USCIS posts alert about “Transfer the Underlying Basis” and creates inflated expectations over EB I-485 applications

Update 06/28/2022 We are now seeing the results of the requests to transfer the underlying basis ("relink"). We started filing the requests in February. Below is a sample. In addition to sending out the written request to relink, our advice is to follow up on that request by calling USCIS and initiating a service inquiry. Client has both I-140 EB2 and I-140 EB3. I-140 485 EB3 Concurrent Filing...

Prevailing Wage Determinations Have Slowed Down; FIFO No Longer a Certainty

Update January 30, 2023 Just received a batch of prevailing wage determinations (PWD). It seems DOL is issuing determinations of wage requests filed in July 2022. We also got back PWDs of our earliest requests that have been pending since April 2022. No pending wage requests filed before July 2022. Update January 10, 2023 We are receiving PWDs that were filed in June 2022. However, we have some...

Settlement Reached: H-4 EAD Renewals Now Also Qualifies For Automatic 180-Day extension and L-2s Get Work Authorization Without EAD.

Update May 12, 2022 On Nov. 12, 2021, USCIS issued a policy announcement to clarify that it will consider E and L spouses to be employment authorized based on their valid E or L nonimmigrant status. Since the November 2021 announcement, the Department of Homeland Security added new Class of Admission (COA) codes to distinguish between E and L spouses and children. As of Jan. 30, 2022, USCIS and...

I-140 Processing Time

The processing times here generally cover PERM-based I-140s. EB-1a, EB-1b, and EB-2 NIW will be highlighted in other posts. Update 11/24/2023 We are back with some more updates on I-140 processing times. EB-2 Approval at Texas Service Center Filing Date: May 4, 2023 Approval Date: October 2, 2023 Duration: Approximately 5 months USCIS Posted Processing Time: 6.5 months EB-3 Approval at Nebraska...

H-1B Processing Update

Update 09/26/2024 Here are the latest processing updates from a recent sample of approvals. Recent H-1B Processing Times by Case Type and Service Center: Texas Service Center: Extension: Filed on 07/08/2024, approved on 09/10/2024 (2 months). Vermont Service Center: Change of Employer: Filed on 11/08/2023, approved on 08/20/2024 (9 months). Change of Employer: Filed on 02/22/2024, approved on...

Why Is My Case Taking So Long?

Related Posts: Another Chance to File I-485 after RejectionUSCIS Processing Update: H-4 / H-4 EADI-485 EB Processing UpdateExpediting a Pending I-765 EADBreaking: USCIS to Eliminate Biometrics Requirement for I-539 filers starting May 17, 2021Biometric Appt may now be Rescheduled by PhoneI-751 Processing updatesNaturalization Processing UpdatesTemporary Extension of I-693 Validity from 2 Years...

Anxious About Not Having Received a Receipt Notice? Ask Emma

As USCIS continues to grapple with backlogs and extended processing delays, the issuance of receipt notices has also be impacted with some taking 3 weeks or longer to arrive by mail. Coupled with mail delivery issues at USPS, it has now become a challenge just to get the receipt notice in hand. It is no longer easy or expected to receive the receipt notice within a few short days. Receipt...

Naturalization Processing Updates

Update 10/26/2023 Regarding N-400 processing time, we're seeing some encouraging improvements. Let's delve into some recent samples: Baltimore Field Office:Filing Date: July 28, 2023Interview Notification Issued: August 31, 2023Interview Date: October 6, 2023This means the total processing time, from filing to the interview date for this particular case, was a little over 2 months! This is a...

I-751 Processing updates

Update 09/23/2024 Fresh update: Filed on 11/23/2022 and approved on 09/13/2024. This case took approximately 21 months to process, and no RFE was issued. Trends and Observations: Processing Times Holding Steady: We are still seeing consistent processing times around 20 to 21 months for recent I-751 petition approvals. This marks a continued decrease from the peak of 30 to 31 months noted in...

USCIS Will Offer Relief to Those Impacted by Delays at USCIS Lockbox

Update June 18, 2021 If you have experienced a delayed rejection of your immigration filing which you are unable to refile due to no longer being eligible for the immigration benefit requested, please pay attention to the current flexibilities offered by USCIS. These filing flexibilities are effective for 60 days from June 10, 2021, until August 9, 2021. Refiling Eligibility You may refile your...