Leavy, Frank & Delaney Immigration Feed

March Visa Bulletin Released.

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:31:49 +0000

The March Visa Bulletin was just realeased and the EB-2 dates for India and China moved forward again, as the DOS stated that they would. They are now at May 10, 2010. If the predictions of the DOS hold true, this may be it for this fiscal year in terms of movement. However, we will see what the usage figures bring up for the next month.

How are those cut-off dates determined anyways?

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:42:50 +0000

Here is a link to a document from the Department of State which explains the visa numbers, how they determine cut-off dates and what the numbers look like for this year.

February Visa Bulletin move EB-2 into 2010 for China and India

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:39:05 +0000

The Visa Bulletin for February 2012 has move the cut-off dates for the EB-2 category for both India and China to January, 2010. According to the DOS, these dates may move up another six months or so in March, and then will most likely hold steady after that. Of course it will all come down to usage numbers and how many people file adjustment application and how many are approved in that time fram as well.

January Visa Bulletin Moves EB2 for India and China into 2009

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:07:34 +0000

The January visa bulletin was just released and the priority date for EB2 applications for China and India has been moved forward to Jan. 2009, a significant jump. According to the Department of States:

The China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date has been advanced at a rapid rate in recent months. As previously noted, this action was intended to generate significant levels of new filings for adjustment of status at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. USCIS has reported that the rate of new filings is currently far below that which they had anticipated, prompting an even more aggressive movement of the cut-off date for January and possibly beyond. While this action greatly increases the potential for an eventual retrogression of the cut-off at some point during the year, it also provides the best opportunity to utilize all numbers available under the annual limit.

Immigration Bill in Congress Passes through the House and moves to the Senate

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:05:35 +0000

H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, introduced on September 22, 2011 by Rep. Chaffetz (R-UT), eliminates the employment-based per-country cap entirely by fiscal year 2015 and raises the family-sponsored per-country cap from 7% to 15%.

On 10/27/11, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup and H.R. 3012 was reported favorably out of committee by a voice vote. An amendment from Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) that would make adjustments to the three year phase-in period was accepted. H.R. 3012 must next be scheduled for House floor debate which may occur in the next few weeks.

On 11/29/11 the House passed H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act by a vote of 389-15 with no additional amendments. The measure now moves on to the Senate for consideration. We will update as soon as more information becomes available.

H Visa Quota Met for 2011 Fiscal Year

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:03:39 +0000

As of November 22, 2011, USCIS has met the H-1b Quota and will no longer be accepting any cap subject H-1b applications for the 2011 fiscal year. Cap-Exempt H-1b applications can still be filed at any time and beginning April 1, 2012 applications for the 2012 fiscal year (with a start date of October 1, 2012) can be filed.

Call us with any questions.

Consulates NOW processing F, J and M visas again

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:10:02 +0000

Well, it did not take long. US Consulates were told to begin processing F, J and M visas again starting immediately.

Consulates NOT processing F, J and M visas Temporarily

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:34:59 +0000

Due to some computer communication errors, DOS is temporarily halting the issueing of F, J and M visas. If you are traveling and expecting to get a visa stamp you may want to hold off until this is resolved. See the press release for more info.

Visa Bulletin for December 2011

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:24:57 +0000

EB-2 Cases for India and China have move significantly this month. DOS has moved the date forward to March 15, 2008. Hopefully this movement will continue, but, as always, it depends on usage patterns. We will keep you updated with any news.

H-1b Update for October 21, 2011

Leavy, Frank & Delaney, LLC — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:06:23 +0000

As of October 21, 2011 USCIS has receipted approximately 46,200 cap-subject H-1b applications for the 2012 H1b cap. USCIS had also receipted approximately 20,000 H-1b applications for aliens with a US advanced degree. It appears that the H-1b's are dissappearing. Especially now that the Master's cap is full, we believe that the rest of the H-1b's will most likely be gone before the end of this fiscal year. We will update you as we recieve more updates from USCIS.