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Archive for the ‘Family based Immigration’ Category
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Most people wait until everything is just right before they do anything. They refuse to go out on a limb where the fruit is. They are the people who end up like the cook’s biscuits.
Let me explain. When I was a small boy in Yazoo City, Mississippi, we lived next door to some rich folks. I know they were rich because they not only had a cook, but the cook had something to cook. In the 1930’s that was a sure sign of wealth. I was there for lunch one day, as I tried to be most every day. On this occasion, the cook brought out a pan of biscuits. Since they were no thicker than a silver dollar, I asked, “Maude, what happened to those biscuits?” She reared back, laughed, and said, “Well, those biscuits squatted to rise, but they just got cooked in the squat.”
From: “See You at the Top” by Zig Ziglar
Now what in the world does this have with getting a “green card” or any other immigration benefit in today’s environment? The current situation does not allow everybody to get their benefit in the United States. Some people are able to get what they want along with filing for a waiver at USCIS, others may have to go home and process through their consulate. Everything is not just right. Does this mean you should just wring your hands and wait for the law to change? Maybe not, we have met with many families and individual we have been able to help.
Please meet with an immigration attorney and find out what your options are, how long it will take and what it will cost. Then talk to the attorney about what happens if you do not do anything. Certain people will be better off not doing anything now, but other will find that they are eligible for benefits and can come out from living in the shadows.
Posted in Adoption, Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation & Removal, Family Member, Family Visas, Family based Immigration, Immigration, Immigration Court, Reform/New Laws, Soap Box | No Comments »
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has
established a streamlined, standardized process for receiving requests for accommodations from
customers with disabilities. Customers in need of accommodations from field offices and Application
Support Centers should now call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283
(TDD: 1-800-767-1833).
Posted in Citizenship, Employment, Family based Immigration, Immigration | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
In support of the recent agreement reached in the political crisis in Honduras, Ambassador Hugo Llorens has instructed the Consular Section to re-open its Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section starting November 2, 2009.
Posted in Employment Visas, Family Member, Family Visas, Immigration, Treaty Investors | No Comments »
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
USCIS has revised Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (Revision Date 04/06/09 N, OMB Expiration Date 04/30/11) to make it easier for applicants to complete. Applicants may now select from a list of grounds of inadmissibility on the form itself and mark all which apply to them in order to request a waiver. In addition to the list, the form includes a section where applicants can describe, in their own words, why they believe they are inadmissible. In the previous edition of Form I-601, information about grounds of inadmissibility could only be found of the form’s instructions.
The new Form I-601 and its filing instructions, including instructions on where to file and applicable fees, can be found on our website at www.uscis.gov. In accordance with 8 CFR 103.7(c)(5), USCIS may waive the filing fee in an individual case based on the individual’s inability to pay, only if the individual filing the a Form I-601 is:
• An alien who in valid T or U nonimmigrant status;
• An approved VAWA self-petitioner; or
• An alien, seeking adjustment of status, to whom section 212(a)(4) of the Act does not apply, so that the alien is not required to prove that he or she is not likely to become a public charge.
Guidance on how to request a fee waiver can be found on our website at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver.
USCIS will continue to accept the previous version of the form, dated 10/30/08 Y, through November 20, 2009. Beginning November 21, 2009 USCIS will only accept the revised Form I-601, dated 04/06/09 N, and will reject all requests using previous editions of the form.
Posted in Deportation & Removal, Family based Immigration, Green Card | No Comments »
Monday, October 12th, 2009
On June 25, President Obama announced that in the next 90 days USCIS would launch a vastly improved USCIS.gov public website to help customers navigate the immigration system and remain up-to-date regarding their case status. USCIS has committed to delivering on this promise by incorporating both internal and external stakeholder feedback.
One way USCIS is improving service to its customers is by launching its E-Notification initiative for immigration applications and petitions filed at one of three USCIS Lockbox facilities in Chicago, Phoenix, and Lewisville, Texas. If you file your USCIS applications and/or petitions at one of these facilities, you will have the option to receive an e-mail and/or text message informing you that USCIS has accepted your application or petition.
What is a USCIS Lockbox Facility?
USCIS operates three Lockbox facilities in partnership with the Department of Treasury. A lockbox is an entity used by organizations to accelerate the collection of fees. In addition to processing fees more efficiently and timely, the USCIS Lockbox operation is improving data collection by electronically capturing and transmitting information from immigration forms to USCIS systems.
What forms are filed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities?
Forms that are currently processed through the USCIS Lockbox facilities relate to:
•Family based forms
•Applications for Temporary Protective Status
•Card replacement
•Citizenship and naturalization based forms
•Adoptions based forms
By the end of 2009 additional forms will be filed through Lockbox facilities to include:
•All remaining adjustment of status related forms
•All employment authorization request forms
•All request for travel documents
How can I receive E-Notification?
If you would like to receive E-Notification that your application or petition has been accepted, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and attach it to the top of your application or petition. USCIS will use this information as permission to send an E-Notification to you.
Who will receive E-Notification and when?
One e-mail and/or text message will be sent per accepted immigration form. USCIS will send an E-Notification to the person requesting the benefit. If you provide an e-mail address and a cell phone number on the Form G-1145, you will receive both types of E-Notification messages. USCIS will notify you within 24 hours of accepting your immigration form(s). E-mail or text messages that cannot be delivered will not be retransmitted.
What will the E-Notification include?
The e-mail or text message will provide a receipt number for each immigration form. The e-mail notice will also provide a brief statement on how to get additional information about the status of your case. The E-Notification will not constitute official notice of application acceptance; you will receive an official notice of application acceptance through the U.S. Postal Service. The e-mail or text message does not grant any immigration status or benefit.
When will I receive my official notice?
USCIS will send the official receipt notice at the same time you are sent the E-Notification. The Form I-797C, Notice of Action will be sent to the person seeking the benefit or your representative, as appropriate, via the U.S. Postal Service.
Can I receive E-Notification for a G-28?
No. E-Notification is not available for Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.
Does the E-Notification grant any type of status or benefit?
No. The e-mail or text message does not grant any type of immigration status or benefit. You may not present a copy of the e-mail or text message as evidence that USCIS has granted you any immigration status or benefit. Receipt of the transmission cannot be used as supporting evidence for other benefits.
What if I want to submit multiple applications?
If you are submitting multiple applications for one person, clip a completed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to the front of the first immigration form of the package. You will receive a separate email and/or text message for each accepted immigration form within in the package.
If you are a representative filing multiple, unrelated immigration forms in one envelope and you would like your clients to receive E-Notification(s), clip the completed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to the front of the first page of each related package of immigration forms. Your client will receive a separate e-mail and/or text message for each accepted immigration form.
Will USCIS cover my costs to receive E-Notification?
No. USCIS assumes no legal responsibility for your costs to receive e-mail and text messages. USCIS will not reimburse you for any costs related to E-Notification.
Does USCIS offer E-Notification for applications and petitions filed at Service Centers and Field Offices?
While USCIS is working to expand its future E-Notification messaging capabilities, the agency does not offer E-Notification for applications and petitions filed at USCIS Service Centers or Field Offices at this time.
Does the Form G-1145 also serve as notice for me to receive case status updates via “My Case Status?”
No. The Form G-1145 only gives permission for the lockbox to notify you that your application was accepted. You will need to create an account on the USCIS website and sign up to receive case status alerts to get email/text notification about the progress of your case.
Posted in Citizenship, Green Card | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
| FORM NUMBER |
TITLE |
FEE |
BIOMETRICS |
| I-90 |
Application to Replace Permanent Resident CardIf you are filing to register at age 14 years, your existing card will not expire before your 16th birthday and you are filing within 30 days of your 14th birthday. |
No Fee |
No |
| If filing because your card was issued incorrectly due to USCIS error. |
No Fee |
No |
| If filing because you never received your card. |
No Fee |
No |
| All others |
$290.00 |
Yes |
| I-102 |
Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document |
$320.00 |
No |
| I-129 |
Petition for a Nonimmigrant WorkerNOTE: Certain employers filing H1-B or L-1 petitions must submit supplemental fees of $750.00 or $1,500.00 or a fraud prevention fee of $500.00. To determine if you are required to pay one or more of these fees, see Form I-129 instructions. |
$320.00 |
No |
| I-129F |
Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)General fiancé(e) petition |
$455.00 |
No |
| For K-3 status based on an immigrant petition (Form I-130) filed by the same U.S. citizen husband or wife. |
No Fee |
No |
| I-130 |
Petition for Alien Relative |
$355.00 |
No |
| I-131 |
Application for Travel Document (for Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole) |
$305.00 |
No |
| I-140 |
Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker |
$475.00 |
No |
| I-191 |
Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-192 |
Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-193 |
Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-212 |
Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-290B |
Notice of Appeal or Motion |
$585.00 |
No |
| I-360 |
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special ImmigrantIf filing for an Amerasian special immigrant. |
No Fee |
No |
| If self-petitioning as a battered or abused spouse, parent or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. |
No Fee |
No |
| If filing for a special immigrant juvenile. |
No Fee |
No |
| All others |
$375.00 |
No |
| I-485 |
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusIf filing for adjustment as a refugee. |
No Fee |
No |
If under the age of 14 years and –
- Filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent.
- NOT filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent.
|
$600.00 |
No |
| $930.00 |
No |
| If filing for adjustment and over the age of 79 years. |
$930.00 |
No |
| All others |
$930.00 |
Yes |
| I-485A |
Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)If under the age of 17 years. |
No Fee |
No |
| If an unmarried son or daughter of a legalized alien and under the age of 21 years. |
No Fee |
No |
| If the spouse of a legalized alien under the Family Unity Program. |
No Fee |
No |
| All othersNOTE: No biometric services fee is required when filing this form. However, the biometric services fee must be paid when filing the related I-485 application. |
$1,000.00 |
No |
| I-526 |
Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur |
$1435.00 |
No |
| I-539 |
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status |
$300.00 |
No |
| I-589 |
Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal |
No Fee |
No |
| I-600A |
Application for Advance Processing of Orphan PetitionNOTE: Biometric services fee must be paid for the applicant, his or her spouse (if applicable) and each adult household member, 18 years or older.Previously Approved Form I-600A: If you already have an approved Form I-600A that is about to expire and you have not yet filed a Form I-600 petition, you can request one free extension of your Form I-600A. You must submit a written request to the USCIS office that adjudicated the initial I-600A. The request must be received no earlier than 90 days prior to the expiration of the Form I-600A approval, but before the Form I-600A approval notice expires. |
$670.00 |
Yes |
| I-600 |
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate RelativeIf based on an approved I-600A filed within the previous 18 months. |
No Fee |
No |
| If based on a pending I-600A. |
No Fee |
No |
| All othersNOTE: When petition is for siblings, only one Form I-600 with one fee ($670.00) is required. However, biometric services fee must also be submitted for the petitioner’s spouse (if applicable) and each adult household member over the age of 18 years. |
$670.00 |
Yes |
| I-601 |
Application for Waiver of Grounds of InadmissibilityNOTE: Only a single application and fee required when applying simultaneously for a waiver of health related inadmissibility grounds under section 212(h) or 212(i) of the INA. |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-612 |
Application for Waiver of Foreign Residence Requirement |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-687 |
Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the INA |
$710.00 |
Yes |
| I-690 |
Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (For legalization and special agricultural worker applicants) |
$185.00 |
No |
| I-694 |
Notice of Appeal of Decision Under Section 210 or 245A |
$545.00 |
No |
| I-695 |
Application for Replacement of Form I-688A, Employment Authorization, or Form I-688, Temporary Residence Card (under P.L. 99-603) |
$130.00 |
No |
| I-698 |
Application to Adjust Status From Temporary to Permanent Resident(Under Section 245A of the INA)If filed within 31 months from the date of adjustment to temporary residence.NOTE: The adjustment date is the date of filing of the application for permanent residence or the applicant’s eligibility date, whichever is later. |
$1,370.00 |
Yes |
| If filed after 31 months from date of approval of temporary resident status. |
$1,410.00 |
Yes |
| I-730 |
Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition |
No Fee |
No |
| I-751 |
Petition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceNOTE: Each conditional resident child listed on the form who is seeking to remove their conditional status is required to submit the biometric service fee regardless of age. |
$465.00 |
Yes |
| I-765 |
Application for Employment AuthorizationSee form instructions for numerous fee exemptions. |
$340.00 |
No |
| I-817 |
Application for Family Unity BenefitsIf under the age of 14 years. |
$440.00 |
No |
| All others |
$440.00 |
Yes |
| I-821 |
Application for Temporary Protected StatusInitial (first time) applicants. |
$50.00 |
Yes (see NOTE) |
| Re-registration or renewal applicants.NOTE: Applicants between ages 14 and 65 years, inclusively, if filing for employment authorization must pay the required application fee. (See I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document.)Applicants under 14 years of age and not filing for an employment authorization document are exempt from paying a biometrics fee. |
No Fee |
Yes (see NOTE) |
| I-824 |
Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition |
$340.00 |
No |
| I-829 |
Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove ConditionsNOTE: Each conditional resident child listed on the form who is seeking to remove their conditional status is required to submit the biometric service fee regardless of age. |
$2,850.00 |
Yes |
| I-881 |
Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100, NACARA)If filed with USCIS |
$285.00 |
Yes |
| Maximum payable by family when filed together (spouses and unmarried children) |
$570.00 |
Yes |
| If filed with the Immigration Court (Executive Office of Immigration Review).See form’s instructions for detailed fee information.NOTE: Single fee will be charged by the court whenever applications are filed by two or more applicants in the same proceedings. Fee not required if USCIS refers the application to the Immigration Court. Applicants filing with Immigration Court must submit a biometric services fee payable to Department of Homeland Security. |
$165.00 |
Yes |
| I-905 |
Application for Authorization to Issue Certification for Health Care Workers |
$230.00 |
No |
| I-907 |
Request for Premium Processing ServicesNOTE: This fee is in addition to the required filing fee for the related application or petition. |
$1,000.00 |
No |
| I-914 |
Application for T Nonimmigrant StatusIf under the age of 14 years. |
No Fee |
No |
| All other first time applicants. |
No Fee |
No |
| N-300 |
Application to File Declaration of Intention |
$235.00 |
No |
| N-336 |
Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings(Under Section 336 of the INA) |
$605.00 |
No |
| N-400 |
Application for NaturalizationIf filing through service in the U.S. Armed Forces (relating to Sections 328 or 329of the INA). |
No Fee |
No |
| All others |
$595.00 |
Yes |
| N-410 |
Motion for Amendment of Petition (Application) |
$50.00 |
No |
| N-470 |
Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes |
$305.00 |
No |
| N-565 |
Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document |
$380.00 |
No |
| N-600 |
Application for Certificate of CitizenshipIf filing for an adopted child |
$420.00 |
No |
| All others |
$460.00 |
No |
| N-600K |
Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322If filing for an adopted child |
$420.00 |
No |
| All others |
$460.00 |
No |
| N-644 |
Application for Posthumous Citizenship |
No Fee |
No |
If the instructions on the form state that you must pay a fee, use the table above to find the fee. The forms and fees are listed in numerical order. To avoid processing delays, please include the correct fee when you file your form with USCIS. If you do not submit the appropriate fee on or after the effective date, we will reject the form. You will need to resubmit theform with the new fee.
Biometric Services Fee
If the form you are filing requires biometric services, you must pay an additional $80.00 fee. This fee is to pay for USCIS to take your fingerprints, and if necessary, your photograph and signature.
See “Biometrics” on the Fee Schedule above to determine if you must pay a biometric services fee. If “Yes,” read “What Is the Filing Fee” on the instructions of the form you are filing for additional information.
The biometrics fee is in addition to the form’s base filing fee and must be paid at the time of filing. Fees for forms and biometric services may be paid by one check or money order, or separate check or money order. Unless otherwise instructed, make the check or money order payable to Department of Homeland Security.
Fee Waiver for Certain Forms
Persons financially unable to pay the base filing fee or required biometric services fee may submit a fee waiver request as described in 8 CFR, section103.7(c).
You may request a fee waiver on the following forms:
1. I-90, I-751, I-765, I-817, N-300, N-336, N-400,N-470, N-565, N-600, N-600K; and
2. I-290B, if related to an appeal or motion filed with USCIS concerning one of the other fee waiver-eligible forms; and
3. I-485 – only in the case of an alien in T (victims of human trafficking) or U (victims of a violent crime who assist in the prosecution) in lawful nonimmigrant status, an asylee, an approved self-petitioning battered or abused spouse, parent or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; and
4. I-485 – an applicant who does not have to show he or she will not become a public charge foradjustment of status purposes according to section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended.
NOTE: Granting of a fee waiver is at the sole discretion of USCIS
Posted in Adoption, Citizenship, Employment, Employment Visas, Family Visas, Family based Immigration, Green Card, Green Card, Immigration, Investor Visas | No Comments »
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