• INS Commissioner James Ziglar's Speech;
• INS News;
• Non-US Citizens- Change of Address;
• Senate Judiciary Passes Student Adjustment;
• Department of State to end visa exemption for commonwealth citizens living in Canada;
• Latest INS Service Center Processing Times Labor Certification Application (Green Card) Processing Times and Visa Cut Off Dates.

1. News from AILA Conference, held at San Francisco, June 2002:

1. INS Commissioner James Ziglar's speech. 

   Attending AILA's annual conference at San Francisco in June 2002, INS Commissioner, James Ziglar, stated that the INS is developing a new entry-exit tracking system which will start working by the end of June 2004. The entry-exit tracking system will start working for people using the Visa Waiver program by the end of 2002. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the foreign student tracking system, will become functional in July 2002.

2. INS News.

   The INS stated that the processing times of all applications has increased as officers have to be trained to use and access the database for background checks.

   The INS hopes to start accepting employment authorization documents electronically by the end of the year and start premium processing Forms I-140. The INS also hopes to start the concurrent filing of Forms I-140 and Form I-485 in the near future

3. Non-US Citizens- Change of address.

   The INS stated that it will start enforcing the requirement that all non-citizens in the U.S keep the INS informed and updated regarding any change in their address. Failure to comply can result in a fine of $200 and 30 days in jail, it can also result in deportation.

   In order to report a change of address, please go to our website www.avlawoffice.com, click on Forms and Fees under useful links. Fill out Form AR-11 and send to INS. Please send the completed form by Fed Ex, UPS etc in order that you have proof of delivery of the completed Form AR-11.

2. Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Student Adjustment:

   Students between the ages of 12 and 21 who have resided in the United States for more than five years will now be eligible to apply for adjustment of status on completing their graduation from High School. The Senate Judiciary Committee has given its approval to a bi-partisan bill to allow students to do this. According to this bill the states can now grant in-state resident tuition rates for undocumented children who are applying to colleges.

3. Department of State To End Visa Exemption For Commonwealth Citizens Living In Canada:

   The new Counsel General in Toronto, Mr. Antoinette Marwitz has indicated that the State Department is considering changing its regulations to require permanent residents, who are citizens of British Commonwealth countries, to obtain non-immigrant visas to enter the U.S. These individuals are currently exempt from non-immigrant visa and passport requirements if they are entering the United States from a Western Hemisphere country.

4. Latest INS Service Center Processing Times Labor Certification Application(Green Card) Processing Times and Visa Cut Off Dates:

   California Service Center

   Nebraska Service Center

   Vermont Service Center

   Texas Service Center

   Labor Certification Application (Green Card) Processing Terms

   Visa Cut Off Dates
   

 

The information contained in our newsletter is general in nature and is not meant for any specific fact pattern or situation nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.

 

Click here to visit our homepage at www.avlawoffice.com