USCIS published a Fee Increase schedule in the Federal Register today. Applications and petitions mailed, postmarked, or otherwise filed on or after 12/23/16 must include new fee. (81 FR 73292, 10/24/16) USCIS Fee Schedule (pdf) A few important Forms and the corresponding fee increases are listed below: Form From To I-129 $325.00 $460.00 I-539 [...]
The Department of State is responsible for administering the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) relating to the numerical limitations on immigrant visa issuances. This information sheet explains the operation of the immigrant number allotment and control system: http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Immigrant%20Visa%20Control%20System_operation%20of.pdf
USCIS has published an informative webinar thats's available on demand about Form I-9 and how to properly complete it. Please watch the I-9 Form webinar.
Immigration attorneys often encounter a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who wants to return to the United States after spending considerable time in his or her home country. The person may have left with the intention to return promptly to the United States, but remained unexpectedly due to personal obligations or other circumstances. Generally, an LPR [...]
Noting that the list of factors set forth in the decision were not exhaustive, BALCA found that Dice.com is a job search website for IT professionals, not a "professional organization" for purposes of recruitment under 20 CFR §656.17(e)(1)(ii)(E). (Matter of Privthi Info. Solutions, 11/1/13). Read the BALCA case here.
USCIS has posted Questions and Answers on Appeals and Motions, helps clarify the options available to an applicant or petitioner when a case has been denied.
After last week's decision by the Supreme Court holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, President Obama directed federal departments to ensure the decision and its implication for federal benefits for same-sex legally married couples are implemented swiftly and smoothly. To that end, effective immediately, I have directed U.S. [...]
BALCA reversed the denial, finding the omission of a Spanish language requirement in the Notice of Filing was not by itself fatal to the application where the overall text of the NOF was sufficient to apprise U.S. workers of the job opportunity. (Matter of Architectural Stone Accents, 7/3/13). Read the BALCA case here.
BALCA found the employer's ads unduly restrictive, where the employer listed "Houston, TX" (the place of the beneficiary's residence) as the geographic area of employment, when in fact, the position is more flexible and allows the person to work from home. (Matter of Siemen's, 7/23/13). Read the BALCA case here.
BALCA found that the U.S. worker's lack of special skills was a lawful, job-related reason for rejection, and that the employer's failure to identify the requirements for the U.S. worker's previous position did not warrant denial. (Matter of Cisco Systems, 4/26/13) [Courtesy - AILA] Read the BALCA case.