OFAC has released a periodic update of the list of Cuba Service Providers . Please note the summary of changes at the end of the document to see, for example, which Service Providers are newly added to the list.
Archive for the ‘Green Card’ Category
OFAC has updated Cuba Service Providers
Monday, March 8th, 2010USCIS Changes filing locations for I-485 & I-360
Friday, February 26th, 2010USCIS has once again changed filing locations for some of it’s most popular applications and petitions. Please double check before you file.
Beginning February 25, 2010, most applicants must submit Form I-485 to a USCIS Lockbox
facility, depending on the eligibility category under which they are filing, as provided in the form
instructions. USCIS Service Centers will forward all Form I-485 applications to the appropriate
Lockbox facility until March 29, 2010. USCIS will accept previous versions of Form I-485 until
March 29, 2010. After March 29, 2010, USCIS will only accept the Form I-485 dated “12/03/09.”Any
previous versions of the the form that are submitted will be rejected. After the transitional period,
the Service Centers will return any incorrectly filed Form I-485 with instructions to send the
application to the correct location.
At this time, applicants should not concurrently file Form I-485 with an Immigrant Petition for Alien
Worker (Form I-140) at a USCIS Lockbox facility. Refer to the Form I-140 filing Instructions for
information on how to file forms concurrently.
When filing Form I-485 at a Lockbox facility, you may elect to receive an email and/or text message
notifying you that USCIS has accepted your application. To receive notification, you must complete
an E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of
your application.
Revised Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or
Special Immigrant, and Revised Filing Locations
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has
posted a revised Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360). The new
form is dated “12/30/09,” and due to the changes, no previous versions of the form will be
accepted 30 days after publication. In addition to the revised form, there are changes to filing
locations. The changes are part of an overall effort to transition the intake of benefit request forms
from USCIS Service Centers to Lockbox facilities. Centralizing form and fee intake allows USCIS
to provide more efficient and effective initial processing of applications and fees.
Beginning February 25, 2010, applicants must file a Form I-360 with either the Vermont Service
Center, the Nebraska Service Center, or at a USCIS Lockbox facility. Where applicable, USCIS
Service Centers will forward Form I-360 petitions to the appropriate Lockbox facility until March 29,
2010. After the transitional period, the Service Centers may return incorrectly filed Form I-360 with
instructions to send the petition to the correct location. USCIS will accept previous versions of
Form I-360 until March 29, 2010. After March 29, 2010, USCIS will reject previous versions of the
form submitted.
When filing Form I-360 at a Lockbox facility, you may elect to receive an email and/or text message
notifying you that USCIS has accepted your petition. To receive notification, you must complete an
E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of
your petition.
USCIS Expedite Criteria
Friday, February 26th, 2010All expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and are granted at the discretion of the Director. The burden is on the applicant or petitioner to demonstrate that one or more of the expedite criteria have been met. The criteria are as follows:
- Severe financial loss to company or individual
- Extreme emergent situation
- Humanitarian situation
- Nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States
- Department of Defense or National Interest Situation (Note: Request must come from official United States Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to our Government)
- USCIS error
- Compelling interest of USCIS
If you are filing your application or petition:
You must provide a written explanation as to why the application or petition needs to be expedited. You may include supporting evidence with the request. Write “EXPEDITE REQUEST” at the top of your letter. When you file your application or petition, place your expedite request letter on the top of your documents.
If you have already filed your application or petition:
You can contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283. The NCSC will take a “service request” and forward your expedite request to the office with jurisdiction over the application or petition. You also have the options of 1). visiting your local office by scheduling an InfoPass appointment or 2). writing a letter to the local office or service center.
If you have an attorney, it is always best to have the attorney handle this and all other communications with USCIS for you.
2010 Poverty Guidelines will not be revised until at least March 1, 2010
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
On December 19, 2009, the President signed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-118), which included a provision affecting the poverty guidelines. Section 1012 of the law states that:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not publish updated poverty guidelines for 2010 under section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)) before March 1, 2010, and the poverty guidelines published under such section on January 23, 2009, shall remain in effect until updated poverty guidelines are published.
The Congressional Record (House) (December 16, 2009, p. H15370) provides the following explanation of Congressional action:
Section 1012 includes a provision to freeze the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines at 2009 levels in order to prevent a reduction in eligibility for certain means-tested programs, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and child nutrition, through March 1, 2010.
For the first time since the poverty guidelines began to be issued in 1965, the annual average Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) has decreased from the figure for the previous year. In the absence of this legislative change, the decrease in the annual average CPI-U for 2009 announced on January 15, 2010 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf [PDF - 25 pages], Table 1A) would have required HHS to issue 2010 poverty guidelines that were lower than the 2009 poverty guidelines, which would have led to the “reduction in eligibility” referred to in the Congressional explanatory language.
A Federal Register notice about this extension of the 2009 poverty guidelines was published on January 22, 2010. (See Federal Register, Vol. 75, No. 14, January 22, 2010, pp. 3734-3735.) We will provide updated information about the post-March 1 period when it becomes available.
The immigration effect of this is that the amount of money required for the affidavit of support would be lower than in 2009, but as the new figures are not released the figures are artificially higher to support other political/economic objectives.
USCIS REVISES FORM I-601
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009USCIS 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.
USCIS.gov ‘E-Notification Capability’
Monday, October 12th, 2009On 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.
Immigration Filing Fees as of July 30 2007
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 –
|
$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
