New NVC Policy: Applicants can submit photocopies in place of original documents
As of November 12, 2014, the National Visa Center (NVC) no longer requires applicants to submit original documents with their immigrant visa cases. Instead, the NVC now accepts photocopies of all original documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police certificates. Applicants are now required to bring the original documents to their scheduled interview […]
NVC no longer requiring original civil documents
The DOS has issued a public notice that it will cease requiring original civil documents of applicants for NVC processes of approved IV cases. After November 12, 2014, only copies of civil documents are required to be delivered to the NVC. The applicants will bring their original civil documents to the consulate at the time […]
Updated Visitor Visas for Chinese Citizens Permit Longer Validity
The United States and China to Extend Visas for Short-term Business Travelers, Tourists, and Students NOVEMBER 10, 2014 Starting on November 12, the United States and the People’s Republic of China will reciprocally increase the validity of short-term business and tourist visas and student and exchange visas issued to each other’s citizens. Chinese applicants who […]
USCIS Updates Website
On November 10, 2014, USCIS updated its web-site. The new web-site retains the overall white background, but can be distinguished because it reduces the use of the color green in its design, and now has the logo of the Department of Homeland Security in grey at the bottom of the page. The new web-site design […]
U.S. Department of State Adjusts Consular Services Fees
The U.S. Department of State adjusted the consular services fees for 11 immigrant and non-immigrant visas. The fee changes took effect on September 12, 2014 and include a reduction to employment-based applications from $405 to $345. The Department of State reports that it regularly evaluates its consular fees in order to appropriately charge for its […]
NVC Issues Notice of Increased Processing Time for EB-5 Cases Due to USCIS Increase in I-526 Approvals
The NVC is issuing notices to EB-5 investors after filing Packet 3 Documents warning of increased document review times. The letter notes that this delay is due to an increase in the number of approved I-526 visa petitions from USCIS. NVC is experiencing increased review times for documents expected to be at least 60 days […]
Elis And USCIS Electronic Filing For I-526 Cases
In February of 2014, USCIS made the public aware of a new USCIS service that allowed persons to electronically file I-526 visa petitions. The USCIS electronic visa filing system is named “ELIS” (which stands for “Electronic Immigration System”). ELIS is part of the long-term efforts by USCIS to enable electronic filing of all visa applications […]
USCIS Accepting Feedback for EB-5 Investor Program
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting feedback, including regulatory suggestions, for the EB-5 Investor Program. Send all submissions to the Public Engagement Division at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov. SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY. I.A. Donoso & Associates provide assistance with review and advice regarding eligibility under EB-5 category. contact us
Policy Change for Form I-693 Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
USCIS has changed its policy regarding Form I-693, the Medical and Vaccination Report that is required for Adjustment of Status petitioners. As of June 1, 2014, all I-693 forms submitted to USCIS will expire one year after the form is submitted. Previously, USCIS would extend the form’s validity past its one year threshold. SCHEDULE A […]
Average Processing Times for Immigrant Investor Program Office as of: March 31, 2014
Instructions on Using the Chart Below is a chart that shows the form number, form name and processing times for the following forms that are processed by the Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO). Find the particular form number (in the left column) or form name (in the center column) in which you are interested. In […]