Proposed Fee Waiver
USCIS published a groundbreaking suggestion for a standardized fee waiver form (Form I-912, Request for Individual Fee Waiver) for financially underprivileged persons. Comments on this proposal can be made by September 13, 2010.
Explanation of “O” Petition Validity Period
USCIS provided guidance for adjudicating and processing Form I-129 [filed for O non-immigrants] specifically dealing with acceptable validity period of a petition when there is a break between two or more events listed in the itinerary.
H-1B Cap Count and H-2B Cap Count
USCIS updated the number of FY2011 H-1B petitions (cap-subject) and advanced degree petitions (cap-exempt) that were receipted. By July 16, 2010, about 25,300 H-1B petitions (cap-subject) were receipted. Furthermore, 11,000 H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees were receipted.
By 16, 2010, USCIS receipted 30,154 H-2B petitions (which includes approved and pending petitions), toward the target number of 47,000 beneficiaries for the second half of FY2010. “Beneficiaries target” is the approximated number of petitions needed to reach the cap (it is higher than the actual cap).
Invite to Listening Session regarding Lockbox
USCIS is inviting stakeholders to a listening session on processing at the USCIS lockbox facilities on August 24, 2010.
Invite to Teleconference for H-2A Stakeholders
USCIS is inviting stakeholders to a teleconference on July 27, 2010 regarding the H-2A nonimmigrant classification, as well as the regulation obligations pertaining to the the ban on passing recruitment-related fees and costs on to H-2A workers.
HRIFA
USCIS updated its site regarding Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) and the dependent children, which includes requests for advance parole and adjustment of status applications.
