DV2013 Re-check Results

Remember to check the DV2013 results again on October 1, 2012.

See my original post for full details here:
DV 2013 Entrant Status Check

Another Exciting Migration Chapter

Today I arrived back in the US with my immediate relative who is now a legal permanent US resident. 

My immediate relative was a first-time incoming US resident, so I had the privilege of seeing first hand, how incoming residents are processed at the port of entry. Dulles International Airport (Washington) was our port of entry. 

The immigration officers were friendly and helpful; the entire process only took approximately 25 minutes more than I would normally spend going through immigration and customs.

My only advice for first time incoming residents is ensure you have the packet provided to you by the US Embassy ready for the immigration officer at your port of entry. The officers will guide you through the rest -fingerprinting, customs declaration and agricultural check. Importantly, do not carry more than ten thousand dollars.

Are you applying for US residence and need help? Feel free to ask using the "comment" link below. 

A Page from My Diary

Today I completed another immigration milestone!

An immediate family member was approved for US permanent residency! While the process was relatively uneventful, I learnt a lot about petitioning for a relative directly through a US Embassy as opposed to through the USCIS, as I've done in the past.

Are you temporarily overseas and need to petition for a relative? Feel free to email me and I will do my best to assist you.

Happy Migrating!

Cut-Off Dates Explained

I've often written about cut-off dates published in the monthly visa bulletin. But what does a cut-off date really mean? How is it determined?

Well, the Department of State publishes visa statistics tables and a document called Operation of the Immigrant Numerical Control System. The document clearly explains how cut-off dates are determined and allocated per preference category.

The terms priority date, documentarily qualified, foreign state changeability and allotment are also defined.

Curious? Interested? Check it out here.


Happy Migrating!

New Site Launched

My new site is launched! Check-out it here.

Electronic Filing Launched!!!

USCIS, on May 22, 2012, launched the electronic immigration benefits system (USCIS ELIS).

Migrants filing  Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status will be the first to use the new system. Form I-539 filers include business visitors, foreign patients, international students and tourist visitors.

Filers must first create a USCIS ELIS account in order to electronically Form I-539. The system enables users to electronically pay application fees, receive and respond to USCIS requests, and update account details.

Alejandro Mayorkas, USCIS Director said,

"USCIS ELIS will transform how we interact with our customers and how we manage the 6-7 million applications we receive each year."

USCIS will gradually transition all applications to the electronic system.

Are you eligible to use USCIS ELIS? If so start by creating your account and then proceed to submit your application.

Don't forget to share your experience with fellow An African Immigrant's Diary followers.

Immigration Assistance

An African Immigrant's Diary is dedicated to providing current information on U.S. immigrant (permanent) visa issues. My goal is to share this information in simple, plain language.

I know, from experience, that the migration process can be lengthy and intimidating. But I've been through it and would love to help you. Feel free to drop me a note using the comment feature below if you need any help or guidance with immigrant visa applications.

I'm not an attorney but will assist you the best way I can, based on my personal experiences.

Thanks for following my blog :).

Happy Migrating!

June Visa Bulletin

The Jun. 2012, visa bulletin is now available. The current date for F4 family category is Jan. 8, 2001, for all countries except Mexico (Jun. 1, 1996) and the Philippines (Jan. 22, 1989).

F4 family members -siblings- have the lowest priority in visa number assignment. The current F4 wait time is approximately 10 years! Patience.

Immediate family members current processing (start to finish) is approximately 10 months.

Check-out visa preference category to learn more.

Temporary Protection Status Extension for Somalia

Janet Napolitano, US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, announced an 18-month extension on the current Temporary Protection Status (TPS) designation for Somalia.

The extension follows the DHS's review of Somalia's ongoing armed conflict coupled with a severe drought in 2011.

Eligible Somali citizens may register or re-register for TPS from May 1, 2012, to July 2, 2012.

First time applicants and repeat registrants must complete Form I-821 and I-765. Detailed registration information is available at the USICS Web site.

Have you or anyone you know applied or will need to submit a TPS application?

DV-2013 Results

The 2013 Green Card Lottery results are out today!

Entrants may check their results using the Entrant Status Check Web site, starting at noon Eastern Standard Time on May 1, 2012, to September 30, 2012. Entrants will need the entry confirmation number  (provided when entry was submitted) along with entrant's last name and year of birth.

Importantly, more winners may be selected at noon on October 1, 2012. Save your entry confirmation information and check again in October, if your entry wasn't selected in the initial draw.

Was your DV-2013 Visa entry selected or do you know anyone who was? Share your news with An African Immigrant's Diary followers.

Happy migrating!

Visa Fee Changes

Good news for immigrant visa applicants! Non-immigrant visa fees will increase while immigrant visa fees decrease.

The Department of State announced that non-immigrant visa fees would increase effective April 13, 2012. The increase includes tourist, student, business, crew member, athletes and exchange visitor visa applicants. In essence any visa applicant who intends to enter the US for a temporary period, can expect to pay the increased visa fees.

Unsure what category your visa falls under? Remember all non-immigrant visas are processed outside the United States by the US Embassy in the applicant's home country. Additionally, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides in-depth information on US visa questions.

Prospective migrant visa applicants should refer to USCIS's listing of current immigrant visa fees.

Feel free to drop me an note using the comment feature below, if you need further help or clarification.

Syria Temporary Protected Status

Syrian citizens may file for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The eligibility follows Department of Homeland Security's announcement to designate Syria for TPS.

The designation is effective Mar. 29, 2012 until Sep. 30, 2013. Applicants must pass criminal record checks and provide sufficient evidence of legal presence in the United States on or before Mar. 29, 2012.

Applications must be submitted by Sep. 25, 2012. Approved individuals may be eligible to apply for employment authorization.

Complete applications details are available on the USCIS TPS page.

Citizenship and Intergration Services Grant

USCIS announced it will provide five million dollars in grant funding to community organisations that prepare permanent residents for naturalisation and citizenship.

According to the announcement, public or non-profit organisations are eligible to apply as long as they can satisfactorily demonstrate "experience providing citizenship instruction and naturalisation application services to immigrants." However, 2011 grant recipients are not eligible for the 2012 grant.

Grant application deadline is May 7, 2012. The deadline will not be extended. Award recipients will be announced in September 2012.