10/24/2008: AAO Processing Times Report
Click here for the report
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10/20/2008: USCIS Updates Processing Times
The USCIS has updated Service Center Processing Times.
Please click here for update.
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10/15/2008: USCIS Increases TN Period to Three Years
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased the maximum period of time a Trade-NAFTA (TN) professional worker from Canada or Mexico may remain in the United States before seeking readmission or obtaining an extension of stay. This final rule changes the initial period of admission for TN workers from one to three years, making it equal to the initial period of admission given to H-1B professional workers. Eligible TN Nonimmigrants may now be allowed to receive extensions of stay in increments of up to three years instead of the prior maximum period of stay of one year. Click here for Press Release.
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9/24/2008: USCIS REMINDS CUSTOMERS OF PROGRAM FLEXIBLITIES
The USCIS has released a press release that states, “we realize that unexpected events in a person’s home country can sometimes affect travel or other plans. Given recent severe weather in the Caribbean, USCIS would like to remind customers of available services.” Click here for press release.
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6/12/2008: H-1B CAP Update
AILA reports the following about the USCIS H1B CAP
1. Except for cases that were being reviewed as potential duplicate filings, all receipts have been issued for those cases selected in the random lottery. The CSC and VSC completed data entry on all selected cases on May 23, 2008, and mailing of all receipts was completed on may 24, 2008.
2. Cases that were thought to be duplicate filings are being hand reviewed to determine if they are true duplicates. USCIS has received approximately 500 petitions that are believed to be duplicates. However, some of these were submitted as "protective filings" due to courier delivery confirmation problems or where the petition was sent to an incorrect Service Center. Each will be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. If the second submission was accompanied by an explanation of the reason for the second submission, there is a good chance of acceptance.
3. USCIS has determined that the number of petitions selected during the random selection process will be sufficient to meet the cap limit. Therefore, the use of the reserve/cushion will not be necessary this year. USCIS has begun to mail out rejections this week.
-Courtesy AILA
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