1. Sumner Immigration Law has a new web page - check out our upcoming events on the page of the same name!

2. The Decmeber 2011 visa bulletin is already posted. Priority dates have advanced, so be sure to check it out to see if yours is current. If it is, be sure to start preparing to file the application for adjustment of status (or consular processing). Remember, you can prepare ahead of time, but cannot file until December 1st. Check it out at :http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/law-and-policy/bulletin/2012/visa-bulletin-for-december-2011.html.

3. USCIS updated its count of FY2012 cap-subject H-1B petitions and advanced degree cap-exempt petitions. As of November 2, 2011, approximately 50,800 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. USCIS has receipted 20,000 H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees. Do you need a new H-1B petition? We highly recommend that you file immediately if you want to make this year's cap!.

4. Starting on December 1, 2011, the U.S. consulate in Chennai India will be the only U.S. consulate in India that will accept L-1 blanket petitions for visa processing. All U.S. consulates in India will continue to accept applications for L-2s and individual L-1Bs.

5. New to start your new H-1B project immediately? Did you know that when you file an H-1B transfer from one company to another, you can start working as soon as the H-1B petition is received by USCIS? This is true as long as the H-1 B employee was lawfully admitted, the new petition is not frivolous (meaning it's a bona fide petition), the new petition is filed before the expiration of the H-1B worker's period of authorized stay (it was timely filed), and as long as the H-1B employee has not previously worked without authorization.

Have a great weekend!