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!
This blog is about my immigration journey - which began in the late-1990s - from Zimbabwe to the United States of America. I am sharing my experiences with the objective of helping individuals who, similarly to me, may find the immigration process impermeable. I am not an attorney and the contents of this blog do not constitute legal advice.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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,
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
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?
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?
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
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!
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!
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