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ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ពីប្រទេសកម្ពុជា

admin — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:06:26 +0000

Khmer language translation of the video found here: ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ពីប្រទេសកម្ពុជា

សួស្ដី! ខ្ញុំឈ្មោះ Benjamin Hart ។ ខ្ញុំគឺជាមេធាវី និងជានាយកគ្រប់គ្រងនៃក្រុមហ៊ុនIntegrity Legal នៅក្នុងទីក្រុងបាងកកនៃប្រទេសថៃ ។

នៅក្នុងវីដេអូថ្ងៃនេះ យើងនឹងពិភាក្សាជាពិសេសអំពីទិដ្ឋាការមួយគឺ ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ដែលជាប្រភេទទិដ្ឋាការដ៏គួរអោយចាប់អារម្មណ៍មួយ ដោយផ្តោតទៅលើបរិបទប្រទេសកម្ពុជា សំរាប់ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋខ្មែរដែលចង់ដាក់ពាក្យរៀបអាពាហ៍ពិពាហ៍ជាមួយប្រជាពលរដ្ឋអាមរិក ។ និយាយអោយចំទៅ គឺអ្នកដែលត្រូវរៀបអាពាហ៍ពិពាហ៍ជាមួយប្រជាពលរដ្ឋអាមេរិក ដើម្បីដាក់ពាក្យសុំទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ។

ដូចដែលយើងបានលើកឡើងខាងលើ យើងស្ថិតនៅក្នុងទីក្រុងបាងកក ។ យើងបានរត់ការសំណុំរឿងរបស់ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋថៃជាច្រើន ហើយដោយសារតែយើងក៏ស្ថិតនៅជិតប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ដែរនោះ ជាច្រើនឆ្នាំកន្លងមកនេះយើងក៏បានរត់ការអោយសំណុំរឿងជាច្រើនរបស់ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋខ្មែរ ឬសំណុំរឿងផ្សេងៗទៀតដែលមានពាក់ព័ន្ធនឹងជនជាតិខ្មែរ ។ ដូច្នេះយើងចង់បញ្ជាក់ថា ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 នេះជាទិដ្ឋាការមួយដ៏គួរអោយចាប់អារម្មណ៍ ។

យើងសូមពន្យល់រៀបរាប់បន្តិចថាតើអ្វីជាទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ។ ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ត្រូវបានបង្កើតឡើងដោយយោងតាមប្រការមួយចំនួននៅក្នុងច្បាប់អាយុជីវិត ដែលត្រូវបានបង្កើតឡើងនៅក្នុងអណត្តិរបស់ប្រធានាធិបតី Clinton នៅពេលដែលមានសំណុំរឿងជាច្រើនដែលបានកកស្ទះ ពាក់ព័ន្ធនឹងប្រភេទទិដ្ឋាការប្ដីប្រពន្ធ គឺ CR-1 និង IR-1 ហើយនៅក្នុងទំព័ររបស់យើងនេះ ក៏មានវីដេអូមួយទៀតដែរ ដែលនិយាយផ្ដោតជាពិសេសទៅលើប្រភេទទិដ្ឋាការ CR-1 និង IR-1 នេះនៅក្នុងប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ។ នៅពេលនោះ ជាធម្មតាវាទាមទាររយៈពេលជាច្រើនឆ្នាំដើម្បីបញ្ចប់សំណុំរឿងមួយ ។ ក្រសួងមាតុភូមិ ធ្វើការសំរេចលើពាក្យធានាសំរាប់ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទរៀបអាពាហ៍ពិពាហ៍ ។ ក្នុងពេលជាមួយគ្នានោះដែរ វាទាមទារពេលប្រហែល ៦, ៧ ឬ៨ខែ ដើម្បីទទួលបានការសំរេចយល់ព្រមលើសំណុំបែបបទធានាសុំទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទគូដណ្ដឹង ។ ដូច្នេះជាចុងក្រោយ អ្វីដែលគេជួបច្រើន គឺស្ថានភាពដែលសំណុំរឿងគូដណ្ដឹងត្រូវបានដំណើរការលឿនជាងប្ដីប្រពន្ធ ហើយយើងសូមបញ្ជាក់ផងដែរថាតាមផ្លូវច្បាប់ ជាពិសេសច្បាប់អន្តោប្រវេសន៍ មិនមានភាពខុសគ្នានោះទេរវាងប្ដីប្រពន្ធ និងគូដណ្ដឹង ដោយតាមផ្លូវច្បាប់សំណុំរឿងទាំងពីរនេះត្រូវបានចាត់ទុកថាដូចគ្នា ។ បើគិតតាមផ្លូវរដ្ឋបាលវិញ មានការកកស្ទះសំណុំរឿងទិដ្ឋាការ ឬសំណុំពាក្យធានាប្រភេទរៀបអាពាហ៍ពិពាហ៍ជាច្រើន ។ ខ្ញុំមិនដឹងថាវាមកពីហេតុអ្វីដែរនោះទេ ប្រហែលជាអាចបណ្ដាលមកពីពួកគេដំណើរការទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-1បានយ៉ាងមានប្រសិទ្ធិភាពជាង ឬមកពីមានសំណុំរឿងទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-1មានចំនួនតិច ប៉ុន្តែនៅពេលនោះវាទាមទារពេលជាច្រើនឆ្នាំដើម្បីទទួលបានការដំណើរការពាក្យសុំធានាសំរាប់ការរៀបការជាមួយពលរដ្ឋអាមេរិក ដោយក្នុងខណៈពេលជាមួយគ្នានោះ វាទាមទារពេលត្រឹមតែប៉ុន្មានខែប៉ុណ្ណោះសំរាប់សំណុំរឿងគូដណ្ដឹង ។ ដូច្នេះហើយ ទើបពួកគេបានបង្កើតទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ដោយនិយាយថា «ប្រសិនបើអ្នកបានដាក់ពាក្យធានាប្ដីឬប្រពន្ធរបស់អ្នកតាមប្រភេទទិដ្ឋាការ CR-1 ឬ IR-1ជាធម្មតាហើយ អ្នកអាចដាក់ពាក្យមួយទៀត ដោយសុំទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 វិញ» ។ អ្នកគ្រាន់តែដាក់ពាក្យម្តងទៀតតាមទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K ។ នោះហើយគឺជាអ្វីដែលពួកគេបានធ្វើ ។ ពួកគេគ្រាន់តែទាញយកសំណុំរឿងទិដ្ឋាការរៀបការទាំងនេះហើយនិយាយថា អូខេ សំណុំរឿងនេះត្រូវបានដាក់ពាក្យហើយ អ្នកត្រូវបញ្ជាក់ថាពាក្យធានារបស់អ្នកត្រូវបានដាក់តាមដំណើរការដូចដែលគេធ្វើសំរាប់គូដណ្ដឹង ។ ជាលទ្ធផល K-3 គឺជាពាក្យដែលត្រូវបានគេប្រើសំរាប់ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទរៀបការជាមួយពលរដ្ឋអាមេរិក ប៉ុន្តែតាមពិត វិធីតាមទំលាប់ដែលគេត្រូវធ្វើដើម្បីនាំអ្នកណាម្នាក់មកកាន់សហរដ្ឋអាមេរិកគឺតាមរយៈទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ CR-1 ឬ IR-1 ។ ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ត្រូវបានគេប្រើជាទូទៅនៅក្នុងសំណុំរឿងនេះ ពីព្រោះមនុស្សទូទៅស៊ាំនឹងការរត់ការប្រភេទ K-3 ដោយសារតែវាគឺជាវិធីដ៏មានប្រសិទ្ធភាពក្នុងការនាំយកប្ដីឬប្រពន្ធមកកាន់សហរដ្ឋអាមេរិក ។ វាជារឿងមួយដ៏គួរអោយចាប់អារម្មណ៍ដែរ ដោយសារតែ ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 នៅតែតំរូវអោយមានការផ្លាស់ប្តូរស្ថានភាពអន្តោប្រវេសន៍របស់អ្នកទៅជាអ្នករស់នៅជាអចិន្ត្រៃយ៍ដោយស្របច្បាប់ ។ សំរាប់អ្នកដែលចង់ដឹងអំពីដំណើរការក្នុងការផ្លាស់ប្ដូរស្ថានភាពអន្តោប្រវេសន៍ សូមចូលទៅមើលវីដេអូនៅក្នុងទំព័រនេះផងដែរដែលពិភាក្សាជាពិសេសអំពីដំណើរការនៃការផ្លាស់ប្ដូរនេះ ប៉ុន្តែអ្វីដែលយើងនឹងពិភាក្សានៅថ្ងៃនេះគឺ ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ។ ទោះបីជាទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទនេះអាចនឹងមានប្រយោជន៍នៅក្នុងលក្ខខណ្ឌសព្វថ្ងៃនេះ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែកាលពីមុនគឺមានបទបញ្ជារដ្ឋបាល ដែលជាគោលនយោបាយបិទតាមបែបរដ្ឋបាល ដែលត្រូវបានអនុវត្តដោយមជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិ ដែលជាធម្មតានិយាយថា «ឥឡូវមើល ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ត្រូវបានបង្កើតឡើងសំរាប់ស្ថានភាពដែលទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទរៀបការឬទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទអន្តោប្រវេសន៍ ត្រូវបានបាត់នៅក្នុងគំនរឯកសារកកស្ទះរបស់ស្ថាប័ន USCIS ។ តាមពិតទៅ វាមិនមែនបាត់នោះទេ ប៉ុន្តែគឺវាជាប់ នៅក្នុងគំនរឯកសារកកស្ទះរបស់ស្ថាប័ន USCIS ។ ដូច្នេះហើយ ប្រសិនបើយើងទទួលបានពាក្យធានាសំរាប់ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 មុន យើងនឹងដំណើរការទិដ្ឋាការនេះមុន ប៉ុន្តែប្រសិនបើយើងទទួលបានពាក្យធានាសំរាប់ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទអន្តោប្រវេសន៍សំរាប់ប្តីប្រពន្ធមុន យើងនឹងដំណើរការទិដ្ឋាការនេះមុន ហើយយើងនឹងទុកពាក្យសុំទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3ជាមោឃៈ» ។ នេះជារឿងដ៏សំខាន់ ពីព្រោះតួនាទីរបស់មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិក្នុងដំណើរការទិដ្ឋាការអន្តោប្រវេសន៍ មានលក្ខណៈខុសពីទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K ។ សំរាប់ទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិ គ្រាន់តែផ្ញើឯកសារសំណុំរឿងនោះទៅកាន់ស្ថានទូតដែលពាក់ព័ន្ធ ហើយស្ថានទូតនឹងដំណើរការសំណុំរឿងនោះតាមដំណើរការរបស់ស្ថានកុងស៊ុល ។ ចំណែកឯក្នុងសំណុំរឿងទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទអន្តោប្រវេសន៍វិញ ដំណើរការរបស់មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិមានសភាពយឺតយ៉ាវ ព្រោះមជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិត្រូវធ្វើការទទួលយកឯកសារនិងបញ្ចូលពត៌មាន ហើយខ្ញុំមិននិយាយថាមជ្ឈមណ្ឌលនេះធ្វើការសំរេចចេញទិដ្ឋាការនោះទេ ប៉ុន្តែពួកគេធ្វើការត្រួតពិនិត្យដោយល្អិតល្អន់ ដើម្បីធានាអោយប្រាកដថា ពួកគេមានពត៌មានគ្រប់គ្រាន់ដើម្បីបន្តដំណើរការ និងដាក់ថ្ងៃណាត់សំភាស ។ ដូច្នេះប្រសិនបើអ្នកអាចដាក់ពាក្យសុំទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ហើយត្រូវបានគេសំរេចយល់ព្រមលើពាក្យសុំ នោះទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 នេះនៅតែដំណើរការលឿនជាងទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទអន្តោប្រវេសន៍ ។ ទោះបីជាយ៉ាងណាក៏ដោយ ខ្ញុំនៅតែយល់ថា មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលទិដ្ឋាការជាតិនៅតែរក្សាគោលនយោបាយបិទតាមបែបរដ្ឋបាល ដែលពួកគេត្រូវដំណើរការសំណុំរឿងអន្តោប្រវេសន៍មុន ។ ឥឡូវនេះ ការដំណើរការសំណុំរឿងអន្តោប្រវេសន៍ជាពិសេសគឺសំណុំរឿងប្ដីឬប្រពន្ធរបស់ពលរដ្ឋអាមេរិក ត្រូវបានកាត់បន្ថយយ៉ាងច្រើន ។ ស្ថាប័ន USCIS បានចាត់វិធានការសំខាន់ៗជាច្រើនដើម្បីធ្វើអោយនិតិវិធីរបស់ពួកគេកាន់តែមានប្រសិទ្ធិភាព ហើយពួកគេបានធ្វើវាអោយកាន់តែមានប្រសិទ្ធិភាពឡើង ។ ខ្ញុំគិតថាពួកគេមានបុគ្គលិកច្រើនជាងមុន ហើយក៏មានរឿងច្រើនដែរដែលត្រូវដោះស្រាយពាក់ព័ន្ធនឹងសំណុំរឿងទាំងនោះ ហើយពួកគេក៏មានធនធានជាច្រើនដែរដើម្បីអោយសំណុំរឿងទាំងអស់នោះបានដំណើរការទៅមុខ ដែលជាលទ្ធផល គឺខ្ញុំមិននិយាយថាទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទ K-3 ផុតសម័យលែងត្រូវបានគេប្រើប្រាស់នោះទេ ប៉ុន្តែគឺវាលែងសូវចាំបាច់ក្នុងការប្រើប្រាស់ដូចកាលពីពេលដែលវាត្រូវបានបង្កើតពីដំបូងនោះទេ ។ ដោយសារមូលហេតុនេះហើយ ទើបខ្ញុំគិតថាអ្នកអាចនឹងឃើញសំណុំរឿងទិដ្ឋាការប្រភេទK-3 កាន់តែតិចទៅៗដែលនឹងត្រូវដំណើរការនៅក្នុងប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ឬប្រទេសផ្សេងៗទៀត ។

Affidavit of Support: Issues Involving Federal Poverty Guidelines

admin — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 04:15:37 +0000

A frequently asked question from those wishing to sponsor a foreign fiance or spouse for a US Fiance Visa or US Marriage Visa is: do I make enough income to act as a sponsor for my loved one? The answer to this question involves the affidavit of support which is a primary component of the visa application process. When a fiance or spouse visa application is adjudicated by a Consular Officer at a US Embassy or US Consulate overseas part of the application includes either and I-134 or I-864 affidavit of support. This document allows the adjudicating Consular officer to make a determination as to whether or not the US Citizen spouse or fiance has the income necessary to support their fiance or spouse in the United States. This affidavit also acts as a sort of third party beneficiary contract between the American spouse and the United States government in order to make certain that the American spouse pays the US government for any means tested benefits that the foreign spouse may acquire while in the USA.

When determining whether or not an American spouse or fiance can support a foreign spouse or fiance the adjudicating officer will first look to the American’s adjusted annual income on his or her income tax return. In order to meet the minimum eligibility requirements the American spouse or fiance must earn 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of their size. The current federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous States as well as Alaska and Hawaii can be found below (as quoted from the official website of Housing and Human Services):

2013 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES
AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,020 for each additional person.
1	$11,490
2	15,510
3	19,530
4	23,550
5	27,570
6	31,590
7	35,610
8	39,630

**2013 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR ALASKA**
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,030 for each additional person.
1	$14,350
2	19,380
3	24,410
4	29,440
5	34,470
6	39,500
7	44,530
8	49,560

2013 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR HAWAII
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,620 for each additional person.
1	$13,230
2	17,850
3	22,470
4	27,090
5	31,710
6	36,330
7	40,950
8	45,570

SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 16, January 24, 2013, pp. 5182-5183

Those wishing to ascertain whether they are eligible to sponsor their foreign fiance or spouse should use the above figures to determine 125% of the poverty guidelines for a family of their size (including the foreign family member(s)). It should be noted that active duty members of the United States Armed Forces must only meet 100% of the federal poverty guidelines in order to be eligible to sponsor a foreign fiance or spouse. Those unable to meet the 125% income level noted above may be able to use assets to offset the difference between their level of income and the 125% requirement. For affidavit of support purposes, a prospective sponsor of a Thai fiancee or wife can make up the difference in income between what is actually earned and what is legally required by providing evidence of assets which equal 5 times the difference between what a prospective sponsor earns and the level required by law. Thus, if a prospective sponsor fall short of the 125% level by 5,000 USD, then the prospective sponsor can show proof of assets in the amount of 25,000 USD in order to overcome the disparity.

It may also be possible to use the income and assets of a joint sponsor if the person petitioning for the foreign national’s visa is unable to overcome the income and asset requirements. It should be noted that only the I-864 affidavit of support (that used in cases involving the application for a CR-1 visa or an IR-1 visa) may utilize a joint sponsor. Those seeking a K-1 visa are not eligible to use a joint sponsor, therefore, only the American Citizen fiance’s income and assets will be adjudicated during the K1 visa application process. In the past, Consular Officers at the US Embassy in Bangkok were known to accept joint sponsors in K-1 visa application adjudications. However, as of the time of this writing that practice has ceased.

Those interested in learning more on these topics are encouraged to click on the following link: Affidavit of Support.

Estimated USCIS Processing Times As Of May 31, 2013

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 05:00:44 +0000

Periodically, the administration of this web log post the estimated processing times from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It should be noted that the following processing time estimates are exxactly that: estimates. Some petitions may process more quickly while other petitions may proccess more slowly. To quote directly from the USCIS official website:

Field Office Processing Dates for **California Service Center** as of: **May 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	E – Treaty traders and investors	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2A – Temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	November 15, 2011
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	February 1, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	October 4, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	June 21, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	February 11, 2010
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Religious workers	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	May 30, 2012
I-526	Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur	For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States	March 16, 2012
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	2.5 Months
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	4 Months
I-612	Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement	Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution	4 Months
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	6 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	November 28, 2011
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors)	May 16, 2012
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	September 12, 1997

Field Office Processing Dates for **Nebraska Service Center** as of: **May 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	March 16, 2013
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Extraordinary ability	January 2, 2013
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Outstanding professor or researcher	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Multinational executive or manager	January 16, 2013
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Skilled worker or professional	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Unskilled worker	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver	January 16, 2013
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Schedule A Nurses	4 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	4 Months
I-730	Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition	Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee	5 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	May 8, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	January 15, 2013
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors)	6 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	6 Months
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months

Field Office Processing Dates for **Texas Service Center** as of: **May 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Extraordinary ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Outstanding professor or researcher	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Multinational executive or manager	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Skilled worker or professional	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Unskilled worker	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Schedule A Nurses	4 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	4 Months
I-730	Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition	Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee	5 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	January 7, 2013
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	6 Months
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months

Field Office Processing Dates for **Vermont Service Center** as of: **May 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	July 1, 2012
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	April 16, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21	October 22, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	April 9, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	April 9, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	March 5, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	December 4, 2010
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)	May 7, 2012
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	April 16, 2012
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	2.5 Months
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	6 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	March 27, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	October 31, 2010
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	January 6, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	October 31, 2010
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-90	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card	Initial issuance or replacement	3.5 Months
I-90A	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card	Initial issuance or replacement for Special Agricultral Workers (SAW)	3.5 Months
I-914	Application for T Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of trafficking in persons, and immediate family	4 Months
I-918	Petition for U Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of qualifying criminal activity, and their qualifying family	May 7, 2012

It should be also noted that although these USCIS estimated processing times can provide a general framework for understanding the time frames for petition adjudication by USCIS, these estimates do not necessarily reflect the estimated time frame for the entire US visa process especially if the unique circumstances of a given case requires Consular Processing of a US visa application at a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad.

For a married couple seeking an IR1 visa or a CR1 Visa for a foreign spouse of US Citizen the process begins at the USCIS where the initial petition will be adjudicated. Assuming USCIS approves the initial petition, then the petition will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will require certain documents before forwarding the application to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad where a foreign spouse must undergo an interview prior to the Consular Officer making a decision regarding visa issuance. In some cases, the Consular Officer may approve the visa application at the interview. Meanwhile, in some circumstances, the officer may deny the application (especially where a ground of inadmissibility is found to exist in the case and under such circumstances the applicant must be granted an I-601 waiver, or something similar, prior to the application receiving further favorable treatment). In some cases, the officer may simply find that some further evidence of the relationship or documentation pertaining to the foreign national is lacking and will thereby deny the application pursuant to section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under these circumstances, the 221(G) denial may be overcome by presenting further evidence to the Consular Officer and upon their finding that the relevant requirements have been met the application may be approved.

As one can infer from the above example, the USCIS estimateed processing times may not accurately reflect the total time it may take to obtain a US visa since the process is sometimes more complex than simple USCIS petition approval.

USCIS Estimated Processing Times

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 04:51:33 +0000

The administration of this web log routinely posts the estimated case processing times of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in order to provide pertinent information to interested parties. The following estimated processing times are quoted directly from the official website of USCIS:

Field Office Processing Dates for **California Service Center** as of: **January 31, 2012**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	E – Treaty traders and investors	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2A – Temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	June 22, 2011
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	January 13, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	May 22, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	June 15, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	February 11, 2010
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Religious workers	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	February 24, 2007
I-526	Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur	For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States	8 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	2.5 Months
I-612	Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement	Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution	4 Months
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	6 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	3 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors)	6 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	September 12, 1997

Field Office Processing Dates for **Texas Service Center** as of: **January 31, 2012**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	November 9, 2011
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	October 2, 2010
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	October 2, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	5 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Extraordinary ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Outstanding professor or researcher	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Multinational executive or manager	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Skilled worker or professional	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Unskilled worker	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Schedule A Nurses	4 Months
I-212	Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal	Readmission after deportation or removal	May 3, 2010
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	April 2, 2011
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)	May 3, 2010
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Religious workers	April 2, 2011
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	June 2, 2011
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	August 16, 2011
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-612	Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement	Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution	June 4, 2011
I-730	Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition	Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee	5 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]	August 9, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	August 9, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	October 17, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	August 9, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	August 9, 2011
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	May 31, 2011
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months
N-600	Application for Certification of Citizenship	Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship	5 Months

Field Office Processing Dates for **Vermont Service Center** as of: **January 31, 2012**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	E – Treaty traders and investors	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	November 20, 2011
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	November 20, 2011
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	October 16, 2011
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1C – Nurses	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2A – Temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	December 18, 2011
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	November 27, 2011
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	June 17, 2011
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	January 9, 2011
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	November 13, 2010
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document	August 2, 2011
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit	August 2, 2011
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-212	Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal	Readmission after deportation or removal	May 2, 2011
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	April 17, 2011
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)	April 17, 2011
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Religious workers	June 5, 2011
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	August 14, 2011
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-526	Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur	For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States	8 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	2.5 Months
I-612	Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement	Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution	4 Months
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	June 20, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	December 25, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	October 31, 2010
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	January 6, 2011
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	July 16, 2011
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	October 31, 2010
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	October 31, 2010
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors)	6 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	6 Months
I-914	Application for T Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of trafficking in persons, and immediate family	July 25, 2011
I-918	Petition for U Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of qualifying criminal activity, and their qualifying family	May 23, 2011
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months
N-600	Application for Certification of Citizenship	Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship	5 Months
N-643	Application for Certification of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child	Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship on behalf of an adopted child	5 Months

It should be noted that these processing time estimates may not accurately reflect the overall time it takes to process an entire case as further time may be expended processing a case through the National Visa Center (NVC). Furthermore, those awaiting a US visa (such as a K-1 visa or a CR-1 visa) outside of the United States will likely be required to undergo Consular Processing at a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad before prospective issuance.

For related information please see: K1 visa Thailand.

Analyzing The K-1 Visa And The CR-1 Visa Under Current Processing Conditions

admin — Sun, 22 May 2011 02:10:29 +0000

Those conducting research with regard to United States Family Immigration often look at either the K-1 visa or a CR-1 visa for a recent or prospective spouse. That stated, an acute concern for many American Citizens is the speedy admission of the foreign fiance or spouse to the United States of America. Under many circumstances in places such as the Kingdom of Thailand or the Kingdom of Cambodia, virtually the only means to lawfully bring a Thai or Khmer fiance or spouse to the USA involves a US Marriage Visa (such as the CR-1 visa or the IR-1 visa) or a US fiance visa (officially categorized as a K-1 visa). The question then becomes: which visa can be obtained in a more timely manner?

Currently, it usually takes less time to obtain a K-1 visa compared to a CR-1 visa. That stated, it is this blogger’s opinion that the once large gap separating the processing times of these respective visa categories has closed somewhat, from a practical perspective; and, as a result, it may be best for those researching these issues to ponder the notion of applying for a CR-1 visa or an IR-1 visa from the outset rather than undergoing the K1 visa process. Bearing this in mind, the reader should note that the process is unique to every couple as circumstances tend to dictate the timing of various stages of the process.

Although the K-1 visa does usually result in a foreign fiancee arriving in the United States more quickly than a foreign spouse under the CR-1 visa category, readers should be aware of the fact that CR-1 visa holders are admitted into the United States in Lawful Permanent Resident status. Conversely, those admitted into the United States of America in K-1 visa status must undergo the adjustment of status process in order to obtain their Green Card.

Regardless of the fact that the current USCIS Processing Times note little change in the time it takes to receive adjudication of a K-1 visa petition compared to years past, the plain truth of the matter is that the overall K-1 visa process has lengthened for many in recent months. This increased wait time may be attributable to the fact that the National Visa Center and each and every US Embassy or US Consulate has its own backlog of cases to either process or adjudicate. As the ebb and flow of American immigration continues the consular processing times are likely to increase and/or decrease depending upon the circumstances at the various US Posts abroad. At present, it is difficult to calculate with any specificity what the time frame is for Consular Processing in Asia as many factors must be taken into consideration. It is this blogger’s current opinion that under the totality of the circumstances it may be prudent for prospective family visa petitioners to conduct thorough research into the immigration process before making an irrevocable immigration decision as a visa category that looks more efficient at first glance may, in fact, turn out to be an inefficient travel document if one takes into consideration all of the factors which must be addressed in order to ultimately receive lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.A.

For related information please see: Legal.

Washington Blade Reports That Representative Mike Honda Introduces Bill With UAFA Language

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 09:19:25 +0000

It recently came to this blogger’s attention that a Congressman from the sovereign State of California has recently introduced legislation which is designed to improve the current American immigration system. It would appear that one of the proposed improvements would also provide immigration benefits to same sex bi-national couples. To quote directly from the Washington Blade at WashingtonBlade.com:

A U.S. House member from California on Thursday introduced family immigration legislation that includes language allowing gay Americans to sponsor their foreign partners for residency in the United States. Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) introduced the Reuniting Families Act, which has a provision that would protect bi-national same-sex couples as one of its six prongs to keep families together in the country.

Readers of this web log are strongly encouraged to click upon the hyperlinks above to find out further details on this unfolding story.

This blogger personally found it interesting that this bill would also address grievances held by Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) and their families. To quote further from the aforementioned article:

In addition to including UAFA-like language, Honda’s legislation would help shorten the wait times that can keep legal immigrants and their overseas loved ones separated for years. The bill would classify spouses and children of permanent U.S. residents as “immediate relatives” and exempt them from numerical caps on immigration.

It is genuinely unfortunate that some find themselves caught up in the immigration process for substantial periods of time awaiting adjudication of their immigration and visa matters.

Those unfamiliar with the provisions of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), as recently re-introduced in the Federal legislature by Representative Jerrold Nadler, should note that this legislation would circumvent the current provisions of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) which currently separates a large number of bi-national couples since the federal government will not recognize same sex unions for purposes of distributing federal benefits. Upon enactment of legislation similar to that noted above, same sex bi-national couples could be eligible to receive American immigration benefits in the form of travel documents such as the K-1 visa (US fiance visa) or the CR-1 visa (US Marriage Visa). Currently same-sex couples cannot obtain these immigration benefits in the same manner as their different-sex counter parts. This is true in spite of the fact that multiple sovereign American States currently solemnize, legalize, and/or recognize same sex marriage or marital unions. As can be gathered from previous postings on this blog, this state of affairs is questionably Constitutional and for that reason there are currently cases arising in the State of California and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which would overturn at least portions of DOMA.

It is heartening to see more legislators joining the struggle for further equality in America. Readers and proponents of this legislation can, at this time, only hope that further action will be taken in Washington D.C. to see that the current valid grievances of the LGBT community are redressed.

For those interested in learning more about this legislation please check out the official website of Representative Mike Honda.

USCIS Website Sees Update of Fact Sheet Pertaining To The I-864 Affidavit Of Support

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:15:25 +0000

It recently came to this blogger’s attention that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has recently updated some of the information with regard to that agency’s official fact sheet pertaining to I-864 affidavits of support. To quote directly from the official website of USCIS:

In determining inadmissibility, USCIS defines “public charge”as an individual who is likely to become “primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance, or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.” See “Field Guidance on Deportability and Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds,” 64 FR 28689 (May 26, 1999). In determining whether an alien meets this definition for public charge inadmissibility, a number of factors are considered, including age, health, family status, assets, resources, financial status, education, and skills. No single factor, other than the lack of an affidavit of support, if required, will determine whether an individual is a public charge.

Those reading this blog are encouraged to click on the hyperlinks above to read more and gain insight into the issues associated with the I-864 affidavit of support.

It should be noted that the issues associated with the I-864 affidavit of support are significant and should not be overlooked by those seeking immigration benefits. Furthermore, the issues associated with the I-864 affidavit of support pertain not only to USCIS in the United States, but also impact the Consular processing phase of U.S. Immigration process for those who are seeking United States immigrant visas, such as the IR-1 visa and the CR-1 visa, abroad. Meanwhile, seekers of visas such as the K-1 visa (for fiancees of US Citizens) must submit a similar document to a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad in the form of an I-134 affidavit of support. Bearing this in mind, the reader should take note of the fact that the issues surrounding the I-864 affidavit of support are likely to come to the forefront for K-1 visa holders when they eventually apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.

There was an interesting notation on the aforementioned website:

Note: In general, lawful permanent residents who currently possess a “green card” cannot be denied U.S. citizenship for lawfully receiving any public benefits for which they are eligible.

The reader is encouraged to bear in mind the fact that the above quotation is speaking in generalities, but the issue of naturalization in the context of the affidavit of support may be of interest to Americans thinking about bringing a loved one to the USA. The reason that Americans may find the issue of naturalization interesting when discussing family immigration stems from the fact that upon a foreign spouse’s naturalization to US Citizenship, the encumbrances placed upon the American Citizen within the provisions of the affidavit of support are extinguished as upon becoming a United States Citizen a previous foreign national becomes eligible in their own right for government benefits (where applicable). Therefore, the previous sponsor(s) are no long liable to the United States government should the newly-naturalized citizen take government benefits.

For related information please see: Certificate of Citizenship or Child Citizenship Act.

USCIS Error Causes Delayed Processing Of I-130 Petitions

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:22:50 +0000

In recent weeks it has come to this blogger’s attention, via organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and through the website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), that the USCIS has made decisions which has lead to a delay in processing a relatively significant number of I-130 petitions for Immediate relative immigration benefits. To quote directly from the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS):

In November 2010, USCIS transferred approximately 36,000 Immediate Relative petitions from our California Service Center to our Texas Service Center. We anticipated that this redistribution of work would result in more timely adjudication of these petitions. Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances at our Texas Service Center, many of these cases have not been processed and are beyond our estimated processing times. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused you and we are making every effort to remedy this situation as soon as possible.

It is easy to lay blame upon people and organizations. Those reading this piece should note that mistakes occur in life. Businesses, individuals, organizations, and governments do make mistakes and playing the “blame game” often yields little in terms of practical solutions. That said, the USCIS is a government entity and should be accountable for their mistakes. Clearly, the USCIS has taken responsibility for this error and has taken measures to rectify the situation. To quote further from the official website of the USCIS:

On Feb. 7, 2011, we implemented a rapid response plan to expedite the adjudication of these petitions. We have transferred a large number of these Immediate Relative petitions back to our California Service Center to take advantage of resources currently available to immediately process these cases. Petitioners will see an action such as an approval, denial or a Request for Evidence (RFE) on their case from our California or Texas Service Centers by the end of February. Additionally, we have briefed the Department of State’s National Visa Center about these cases.

USCIS’s efforts to solve this problem should not be overlooked. For those seeking an Immigrant visa for a foreign spouse, the K-3 visa has been used in the past to obtain an expedited travel document when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service has a backlog of cases. In recent months, the United States National Visa Centerpiece has had an “administrative closure” policy regarding those K-3 visa applications that arrive at the NVC with, or after, their I-130 counterparts. There are some who speculate that there might be more K-3 visas issued as a result of the backlog created from the situation note above. At the time of this writing, it remains unclear as to exactly how American Immigration officials will opt to deal with this matter.

For related information please see: USCIS processing time.

K3 Visa India: “Administrative Closing” and Immigrant Visas (CR-1, IR-1)

admin — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 03:36:25 +0000

Those American Citizens with Indian husbands or wives often research issues surrounding the US K-3 marriage visa category in an effort to make informed decisions about American travel documentation. Although the term “K-3 visa” has become a common buzzword used as a colloquial synonym for US Marriage Visa on the World Wide Web, the K-3 category was not always the widely utilized travel document for Indian-American couples reuniting in the United States as the Immigrant visa categories often referred to as CR-1 and/or IR-1 visas were once the only travel documents available to the spouses of American Citizens wishing to take up residence in the USA (note: the IR-1 visa category predates the CR-1 visa category as conditional lawful permanent residence status has not always been imposed upon foreign spouses of US Citizens married less than 2 years).

There was a rather significant backlog of Immigrant visa petitions at the agency now commonly referred to as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) when the K3 visa category was created by Congressional legislation sometimes called the “Life Act” which was signed and executed by President William Jefferson Clinton prior to leaving office toward the end of his term (the K-4 visa, similar to the K2 derivative visa attached to the K1 visa, was a derivative visa category also created by the “Life Act” to be utilized by the children of an Indian K-3 spouse).

Currently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service does not have the backlog that it once had of Immigrant spousal visa petitions. As a result, the K-3′s utility has been increasingly marginalized as the estimated processing time for CR-1 visa petitions and IR-1 visa petitions has decreased. Relatively recently, the American State Department’s National Visa Center (NVC) promulgated the policy that K-3 visa applications would be administratively closed if and/or when the adjudicated immigrant visa petition arrives at NVC before or with the supplemental K-3 visa petition. This policy has likely lead to some Indian-American married couples to seek Immigrant visa benefits rather than K-3 visa benefits as “administrative closure” precluded further processing of the K-3 visa petition and application.

Those interested in the K3 visa process or the Immigrant visa process are well advised to research all options prior to making any irrevocable decisions. Furthermore, those seeking immigration advice and/or representation should check the credentials of those claiming expertise in American immigration matters as only licensed American attorneys may practice American immigration law pursuant to U.S. law.

Fore related information please see: K3 Visa India or K1 Visa India.

K3 Visa Malaysia: How “Administrative Closings” may Impact the K3 Visa Process for Malaysian Spouses of US Citizens

admin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:09:07 +0000

Although the topic of K-3 visa applications and “administrative closure” by the United States National Visa Center has been a highly discussed topic in recent postings on this web log it is important to note as it can have a tremendous impact upon the K3 visa process. The K3 visa process is often researched by those United States Citizens wishing to obtain a US Marriage Visa for their Malaysian husband or wife. Although the term “K3 visa” has been used colloquially to describe an American spousal visa on the internet, this is not really the classic method of obtaining marriage visa benefits for the spouse of an American. In reality, submitting the petition to obtain CR1 Visa and/or the IR1 Visa benefits has historically been the commonly followed route to bringing a spouse to the USA.

At one time, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) had such a substantial backlog of marriage visa petitions that the United States Congress and President William Jefferson Clinton enacted legislation commonly referred to as the “Life Act” in an effort to create, among other things, an expedited marriage visa. As a result, the K3 visa category was promulgated. The K4 visa is a derivative visa category intended to be utilized by the children of a K3 visa holder, it is somewhat similar to the K2 visa in the context of the K1 visa process. Approximately ten years after the creation of the K3 visa, USCIS no longer had the processing backlog it once had for marriage visa petitions. This lead to a situation where the National Visa Center was receiving Immigrant visa applications before or with the supplemental K3 application. It would seem that a decision was made to “administratively close” K3 visa applications where the Immigrant visa application arrived before or with the supplemental application. The reason for this policy would seem to be that the K3 visa’s utility is rather negated if the Immigrant visa petition has already been adjudicated.

Those thinking about bringing their Malaysian husband or wife to the USA are well advised to conduct research in an effort to make an informed decision about which type of benefits best suit the needs of the parties. It should also be noted that only a licensed American attorney is qualified to provide US Immigration advice or represent clients before the Department of Homeland Security or its constituent agencies such as USCIS, USCBP, or USICE pursuant to the United States Federal Code. Therefore, those thinking of retaining professional assistance for the immigration process are well advised to check the credentials of anyone claiming expertise in American immigration matters.

For related information please see: K1 Visa Malaysia or K3 Visa Malaysia.