A former employee of the Armenian consulate in Los Angeles pleaded guilty to selling “letters of refusal,” for as much as $37,000. The letters are issued by embassies and consulates and state that a country will not issue a travel document for a particular individual.
Filed under: Fraud, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Lawyer, Travel Documents, USCIS | Tagged: Brian D. Lerner, Fraud, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Lawyer, Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, Travel Document | Leave a comment »
Question: I understand that E-filing has begun. However, I am confused on what exactly it is, and what types of applications can be filed.
Answer: Each year the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) receives approximately seven million applications for immigration benefits. BCIS has now developed the technology to accept electronic filing of certain applications for immigration benefits. This technology improves both customer service and BCIS’ ability to verify the identity of individuals in the future. E-filing – combined with the collection and storage of an applicant’s digital photograph, signature, and fingerprint – allows the BCIS to produce immigration documents with special security features. Applications that can be filed online are forms I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and I-90 (Application for Replacement of Green Card). These two forms represent approximately 30% of the total number of benefit applications filed with BCIS annually.
Question: What must the applicant do to apply for this?
Answer: E-filing is quick, easy and convenient for applicants because it allows them, or their representatives, to complete and submit applications at any time, from any computer with Internet access. Upon completion of the e-filing session, customers will receive instant electronic confirmation that the application was received. Customers can then schedule themselves for an appointment to visit an Application Support Center for collection of a digital photograph, signature, and fingerprint.
For those who file electronically, BCIS confirms the identity of the customer early in the application process. BCIS also electronically collects a photograph, signature, and fingerprint for the individual. These biometrics are stored and can be used later for verification of the person’s identity.
Question: Are there any other forms available for electronic filing?
Answer: Presently no. However, BCIS intends to add electronic filing capabilities for additional forms in the Fall of 2003. Additional forms include: Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker; Form I-131, Application for Travel Document; Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status; and Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing.
Filed under: e-filing | Tagged: e-filing, filing fees, Immigration, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Lawyer, Travel Document | Leave a comment »
Question: What is a Travel Document and Who Needs One?
Answer: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to return to the United States after traveling abroad. This permission is granted through a travel document. Travel documents are also given to people who want to travel, but cannot get a passport from their country of nationality.
Question: How do I file for a travel document?
Answer: You must file USCIS Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees. If you are a permanent resident or conditional resident, you must attach a copy of the alien registration receipt card; or if you have not yet received your alien registration receipt card, a copy of the biographic page of your passport and the page of your passport indicating initial admission as a permanent resident, or other evidence that you are a permanent resident; or a copy of the approval notice of a separate application for replacement of the alien registration receipt card or temporary evidence of permanent resident status.
Question: How can I file for Advance Parole?
Answer: If you are in the United States, you must show a copy of any document issued to you by the Service showing your present status in the United States; An explanation or other evidence demonstrating the circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole.
If you are basing your eligibility for Advance Parole on a separate application for adjustment of status or asylum, you must also attach a copy of the filing receipt for that application.
If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa, you must also attach a copy of the consular appointment.
Question: Where should I file?
Answer: Where to file the Form I-131 depends upon the benefit sought. Thus, there is not only one single place to file.
Question: When should I File?
Answer: You must apply for the travel document before leaving the United States. Failure to do so may cause you to lose permission to re-enter the country, and lead to the denial of any other applications.
Filed under: Advance Parole, Immigration Law, immigration provisions, Travel Documents, USCIS | Tagged: Advance Parole, Travel Document | Leave a comment »
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