Mark A Ivener, A Law Corporation

Category: Processing Times


State Dept. Updates Visa Availability for Remainder of Year

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for June notes that applicant demand for visa numbers, primarily for adjustment of status cases at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices, has been extremely heavy throughout the year. As a result, visa availability during the final fiscal quarter could become limited as categories approach their annual numerical limits.… Read More

Employment Third Preference, ‘Other Worker’ Categories Unavailable

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for May 2009 states that the employment third preference and third preference “Other Workers” categories have become “Unavailable.” The Department explained that the cut-off dates for those categories were held and then retrogressed in an effort to bring demand within the average monthly usage targets and the overall annual… Read More

USCIS Recommends New Procedures for Case Queries

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has recommended a new protocol for resolving case-specific inquiries: Employers should first call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 with case-related inquiries. If the issue has not been resolved after a reasonable period of time (e.g., 30 days), the employer may e-mail the query to: California Service Center:… Read More

Some Visa Categories Retrogress in April; Cut-Off Dates May Slow

Because of high adjustment of status demand, the Department of State said it has been necessary to retrogress the April employment third preference cut-off dates in an attempt to hold demand within the fiscal year (FY) 2009 annual limit. Because over 60 percent of the Worldwide and Philippines employment third preference demand received this year… Read More

E-Verify and Three Employment Visa Categories Set To Expire; May be Renewed

The E-Verify program and two employment visa categories are currently set to expire March 6: E-VERIFY: This program allows employers to electronically verify their workers’ employment eligibility. General information about E-Verify is at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm. E-Verify is a pilot program. Absent a congressional extension, it will expire March 6, 2009. Three other visa programs are also… Read More