Family Based Immigration

February 4, 2011

MVP LAW GROUP – Immigration Q&A Forum, Friday, February 4, 2011

MVP Law Group, P.A. makes available the information and materials in this forum for informational purposes only. The information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice or any contractual obligations. Further, the use of this site, and the sending or receipt of this information, does not create an attorney-client relationship between us. And, therefore, your communication with us through this forum will not be considered as privileged or confidential.

Question #1 – Temporary Work Visa – H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa

My company petitioned on behalf of a foreign national back in 2008. The national arrived in 2009 and has since obtained her PT license. Back in 2008 we filed her as a PT assistant. Is there anything we need to do now other than file a new LCA?

February 2, 2011

Congratulations on Becoming a U.S. Citizen

by Kellie N. Lego

After taking the oath and becoming a Unites States Citizen (USC), it is important to be aware of the newfound rights and responsibilities that come along with Citizenship.

All American citizens enjoy the following rights: freedom of expression and worship, right to vote in elections, right to a just and speedy trial, ability to apply for federal employment, and of course the freedom of “life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The rights guaranteed to individuals who are citizens by choice and by birth also come with responsibilities that they are expected to uphold. Responsibilities include: participating in a democracy, respecting the beliefs and opinions of others, reporting for jury duty, paying taxes, supporting the local community, and being ready to defend the country if the need arises.

Now that you are a citizen, it is also important to make sure you update your Social Security Record because it establishes your eligibility to receive benefits and obtain a job. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov to locate the nearest office but remember to make sure you bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Passport with you.

January 21, 2011

MVP LAW GROUP – Immigration Q&A Forum, Friday, January 21st, 2011

by Kellie N. Lego

MVP Law Group, P.A. makes available the information and materials in this forum for informational purposes only. The information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice or any contractual obligations. Further, the use of this site, and the sending or receipt of this information, does not create an attorney-client relationship between us. And, therefore, your communication with us through this forum will not be considered as privileged or confidential.

Question #1 – Temporary Work Visa – H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa

Is the H-1B FY2011 CAP still open?

January 19, 2011

Updated Service Center Processing Times

by Kellie N. Lego

Processing Time reports for all of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Service Centers were released on January 14, 2011 with processing dates as of November 30, 2010.

If you filed a petition with one of the Service Centers, please review the links below to determine the applicable processing time associated with your particular case.

California Service Center

January 14, 2011

USCIS – “Enlace” Public Engagement (Spanish-language ONLY)

by Kellie N. Lego

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is offering a Spanish-language only event called “Enlace” where agency updates will be given, a presentation will be shown, and an open forum for general questions will be conducted.

The topic for the event is “How Do I Help My Relative Become A Permanent Resident in the United States?”

The engagement is to be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the USCIS Washington Field Office, 2675 Prosperity Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, 20598 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm (EDT).

January 13, 2011

Global Entry Program Reaches 100,000 Members

by Kellie N. Lego

The Global Entry Trusted Traveler Pilot Program launched by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on December 27, 2010 that membership has surpassed 100,000 individuals.

The Global Entry program was launched by CBP in hopes of streamlining the process at airports for pre-approved travelers through the use of self-service kiosks. Currently the kiosks are located at 20 major airports around the United States and help to reduce waiting times by approximately 70 percent. In order to qualify for the Global Entry program and become a pre-approved traveler, an individual must either be a US citizen or lawful permanent residents able to pass an intensive background check. The Netherlands has an agreement set up that links the US’s Global entry program with Amsterdam’s Privium program allowing citizens of the Netherlands to apply as well. Applications must be submitted online at www.globalentry.gov in addition to a fee of 100 dollars to cover a five-year membership. To finish the process, the individual must go to any of the 20 airport sites in order to complete an in person interview and fingerprint data collection.

Once a member of the Global Entry Program, upon arriving at an airport an individual only has to insert their passport or lawful permanent resident card into a kiosk, provide fingerprints to compare with the fingerprints on file, and answer customs declaration questions. More information on the Global Entry program including detailed requirements and available locations can be found at www.cbp.gov/travel.

January 12, 2011

February 2011 Visa Bulletin

by Kellie N. Lego

The Department of State has released its latest Visa Bulletin.

Click here to view the February 2011 Visa Bulletin.

The February 2011 Visa Bulletin still shows employment based third preference (EB-3) visas as oversubscribed while the employment based second preference (EB-2) is current for all areas of chargeability except for China and India.

January 7, 2011

MVP LAW GROUP – Immigration Q&A Forum, Friday, January 7th, 2011

by Kellie N. Lego

MVP Law Group, P.A. makes available the information and materials in this forum for informational purposes only. The information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice or any contractual obligations. Further, the use of this site, and the sending or receipt of this information, does not create an attorney-client relationship between us. And, therefore, your communication with us through this forum will not be considered as privileged or confidential.

Question #1 – Temporary Work Visa – H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa

Is the H1B CAP still available?

January 6, 2011

Administrative Appeals Office Processing Times

by Kellie N. Lego

The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) Processing Times were released with processing dates as of January 1, 2011.

If you filed an appeal, please review the links below to determine the applicable processing time associated with your particular case.

Administrative Appeals Office

January 3, 2011

REMINDER – Submit Your Questions

by Kellie N. Lego

MVP “Q & A Forum” – This Friday, January 7th, 2011

We wanted to find a new way to engage our reader base. Every other Friday, we will post the ten (10) best/most frequently asked questions received during the week from our h1bvisalawyerblog, Facebook, and Twitter readers. We will answer those questions and provide the Q&A on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.

If you have a burning question, are seeking assistance with a difficult immigration related case, wish to discuss your views on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, AZ SB1070, priority dates, or the debate focused on Ending Birthright Citizenship, please contact us by submitting your question/comment/viewpoint in our comment box provided on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.