Self Petition News – 2024-02-18
Welcome to the weekly news summary related to green card self-petition. This news page tries to capture immigration news that is relevant to self-petition applicants. It tries to gather broad immigration topics that may be of interest to self-petition EB1A, and EB2-NIW applicants. Hope you enjoy the news. All news sources are acknowledged. If you need additional details follow the source link.
News Articles
- Details for FY25 H1B Visa Registration: Dates, Fees, and Procedures
- USCIS Announces Major Increase in Immigration Application Fees Effective April 2024
- Guidelines for Securely Sharing Sensitive Information and Seeking Legal Representation for USCIS Forms
- Can I file an NIW petition concurrently with my I-485 adjustment of status application?
- What is the process for self-petitioning?
- USCIS Announces Controversial Increase in Visa Application Fees
Details for FY25 H1B Visa Registration: Dates, Fees, and Procedures
The H1B registration period for FY25 will start on March 6, 2024, and end on March 22, 2024. The registration fee is $10. The annual limit for H1B visas is 65,000, with 58,500 generally available and the rest set aside for Chile and Singapore nationals. An additional 20,000 H1B numbers are available for those with masters’ degrees or higher from certain U.S. institutions. Employers must submit a separate electronic registration and fee for each H1B candidate they wish to sponsor. If more registrations are received than the cap allows, a lottery will be conducted. If selected, employers have a 90-day window to submit the petition. Employers must pay certain fees associated with the H1B petition, and foreign nationals cannot self-sponsor for H1B.
Date: 2024/02/15
USCIS Announces Major Increase in Immigration Application Fees Effective April 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant increase in immigration application fees, the first major adjustment since 2016. The new fees, which will take effect from April 1, 2024, are in response to the agency’s operational and financial challenges. The increase will particularly affect family-based immigration applications. To avoid paying these higher fees, applicants are advised to submit their complete applications before the April 1 deadline. USCIS, which is primarily funded by application fees, provides a fee calculator on its website for applicants to estimate the new fees. Despite the increase, USCIS will continue to offer fee waivers for specific forms and applicants who demonstrate an inability to pay.
Date: 2024/02/17
Guidelines for Securely Sharing Sensitive Information and Seeking Legal Representation for USCIS Forms
Official U.S. government websites use .gov and HTTPS for secure connections. Sensitive information should only be shared on these secure sites. When seeking legal representation for filing USCIS forms, ensure the representative is authorized. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the American Bar Association provide lists of recognized organizations, accredited representatives, and attorneys who offer immigration services for free or at low cost. Your representative must file Form G-28 with your application. Be cautious of “Notarios,” notary publics, immigration consultants, and businesses offering immigration advice, as they may not be authorized legal service providers in the U.S. Visit the USCIS.gov Common Scams webpage for more information.
Date: 2024/02/11
Can I file an NIW petition concurrently with my I-485 adjustment of status application?
Yes, you can file an NIW petition concurrently with your I-485 adjustment of status application. This is called concurrent filing. It is important to note that your I-485 application can only be approved after your NIW petition is approved. However, concurrent filing allows you to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), which can provide work authorization and travel permission while your applications are pending. For individuals with advanced degrees, the EB2-NIW category is particularly beneficial as it waives the requirement of a job offer and labor certification, allowing them to self-petition. Therefore, concurrent filing could potentially expedite the process of obtaining a green card and working or traveling in the U.S while waiting for your applications to be processed.
Date: 2024/02/18
What is the process for self-petitioning?
The process for self-petitioning in the EB1A category involves several steps. Individuals with advanced degrees can take advantage of their educational qualifications and other background work that can help establish their extraordinary ability. Firstly, you need to demonstrate that you meet the criteria of extraordinary ability by providing evidence of sustained national or international acclaim in your field. This can be done through awards, memberships, published material, or a high salary in relation to others in the field. Once you have gathered the evidence, you can file Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the I-140 is approved, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to a permanent resident, if you are in the U.S., or apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, if you are outside the U.S.
Date: 2024/02/18
USCIS Announces Controversial Increase in Visa Application Fees
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant increase in premium processing fees for visa applications, set to take effect on February 26, 2024. This decision has drawn criticism from immigrants, advocacy groups, and the business community, who view it as a barrier to essential immigration services. USCIS claims the fee hike is due to inflation and operational costs, but the move has been met with skepticism. Critics argue the increase exacerbates financial challenges for individuals and businesses already navigating a complex immigration landscape. They are calling for USCIS to reconsider the decision or provide a more reasonable approach to fee adjustments.
Date: 2024/02/11
Disclaimer: The summarized content on this webpage is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and may not be applicable to specific situations or circumstances. Always consult the original source links for comprehensive information. This website assumes no liability for any errors.