the july fieasco and successive events did not effect consular processing especially for scheduled interviews. How did this happen? Well!
We Hope that the visa categories will be current in October and vias be allocated to you, when they open the FY 2008.
more...
makeup Short hairstyles can be easily
optimystic
05-12 08:36 PM
There are certain things that money cannot buy [for everything else there is Master card :) ].
Seriously, If $2000 dollars would buy you a GC (guaranteed) then I think most (> 90%) of the people on this forum would have gone for that (or atleast convince their employers to part with that amount for a guaranteed ROI)
It would be good to get some kind of insight into the thought process of IV core/lead team and how they think they can put a million dollars to effective use?
I mean can we lobby/cultivate our own caucus (not cactus :D) from the ground up in the congress etc, who can work for our cause? What other such effective things can be done?
Any kind of roadmap/plan of action that would probably help generate an interest and convince atleast some people to start donating.
Just saw this on cnet .
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9941962-7.html?tag=nefd.top
"The Hispanic Caucus sees it as a bargaining chip to get what they want, which is comprehensive immigration reform, amnesty for illegal immigrants, whatever you want to call it," Fishman said. "Until the Democratic leadership allows legislation (related to H-1Bs) to go to the floor on its own merits, that's the situation we have here."
Though this is only about H1-B, but I would guess, that caucus would be looking at even other legal immigration/GC related proposals, amendments that come thru and try their best to piggy back on them to further their own agenda. To be able to effectively push legal immigration related laws/changes on their own merit and not held back in one common basket, we might need an equally powerful legal immigration/H1B caucus out there.
But how to get there? Will million dollars help?
Thats the million dollar question currently on everyone's mind I guess :D
Seriously, If $2000 dollars would buy you a GC (guaranteed) then I think most (> 90%) of the people on this forum would have gone for that (or atleast convince their employers to part with that amount for a guaranteed ROI)
It would be good to get some kind of insight into the thought process of IV core/lead team and how they think they can put a million dollars to effective use?
I mean can we lobby/cultivate our own caucus (not cactus :D) from the ground up in the congress etc, who can work for our cause? What other such effective things can be done?
Any kind of roadmap/plan of action that would probably help generate an interest and convince atleast some people to start donating.
Just saw this on cnet .
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9941962-7.html?tag=nefd.top
"The Hispanic Caucus sees it as a bargaining chip to get what they want, which is comprehensive immigration reform, amnesty for illegal immigrants, whatever you want to call it," Fishman said. "Until the Democratic leadership allows legislation (related to H-1Bs) to go to the floor on its own merits, that's the situation we have here."
Though this is only about H1-B, but I would guess, that caucus would be looking at even other legal immigration/GC related proposals, amendments that come thru and try their best to piggy back on them to further their own agenda. To be able to effectively push legal immigration related laws/changes on their own merit and not held back in one common basket, we might need an equally powerful legal immigration/H1B caucus out there.
But how to get there? Will million dollars help?
Thats the million dollar question currently on everyone's mind I guess :D
girlfriend images of short haircuts for
manish1905
10-07 12:34 PM
I got same audit in september as well
the guy came in to my desk and took pictures and i was asked to show my pay stubs
then they went to my hr and asked all questions
on being asked he said its the normal procedure
so no big deal , pls make sure if they coem to your office you should atleast have a copy of your paystubs
Thanks for your info!!!!!
the guy came in to my desk and took pictures and i was asked to show my pay stubs
then they went to my hr and asked all questions
on being asked he said its the normal procedure
so no big deal , pls make sure if they coem to your office you should atleast have a copy of your paystubs
Thanks for your info!!!!!
hairstyles pictures of hair styles for women over 60. hairstyles for women over 50
mhtanim
10-08 06:13 PM
Interesting question! Logically, as soon as a H4 holder starts using EAD the H4 becomes invalid. As long as the primary is in valid H1B status, the dependent should be able get back to H4 status even if the 485 is denied.
However, I am not sure how someone can changes status from AOS (due to using EAD) to H4. May be getting out of the U.S. and come back as H4 again? Anybody has any idea?
However, I am not sure how someone can changes status from AOS (due to using EAD) to H4. May be getting out of the U.S. and come back as H4 again? Anybody has any idea?
dalishi
10-13 02:54 PM
Thanks guys!!
AirWaterandGC
05-15 12:04 AM
I have repeatedly said that is not about any one person's GC. Count on me to be with IV even when I get mine. Its the fight for justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment