Immigration News Briefs
Ruling Jeopardizes STEM OPT Extensions
On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the US Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) did not follow required procedures when it passed regulations allowing for certain extensions of F-1 Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) employment authorization. In a compromise move, the Court struck down the DHS regulation effective February 12, 2016, to allow DHS time to submit the rule again with appropriate notice and comment. There is no immediate impact on STEM or “cap-gap” OPT extensions. DHS should be able to comply with the requirements by that time. If DHS does not comply, STEM OPT could end on that date. We will keep you updated with further developments.
DHS Launches eFOIA App
(Excerpts from the blog of DHS Chief Privacy Officer, Karen Neuman)
DHS announced the release of a new mobile application to further simplify and enhance the process for submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This is the first FOIA mobile app in the entire Federal Government.
Using their mobile devices, requesters can now submit requests and check the status of existing requests anyplace, anytime.
The new eFOIA app will allow users to:
• Submit a FOIA request to any DHS Component,
• Check the status of FOIA requests,
• Access all of the content on the FOIA website,
including the FOIA Library,
• Receive updates and changes to events, such as stakeholder meetings/conference calls held by the
Department, and recently published documents.
DHS receives the largest number of FOIA requests of any federal agency, and produces the largest number of responses.
The free app is currently available for all Apple and Android devices.
Medical Exam Form Required with USCIS Submissions
On July 26, 2015, USCIS started accepting only the new revised version of the Medical Examination and Vaccination Form I-693. Most Adjustment of Status applications (I-485s) require form I-693, which is to be completed by a USCIS approved physician. This form is valid for one year from the date of submission to the USCIS. If an I-485 applicant’s case has been pending for more than one year with a priority date becoming current, he/she may receive a Request for Evidence which will ask for another, updated medical exam.
Since USCIS has begun only accepting this version of the form, applicants should ensure that they have the correct edition before sending it to USCIS. This can be checked by the revision date of March 30, 2015 which will be printed at the bottom of every page of the form I-693.
Older versions which were filed before this date will not be affected by this new rule.
VISA PREFERENCE NUMBERS FOR September 2015
|
FAMILY |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
15Dec07 |
15Dec07 |
|
2A |
01Mar14 |
01Mar14 |
|
2B |
22Dec08 |
22Dec08 |
|
3rd |
08May04 |
08May04 |
|
4th |
15Jan03 |
15Jan03 |
|
EMPLOYMENT |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
Current |
Current |
|
2nd |
01Jan06 |
Current |
|
3rd |
22Dec04 |
15Aug15 |
|
Other |
22Dec04 |
15Aug15 |
|
4th |
Current |
Current |
|
5th |
Current |
Current1B |
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