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A USCIS policy memo provides final guidance on when a petitioner is required to file an amended or new H-1B petition following the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) precedent decision in Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC. The memo includes information on how to become compliant with Simeio, and USCIS states that it will consider filings for changes in the place of employment that occurred on or before the Simeio decision to be timely during a safe harbor period, which runs until January 16, 2015.

H-1B Cap season updates

H-1B approval

H-1B attorney

H-1B speciality worker

Need to Amend your H-1B and don’t know if you should?

A USCIS policy memo provides final guidance on when a petitioner is required to file an amended or new H-1B petition following the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) precedent decision in Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC. The memo includes information on how to become compliant with Simeio, and USCIS states that it will consider filings for changes in the place of employment that occurred on or before the Simeio decision to be timely during a safe harbor period, which runs until January 16, 2015.

USCIS issued a reminder that beginning Friday, May 1, 2015, USCIS will accept only the new version of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with an edition date of October 23, 2014. Any filings with previous editions of this form will be rejected.

Extension of I-129

Form I-129

I-129 petition

I-129 denied?

USCIS Reminder: Use the New Version of Form I-129 Beginning May 1

USCIS issued a reminder that beginning Friday, May 1, 2015, USCIS will accept only the new version of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with an edition date of October 23, 2014. Any filings with previous editions of this form will be rejected.

The new Electronic Filing System at USCIS

The NEW Electronic Filing System

Question: I have heard that there is a new electronic filing system at USCIS. Is that true?

Answer: It is called USCIS ELIS.USCIS ELIS is a user-friendly system created to streamline the application process for immigration benefits. It allows immigration benefit seekers and their legal representatives to create an account and file benefit requests online. USCIS ELIS provides more accurate and secure customer service. It also allows USCIS to process cases in a more efficient, consistent and secure environment.

Question: Who will be able to use USCIS ELIS?

Answer: In the initial release, certain applicants can electronically file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Over time, USCIS ELIS will include more benefit types and increased functions.

Question: Why open a USCIS ELIS account?

Answer: Open an account online that you may use to interact with USCIS; Sign up to receive email notifications and text messages Manage your account preferences and contact information in real time;Manage your interactions with USCIS securely and electronically; Electronically file (e-file) benefit requests from your account;Submit evidence electronically; Use a credit card or bank account (from a U.S. institution) to submit payment; Have an attorney or accredited representative file benefit requests in USCIS ELIS on your behalf; Get detailed help and current case status; File a benefit request with step-by-step help from an online setup assistant; Access online help in the “Tips” and “Help” sections of the setup assistant; and Obtain real-time, detailed case status information.

Question: Who can currently use this ELIS?

Answer: If you are currently a B-1, B-2, F-1, M-1 or M-2 and want to extend your status; If you want to change your status to want to B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2 ; or if you want to reinstate your status to F-1, F-2, M-1 or M-2.

Question: What about other types of applications?

Answer: Since this is a new system, USCIS is testing the waters out with these petitions only. As the system becomes more useable, more petitions will be added.

Question: What Should I Know Before Filing?

Answer: Before USCIS can grant your benefit request, you must establish your eligibility. You will be required to answer questions. USCIS will review your answers to determine if you are

eligible. If you must provide additional evidence, USCIS ELIS allows you to scan and upload evidence at the time you initially file your benefit request or in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you have evidence that you believe supports your case, scan and upload it into USCIS ELIS before submitting your request. If you have trouble scanning and uploading documents and evidence after you have electronically submitted your application, you may mail the additional evidence to USCIS. However, mailing documents will add to the time it takes to process your application, so it is strongly encouraged you to scan and upload documents, if possible. If you must mail documents to USCIS, please provide the USCIS ELIS receipt number on the cover page and submit them to:

Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Weldon St.

St Albans, VT 05479

USCIS may deny a benefit request submitted with false documents, misrepresentations of facts, or other fraudulent content. Persons involved in such fraudulent activity may lose the right to file for current and/or future immigration benefits and services. They may also face severe penalties, criminal and/or civil prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.

However, the system does appear to finally get into the 21st century and allow and make it possible to begin filing everything electronically.

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/electronic-filing-system/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/filing/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/filing-fees/

https://californiaimmigration.us/dont-even-think-filing-fraudulent-asylum-application/

USCIS Invitation to TRIG Stakeholder Meeting

USCIS invitation to a 3/20/12 stakeholder meeting on terrorist-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG), including updates and statistics regarding the TRIG workload and questions and issues from individual participants.

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/applications-to-uscis/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/uscis/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/updated-uscis-forms/

https://californiaimmigration.us/uscis-extends-flexibilities-to-certain-applicants-filing-form-i-765-for-opt/

USCIS Filing Tips for N Forms

USCIS’s Lockbox provides filing tips for Forms N-600, N-600K, and N-336, to help stakeholders ensure that applications are properly accepted at the Lockbox facility.

https://www.uscis.gov/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/forms-i-526-and-i-829-petitions/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/forms/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/electronic-forms/

USCIS Director Mayorkas Statement on Citizenship & Integration Grant Program Funding

A public statement from USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas on the 2012 funding for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, with a one-time investment to fund the grant program in 2012, with a two-year period of performance, without raising fees for the time being.

https://www.uscis.gov/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/uscis/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/payment-options-at-uscis-domestic-offices/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/applications-to-uscis/

USCIS Announces Changes to Stand-Alone I-130 Filing Locations (Updated 01/03/12)

USCIS announcement stating that domestic petitioners will mail stand-alone I-130 applications to either the Chicago or Phoenix Lockbox, effective January 1, 2012. There are no changes to filing locations when submitting an I-130 with an I-485.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/bona-fide-marriage-exemption/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/bona-fide-marriage/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/i130/

USCIS Reminder of TPS Re-Registration Deadline for Honduras and Nicaragua

USCIS reminder that the open re-registration period for TPS for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua ends on 1/5/12.

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/extension-of-tps/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/honduran-tps/

https://atomic-temporary-10880024.wpcomstaging.com/tag/18-month-extension-of-tps-for-somalia/

https://californiaimmigration.us/our-immigration-law-firm/