Some I-485 Application for Permanent Residence Filings Rejected in Error

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has just reported that several I-485 applications for permanent residence have been improperly rejected by USCIS. Apparently, on April 30th there was a processing problem that caused the incorrect r… Read More
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Current H-1B Cap Count - They're Going Fast!

USCIS reports that the agency has received approximately 36,700 H-1B cap-subject petitions as of May 11, 2012. They also report that they have received approximately 14,800 H-1B petitions for the U.S. Master’s degree cap. The annual H-1B cap is… Read More
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What is the current H-1B cap count?

USCIS reports that as of April 13, they have received approximately 20,600 H-1B cap subject petitions. They have also received an additional 9,700 H-1B petitions for the U.S. master’s cap of 20,000. What does this mean? A little less than one t… Read More
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Reminder: File your H-1B Petitions Now!

Attention employers: this is friendly reminder to give priority to your H-1B petitions! The H-1B cap has lasted several months in recent years (it was met in November last year). No one can predict how long the cap will last this year. However, with… Read More
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Top Five Things the H-1B Employer and Employee Must Know

Numerical limit/annual cap: There is an annual cap of 65,000 H-1Bs available every year, plus an additional 20,000 H-1Bs for U.S. master’s degree holders. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) fiscal year begins October 1. Therefore… Read More
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What is the current AAO processing time?

The Administrative Appeals Office adjudicates immigration cases that have been appealed from a denial by USCIS. If an immigration filing is denied, the applicant or petitioner may sometimes have the option of appealing the decision, or of re-filing a… Read More
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How to file a successful H-1B petition - Part 2 (How to prove the employer-employee relationship!)

In the previous post, I reviewed the key requirements for a successful H-1B petition. The last part of that post was about how the employer must prove a need for the position. On a related note, the employer must clearly establish the employee-employ… Read More
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How to file a successful H-1B petition - Part 1

The H-1B petition for specialty occupation workers is one of the most popular visa classifications used. However, having an H-1B petition approved is not as easy as submitting the required forms and submitting the prospective H-1B employee’s resume… Read More
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Prediction for H-1B Cap FY 2013

H-1B filing season is upon us! There is an annual limit of 65,000 H-1B visas available every year, with an additional 20,000 visas available for U.S. master’s degree holders. Note that this cap only applies to new cases; not to H-1B transfers or ex… Read More
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Is my award EB-1 or NIW worthy?

One of the criteria for the EB-1 alien of extraordinary ability (EB1A) and outstanding researcher or professor (EB1B) is the receipt of a national or international award (this can also be used for the National Interest Waiver petition). What does thi… Read More
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