USCIS released data today indicating that its processing time for I-526 visa petitions increased to an average of 14.7 months, from an average of 13.2 months during September, October and November of 2014. At the recent EB-5 Stakeholder Engagement at which Ignacio Donoso participated in person,...
On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced a series of executive actions aimed at cutting down on illegal immigration at the border, prioritizing the deportation of criminals, not families, improving access to visas for high skilled researchers and entrepreneurs to grow the U.S. economy, and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
