Friday, January 29, 2010

How to Schedule an Appointment for an Orphan Screening at the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince

In response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is actively screening Haitian children for possible humanitarian parole if they fit into one of two special categories authorized by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano on Jan. 18, 2010. The specialized categories only apply to Haitian children who were adopted or were in the process of being adopted by American families prior to Jan.12. For additional information on the eligibility criteria for both categories, please review the "Information for U.S. Citizens in the process of adopting a child from Haiti", also summarized in the chart below.

Category

Eligibility Requirements

Children being adopted by Americans who have been legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption by the Government of Haiti (GOH), through an adoption decree or custody grant

Evidence of availability for adoption must include at least one of the following:

  • Full and final Haitian adoption decree
  • GOH Custody grant to prospective adoptive parents for emigration and adoption
  • Secondary evidence of either of the adoption or custody decree

Evidence of suitability must include one of the following:

  • Approved Form I-600A
  • Current FBI fingerprints and security background check
  • Physical custody in Haiti plus security background clearance

Children previously identified by an Adoption Service Provider (ASP) or an intercountry adoption facilitator and matched to an American prospective adoptive parents

Evidence of a relationship between the prospective adoptive parents and the child and evidence of the parents' intention to complete the adoption. Evidence may include:

  • Proof of travel by the prospective adoptive parents to Haiti to visit the child
  • Photos of the child and prospective adoptive parents together
  • ASP "Acceptance of Referral" letter signed by the prospective adoptive parents
  • Documentary evidence that the prospective adoptive parents initiated the adoption process prior to Jan. 12, 2010 with intent to adopt the child (filed Form I-600A and/or Form I-600, completed a home study, located an ASP to work with in Haiti, etc.)

Evidence of the child's availability for adoption. Evidence may include:

  • IBESR (Haitian Adoption Authority) approval
  • Legal relinquishment or award of custody to the Haitian orphanage
  • Secondary evidence of the above (e.g. e-mail correspondence, copies, ASP correspondence0

Evidence of suitability must include one of the following:

  • Approved Form I-600A OR
  • Current FBI/FP and security background clearances

If you have eligible children for this program, please follow the instructions below on how to schedule an appointment for an orphan screening.

Adoptive Parent(s) in the United States

We encourage you to work closely with your Adoption Service Provider if you have one since we frequently provide updated information to them. We strongly discourage parents from traveling to Haiti on their own.

To request an appointment for an orphan screening at the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince, contact us at HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov. To ensure your request is processed correctly please follow the instructions below:

  1. In the subject line of your email type: "APPOINTMENT REQUEST," Your surname and the name of the orphanage
  2. In the body of the e-mail be sure to include:
    • Your child's full name
    • Your child's date of birth
    • Any information you believe we should have in regard to the child's vulnerability (e.g. the child is ill, has special needs, is particularly vulnerable)
    • The name and location of the orphanage where your child is living
    • A point of contact for the orphanage (either in the United States or Haiti)

Please note that your child is likely to be scheduled as part of a larger group, so your response from us may refer to that group as well as to your child. Scheduling all eligible children from a given orphanage together is safer for the children, as they will be able to travel together to the embassy, and ultimately depart from Haiti as a group since all will be authorized and issued their documentation at the same time.

USCIS is actively reaching out to all Haitian orphanages that we are aware of in an effort to schedule appointments. If you know that USCIS is already working with your orphanage, it is not necessary for you to request an appointment, although you are free to do so.

Adoptive Parent(s) in Haiti with Your Adoptive Child(ren)

If you have access to the Internet, please send an e-mail to HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov. To ensure that your request is processed correctly, please follow the instructions below:

  1. In the subject line of your email type: "URGENT -- ADOPTIVE PARENT IN HAITI"
  2. In the body of the e-mail be sure to include:
    • Your full name
    • Your home address
    • Your child's name
    • Your child's date of birth
    • Information about how to best contact you

We will make every effort to reply to your message promptly with instructions on when to go to the embassy. You are more likely to get into the embassy and processed quickly if you email us to make the appointment.

It is extremely important that you bring all available adoption documents, identity documents and current photos of your child.

If you cannot e-mail us in advance, you may proceed directly to the embassy with your child and identify yourself to the guards as an adoptive parent with an orphan child in need of orphan screening at the USCIS Field Office. Although the embassy guards have been instructed to bring all such cases immediately to the front of the line and admit them into the embassy, it may be very difficult for you to gain access, particularly if we are unaware that you are coming. You may also have to make several visits or wait for long periods of time, depending on the information we have available about your case.

USCIS is actively reaching out to all Haitian orphanages that we are aware of in an effort to schedule appointments. If you know that USCIS is already working with your orphanage, it is not necessary for you to request an appointment, although you are free to do so.

Orphanage Directors or Other Individuals Caring for Orphan Children

The embassy is scheduling appointments in advance in an effort to pre-process groups of cases. This will allow all children who are eligible in a particular orphanage to be screened at the same time and will only require one trip to the embassy for physical identification. Do not try to enter the embassy without first arranging an appointment, as you may be turned away.

To request an appointment for orphan screenings at the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince, contact us at HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov. To ensure your request is processed correctly please follow the instructions below:

  1. In the subject line of your email type: "ORPHANAGE SEEKING APPOINTMENT"
  2. In the body of the e-mail be sure to include:
    • A list of the children in your care with their dates of birth
    • Name(s) of the children's adoptive parent(s)
    • Contact information for the children's adoptive parents (addresses and e-mail addresses)
    • Status of the each child's case (e.g. pre-IBESR, MOI, etc.)
    • Your contact information (phone number, email, through a U.S. contact, etc.)

If you do not have all the information requested above, provide as much as possible.

USCIS will respond by informing you of your appointment time. Only the orphanage director or other responsible adults should appear for the initial appointment. Bring all available adoption and identity documentation for each child who will be screened as well as current photos if available.

The children will need to be seen at the embassy for physical identification after the cases have been vetted and prior to issuance of the travel documentation. You should only bring the children to the embassy when instructed to do so by USCIS or the U.S. Embassy.

NOTE: We are aware that some orphanages are located a long way from the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince. We are currently considering how we might make processing available in remote locations, and will provide further information on this at a later time.

For more information about other USCIS Haitian relief efforts, please go to the main page "USCIS Response to Haiti" link on the left.

USCIS and Los Angeles Announce Immigrant Integration Partnership

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced today a new partnership to strengthen immigrant integration efforts in Los Angeles through proactive citizenship awareness, education, and outreach activities. The initiative kicks off with a free citizenship information session and naturalization workshop on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Learning Center in Northeast Los Angeles. USCIS Los Angeles District Director Jane Arellano will be on hand to answer questions.

“Citizenship creates opportunities, strengthens communities, and allows immigrants to become fully vested members of this great nation,” said Mayorkas. “In serving the public, it is our duty to provide aspiring citizens with the tools they need to pursue the path to citizenship. We are proud to partner with Mayor Villaraigosa and the City of Los Angeles on this important initiative.”

Saturday’s event is the first in a series of planned citizenship information sessions for Los Angeles residents. Other activities under the agreement include the dissemination of USCIS educational materials highlighting U.S. citizenship and the naturalization process at city facilities along with targeted outreach to increase awareness of citizenship rights, responsibilities, and the naturalization process among eligible residents. As the second largest, and one of the most diverse cities in the country, Los Angeles is home to immigrants coming from more than 140 countries and speaking 224 languages. California is home to nearly 3.5 million legal permanent residents, 2.5 million of whom are eligible to naturalize.

“By partnering with USCIS to educate and encourage Angelenos to become American citizens, the City of Los Angeles is helping to open the doors of greater economic opportunity for thousands of hard-working immigrants and their families,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “This outreach campaign is a model of cooperation and civic empowerment that will help enrich America's continued success as a nation of immigrants.”

Los Angeles is the first city to enter into an agreement with USCIS to strengthen and enhance local immigant integration efforts. USCIS will regularly evaluate the program’s effectiveness to determine whether a similar agreement may be replicated in other locations. Launched as a pilot, the partnership between USCIS and Los Angeles will remain in effect for two years.

To learn more about USCIS and its programs, visit our homepage or call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

For more information on the City of Los Angeles, visit www.lacity.org.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Questions and Answers: Requesting Waiver of Fees Temporary Protected Status Applicants

Background

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is funded by application and petition fees. Waiving a fee for certain individuals transfers the cost of processing applications and petitions to other applicants and petitioners and often necessitates increasing fees for everyone. However, we recognize that some individuals may not be able to pay the filing or biometrics fees. If you wish for us to consider waiving the fees for your application, please follow the instructions provided on requesting a fee waiver at http://www.uscis.gov/feewaiver and in these Questions and Answers. When you request a fee waiver, you must clearly demonstrate that you are unable to pay the application fees and biometrics fee that are applicable in your case.

Questions and Answers

Q. Which fees can USCIS waive if requested?

A. If you are unable to pay, you may request a fee waiver for the following fees:

  • Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821);
  • Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765);
  • Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility (Form I-601); and
  • The biometrics fee.

The fee for the Application for Travel Document, (Form I-131), is not waivable.

Q. How should I apply for a fee waiver request?
A. To apply for a fee waiver, you must submit a written statement, made under oath, affirmation, or pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746 containing the statement: “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct,” requesting a fee waiver(s) and stating the reasons why you are unable to pay the filing fee(s). This statement must be on the request and the request will be denied if it is not. Be sure to state which specific fees you are requesting to be waived in your affidavit.
The signed written statement and any supporting documentation must be submitted along with your benefit application(s).
Your fee waiver request must explain why you are unable to pay the fees and also include:

  • Any evidence that you are receiving a federal or state means-tested public benefit (e.g., Medicaid, food and nutrition benefits (SNAP program), housing assistance, etc.),*
  • Your monthly Gross Income from all sources for each of the three months prior to the filing of the fee waiver request,
  • A list of all assets owned, possessed or controlled by you or your dependents,
  • Your monthly essential expenditures , including any extraordinary expenses (e.g., high medical bills), for each of the three months prior to the filing of the fee waiver request,
  • A list of your dependents in the United States, their address and relationship to you, and any income earned or received by your dependents,
  • Any evidence of humanitarian considerations (e.g., disability, age, homelessness, unemployment),* and
  • Any other information that you believe supports your inability to pay the fees that you would like waived.

*Although these starred items are not mandatory requirements, such evidence will be given significant weight in determining your eligibility for a fee waiver.

Q. How will USCIS determine if I qualify for a fee waiver?
A. We will determine that you qualify if you are able to demonstrate that it is more probable than not that your gross income for the three-month period prior to the filing of your fee waiver request was equal to or less than your essential expenses (e.g. reasonable expenditures for rent, utilities, medical expenses, child care) during that same period AND you do not own, possess or control ASSETS sufficient to pay the fee without substantial hardship.

We will review your fee waiver request according to the following 5 steps:

Step 1. Are you receiving a federal-means tested benefit? If you are and you have provided sufficient evidence, your fee waiver will normally be approved.

Step 2. Is your household’s income over the three months preceding the filing of your fee waiver request less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines?

Step 3. Did your essential expenses over the three months preceding the filing of your fee waiver request equal or exceed your gross income during that period?

Step 4. Do you have a humanitarian consideration (e.g, disability, age, etc.) or an extraordinary economic situation (e.g., recent unemployment) that you believe has a sufficiently negative financial impact to make you eligible for a fee waiver? If so, you must provide sufficient evidence to support your claim.

Step 5. Do you have any other reasons and supporting evidence that would support your inability to pay the fee(s)? If so, you must provide the evidence and explain how it makes you unable to pay the fee.

By utilizing the step-by-step process above, USCIS will look at your entire situation to determine whether to grant you a fee waiver based on whether you have sufficient assets to pay the fee without substantial hardship.

Q. What is a federal means-tested benefit and what effect does it have on my eligibility for a fee waiver?
A. A federal means-tested benefit is any benefit funded in whole or part by the Federal government that requires you to demonstrate your “means” (e.g., your income, assets and related resources) as part of the eligibility requirements for the benefit. The federal agency administering the funds determines whether the benefit is a Federal means-tested public benefit under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193.

Many federal-means tested benefits are administered by state, county and city social service agencies. All benefits, whether they are provided by the federal or local government agencies, carry equal weight in our consideration of your fee waiver request.

Examples of federal means-tested benefits include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly called “Food Stamps”), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

You should provide evidence you are receiving these benefits if you wish USCIS to take into account the fact that you have previously demonstrated low income and limited resources to a different agency as part of USCIS’ determination of your eligibility for a fee waiver. This evidence should be a copy of a letter or other documentation bearing the letterhead or logo of the agency granting the benefit, the name of the recipient of the benefit and that you are currently receiving the benefit.

Q. What if someone else in my family is receiving federal means-tested benefits?
A. The person applying for the fee waiver must be the person who is receiving the Federal means-tested benefits.

The only exceptions are:

1. If an applicant is receiving a federal means-tested benefit, then a dependent spouse who lives in the same household of the applicant will also qualify for a fee waiver unless the spouse owns, possesses or controls assets sufficient to pay the fee without substantial hardship; and,

2. If a parent is receiving federal means-tested benefits, then his or her unmarried children under 18 living with him or her would also qualify for a fee waiver.

However, the reverse situation does not apply. For example, if a child or grandchild is receiving Federal means-tested benefits, eligibility for a fee waiver does not automatically extend to parents or other family members. Similarly, if a parent is receiving SSI, his or her adult children do not automatically qualify for a fee waiver as a result.

Q. If I am not receiving a federal-means tested benefit, how will you determine my eligibility for a fee waiver?
A. If you are not receiving a federal-means tested benefit, we will look at other factors, such as the income level of your household and compare it to Federal Poverty Guidelines. We will also consider assets, humanitarian factors, and all evidence that you submit regarding your inability to pay to determine whether your request merits a discretionary grant of a fee waiver.

Q. How will you use my household income information to determine my eligibility for a fee waiver?
A. We will compare your household income with the "Federal Poverty Guidelines". We use the Federal Poverty Guidelines, as established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

If your household income is greater than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you are not likely to qualify for a fee waiver. However, even if your household income exceeds that of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if you have a humanitarian consideration or an extraordinary economic situation such as medical bills or unemployment, then USCIS will take this account in an overall assessment of your inability to pay the fees. See further Q&A’s below.

Q. What evidence should I provide concerning my household income?
A. In addition to your written statement, you are strongly encouraged to submit documentary evidence of your household income which includes all forms of income, including income received or earned by any dependent in the United States, and financial assistance. Such evidence may include:

  • If available, a copy your Federal tax return for the last tax year; or
  • If you did not file a federal tax return, submit other forms of evidence which may include paycheck stubs, employment contracts, statement(s) from your employer(s) own business stationary showing salary or wages paid etc, for the past 3 months; or
  • Official transcripts of your tax returns and W-2s. These can be obtained without fee from the Internal Revenue Service by filing an IRS Request for Transcript of Tax Return, (Form 4506T).

Q. Who should I include when determining my household size?
A. You should include:
Yourself;
Your spouse;

  • The following family members:
    • Your children or legal wards, who are unmarried and under 21, and who live with you;
    • Your children or legal wards, who are unmarried, under 23, full-time students, and who live with you when not at school;
    • Your children, or legal wards, who are unmarried, and for whom you are the legal guardian because they are physically or mentally disabled to the extent they cannot adequately care for themselves and cannot establish, maintain, or re-establish their own household;
    • Your parents, if:
      • You are unmarried, under 23, a full-time student, and you live with your parents when you are not at school; or
      • They are retired and living with you.

Q. Will you include the income of a person living with me if that person is not part of my household for tax purposes?
A. If a person is living with you but is not claimed as a member of your household for tax purposes, that person’s income will not be considered when determining your household income. You do not need to provide this person’s income information.

Q. If I am separated, do I need to count my husband or wife, and children living with him or her?
A. If you are legally separated, you do not need to include your spouse in your family size, and do not need to include your spouse’s income information. However, be sure you include in your household income any support that your spouse is still legally required to provide to your household under court order or state law.

If you are legally separated but continue to live together, your spouse’s income information must be included with your fee waiver request.

If you are not legally separated, even if you are living apart, then you need to include your spouse’s income information in your fee waiver request.

Evidence of legal separation should be included with your fee waiver request. This may be a copy of the court order or a letter from the attorney that is managing your case.

Q. If I am applying for immigration benefits under the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act, do I need to provide my spouse’s financial information?
A. Individuals applying for immigration benefits under provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), regardless of current marital status, should only provide their spouse’s financial information if it is readily available. In those cases where the information cannot be obtained, please provide a brief explanation describing the circumstances.

Q. How will my expenses factor into my eligibility for a fee waiver?
A. Essential expenses for this purpose are limited to reasonable expenditures for: rent, food, utilities, child care, medical expenses, commuting costs, clothing, and laundry. Temporary Protected States (TPS) fees are also considered an essential expenditure.

Q. How will my assets and/or the assets of my dependents factor into my eligibility for a fee waiver?
A. In addition to providing us with evidence that your essential expenditures have equaled or exceeded your gross income for the last three months, you will need to provide us with information concerning your assets (as well as those of your dependents) and their value.

Assets include: real estate, property, cash, checking, and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and annuities (except for pension plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)).

If we determine that you can pay the fees from your assets without substantial harm, we will deny your fee request. For example if you have $20,000 in the bank and own two cars, we would determine the applicant has the ability to pay.

Q. What if I believe I am eligible for a fee waiver because of a humanitarian consideration or due to a recent extraordinary economic situation?
A. To the extent that your essential expenses over the three month period prior to your filing the fee waiver request were not equal to or greater than your income during that period, we may consider the following in determining your eligibility for a fee waiver:

  • Whether your age will have an effect on your ability to earn income in the near future;
  • Any disability that may prevent you from earning an income in the near future; and
  • Evidence that you recently became unemployed.

Disabilities (physical and emotional) should be documented with a letter from a medical professional and should state the nature of your disability and that it prevents or severely inhibits your ability to earn an income.

Q. What if I am filing on behalf of a special immigrant juvenile (SIJ)?
A. Juveniles in the custody of the state or local government will likely qualify for a fee waiver. The legal guardian, conservator, or similar court-appointed surrogate should sign the fee waiver request and provide one of the forms of evidence listed below:

  • Evidence that the SIJ is receiving a federal means-tested benefit.
  • Pay stubs or bank statements indicating the SIJ’s income is under the federal poverty guidelines.
  • Recent juvenile court order establishing dependency or custodial assignment (within the last 6 months) of the SIJ.
  • Letter from a foster care home or similar agency overseeing the SIJ’s custodial placement that describes the SIJ’s inability to pay.
  • Form I-797 Approval Notice for a Form I-360 filed for the SIJ.

Any one of the above types of documentation will meet the evidentiary requirement to support the SIJ’s inability to pay.

Q. Who may request a fee waiver?
A. Anyone who is 18 or older and wants to request a fee waiver for his/her own application.

Anyone who is 18 or older may request a fee waiver for his/her:

1. Unmarried children under 18;
2. Unmarried sons and daughters for whom s/he remains the legal guardian to the extent they cannot adequately care for themselves; and
3. Legal ward who meets either of the above definitions.

Q. Who should sign the fee waiver request?
A. If you are at least 14 years old, you may sign on your own.

Your parent or legal guardian conservator, committee or similar court-appointed surrogate may sign the request for you if you are under 14 years old, or if you are between 14 and 18 years of age, but incapable of signing on your own.

A legal guardian, conservator, committee or similar court-appointed surrogate may also sign the fee waiver request for you if you are 18 years of age or older but a court has appointed a guardian, conservator, committee or similar surrogate for you because you are not capable of managing your own affairs.

Q. If the applicant is a minor and is a ward of the state, who should complete and sign the fee waiver request?
A. The court appointed guardian, conservator, committee or similar surrogate should sign the fee waiver request. The fee waiver request should include a copy of the court order designating the signee as guardian, conservator, committee or similar surrogate.

Q. Some form instructions mention filing fees and biometric fees. Can both be waived? Do I have to file separate fee waiver requests?
A. You do not have to file a separate fee waiver request for the filing fee and the biometric fee. If we approve your fee waiver request, we will waive both the filing and biometric fees.

Q. Do I need English translation of documents?
A. If any document that you submit with your application is not in English, you must submit both the document itself (in the other language) and a full and complete English translation.

The individual who translated the document into English must certify that he or she is competent to translate from the other language into English, and that the translation is a full, complete and accurate translation of the entire document.

The translator must include his or her name, signature, full address, phone number, e-mail address and any related license or registration number.

Q. What if I have questions?
A. If you have questions, refer to our Web site (http://www.uscis.gov ) or call customer service at the National Customer Service Center (NCSC): 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD for the hearing impaired).

Change of Filing Location for Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced revisions to Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility.

As of January 4, 2010, infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is no longer a ground of inadmissibility. If you have the HIV infection, you are no longer inadmissible to the United States, and are no longer required to file Form I-601 because of your HIV infection. As part of the revisions to Form I-601, any reference to HIV infection in the form and the instructions were removed.

In addition, USCIS today announced that there are revised filing instructions and addresses for applicants filing Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility. The change of filing location is part of an overall effort to transition the intake of benefit forms from USCIS local offices and Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities. By centralizing form and fee intake to a Lockbox environment, USCIS can provide customers with more efficient and effective initial processing of applications and fees.

Beginning 1/27/2010, the following filing location changes are in effect for applicants located in the United States:

  • Applicants who a) have an approved Form I-360 based as a Self-petitioning spouse or child of an abusive U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, or b) are a T nonimmigrant seeking adjustment of status, and who are filing Form I-601, must file their application at the USCIS Vermont Service Center;

USCIS Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden Street

St. Albans, VT 05479-0001.

  • Applicants who are filing Form I-601 together with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, must file the I-485 and the I-601 at the filing location specified on the Form I-485 instructions.
  • Applicants who have a pending Form I-485 must file Form I-601 with a USCIS Lockbox facility, based on the first 3 letters in their application receipt number. Detailed guidance can be found in updated Form I-601 instructions as well as at www.uscis.gov. Applicants must include a copy of the I-797C, Notice of Action, showing that their Form I-485 was accepted.
  • Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 244, must file Form I-601 with Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Consult the applicable Federal Register notice for the applicant's country’s TPS designation.
  • Individuals in removal proceedings, must file Form I-601 with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) office with jurisdiction over your case and according to the instructions that are provided to the individual in court.

USCIS Offices will forward incorrectly filed I-601 applications to the USCIS Lockbox facilities for 30 days, until 2/27/2010. After that, incorrectly filed applications will be returned to the applicant, with a note to send the application to the correct location.

Applicants located outside of the United States will continue to file their Form I-601 with the U.S. Embassy or consulate where they are applying for a visa.

When filing Form I-601 at a Lockbox facility, applicants may elect to receive an email and/or text message notifying them that USCIS has accepted their applications. To receive notification, the applicant must complete an E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of the application.

For more information on USCIS programs or to download a copy of a USCIS Form, visit www.uscis.gov or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

USCIS to Reissue Advance Parole Documents

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) announced today that it will reissue Advance Parole documents (Form I-512) in response to documents that were mailed to applicants with an incorrect issue date of January 5, 1990. All affected documents have been identified and USCIS will automatically reissue documents to individuals who have received a document with the incorrect issue date.

All documents continue to be valid as the expiration dates remain accurate, therefore it is not necessary for applicants to contact USCIS regarding their pending application unless their application is outside the normal processing time of 90 days.

If you need to travel urgently and you have received a document with an invalid issue date, then you may travel using the incorrect document. U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has been alerted however, you may be questioned about the issuance date. Therefore, please print this explanation to share with CBP if necessary.

For more information on USCIS programs, visit www.uscis.gov or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

USCIS Update: USCIS Warns of Immigration Scams Targeting Haitian Applicants for Temporary Protected Status

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that eligible Haitian nationals in the United States may file for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Details and procedures for applying for TPS are available in the Federal Register notice published on January 21, 2010.

Please be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to secure legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance.

A list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS website under Resources/Finding Legal Advice. Please see our Fact Sheet, “USCIS Warns of Immigration Scams Targeting Haitian Applicants for Temporary Protected Status” for helpful tips and further information on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. We hope you will use this resource.

Questions & Answers: Information for U.S. Citizens in the process of adopting a child from Haiti

Introduction

On Jan. 12, 2010, Haiti experienced an earthquake of devastating proportions. This set of questions and answers provides information for United States citizens in the process of adopting a child from Haiti.

Questions and Answers

Q. I am in the process of adopting a child from Haiti, what can I do to bring the child to the United States?
A. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has authorized the use of humanitarian parole for the following categories of orphans in Haiti:

Category 1 Cases

Description: Children being adopted by U.S. citizens prior to Jan. 12, 2010, who have been legally confirmed as orphans available for inter-country adoption by the Government of Haiti (GOH) through an adoption decree or custody grant to suitable U.S. citizen adoptive parents.

Required Criteria:

  • Evidence of availability for adoption MUST include at least one of the following:
    • Full and final Haitian adoption decree; or
    • GOH custody grant to prospective adoptive parents for emigration and adoption; or
    • Secondary evidence in place of the above.
  • Evidence of suitability MUST include one of the following:
    • Approved Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition; or
    • Current FBI fingerprints and security background check; or
    • Physical custody in Haiti plus a security background check.

Please note, some of the children in this category will receive immigrant visas and others will receive humanitarian parole, depending on the completeness of the cases. Those who enter with immigrant visas will enter as aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Those who enter with humanitarian parole will need to have their immigration status finalized after arrival through an application for adjustment of status.

Category 2 Cases

Description: Children who have been identified by an adoption service provider or facilitator as eligible for intercountry adoption, were matched to prospective American adoptive parents prior to Jan. 12, 2010 and meet the below criteria.

Required Criteria:

  • Significant evidence of a relationship between the prospective adoptive parents and the child; AND of the parents' intention to complete the adoption, which could include the following:
    • Proof of travel by the prospective adoptive parents to Haiti to visit the child;
    • Photos of the child and prospective adoptive parents together;
    • An Adoption Service Provider (ASP) "Acceptance of Referral" letter signed by the prospective adoptive parents;
    • Documentary evidence that the prospective adoptive parents initiated the adoption process prior to Jan. 12, 2010, with intent to adopt the child (filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and/or Form I-600, Petition to Classify an Orphan as an Immediate Relative, completed a home study, located an ASP to work with in Haiti, etc.).
  • Evidence of the child's availability for adoption, which would include the following:
    • IBESR (Haitian Adoption Authority) approval;
    • Documentation of legal relinquishment or award of custody to the Haitian orphanage;
    • Secondary evidence in place of the above.
  • Evidence of suitability MUST include one of the following:
    • Approved Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition; or
    • Current FBI fingerprints and security background check.

If the child you have adopted or are adopting meets these criteria, please send U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) detailed information about the adoption case atHaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov. This e-mail address is dedicated to collecting information about adoption cases still pending in Haiti. Please include the name of the prospective adoptive parent in the subject line of the e-mail. Once we have your information, we will contact you with further information.

Q. If parole is authorized, how will my child get out of Haiti?
A. The Consular Section and USCIS Office is coordinating the arrival of children at the Embassy so that they are able to arrive safely. We urge families not to make individidual arrangements and to assist us in coordinating with the ophanages on the ground. Orphanage directors should wait to receive instructions either from the Embassy or USCIS Headquarters in Washington before taking their group of children to the Embassy for processing. Individuals or groups that appear at the Embassy without prior coordination may be turned away.

Q. If humanitarian parole is authorized, may I travel to pick up a specific child?
A. The Department of State (DOS) Travel Warning, urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti. Communications and transportation in Haiti is extremely limited and nearly all available resources are dedicated to the immediate search and rescue of Haitians. Updates to the DOS travel warnings for Haiti are available online athttp://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4632.html.

Once a child receives a visa or is authorized for humanitarian parole, we encourage you to work with your U.S. adoption agency and the orphanage staff in Haiti to identify an escort to bring the child to the United States.

Q. Many documents were destroyed in the earthquake. What kind of secondary evidence can be submitted in the place of primary documents?
A. Secondary evidence may include, but is not limited to, copies of records or correspondence referring to the existence of the destroyed or missing document, as maintained by an Adoption Service Provider or the prospective adoptive family, as well as affidavits of individuals with knowledge of the document or event.

Q. I am a prospective adoptive parent in the process of adopting a child in Haiti, but the adoption was not finalized prior to the earthquake. If DHS authorizes humanitarian parole for a child who was not legally adopted in Haiti, how will I obtain the legal authority to take the child into my home?
A: If you received an order from the Government of Haiti granting custody of the child to you, then the child may be paroled into your custody upon verification of the order, your identity and that of the child after the child's arrival in the United States.

If you have not received a formal order granting you custody from the Government of Haiti, then the child may be placed in your care but some additional procedures must be followed. These procedures are intended to protect children and ensure that those without final adoptions are placed with families that are able to care for them. These additional procedures may take a little time, but they are critical for keeping children safe. Children who cannot be placed with prospective adoptive parents will be well cared for. ORR has contracts with organizations around the country to care for unaccompanied children who are not U.S. citizens.

Whether you become a sponsor or not, you will need to adopt the child under the adoption laws of your place of residence in order for the child to acquire permanent residence in the United States.

Q. How do I request Humanitarian Parole for the child I am in the process of adopting?
A. If you want to request humanitarian parole for a specific child you are in the process of adopting from Haiti, please send the request to HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov. Please include the name of the prospective adoptive parent in the subject line of the e-mail. You do not need to file Form I-131 or submit a fee for these cases.

Q. I am a prospective adoptive parent in the process of adopting a child from Haiti. What should I do if my Fingerprint Clearance has expired?
A. USCIS will review each prospective adoptive parent's request for humanitarian parole on a case-by-case basis. If we determine that your fingerprint clearance(s) has expired, you do not need to take any action. USCIS will electronically rerun your prints. (Please do not send a request for updated fingerprint to HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov.) If you have not been fingerprinted by USCIS at any stage of your adoption process, please send an e-mail message to HaitianAdoptions@dhs.gov and we will arrange a fingerprint appointment for you. Please include "FP Request" in the subject line of the e-mail.

Q. Is there any other way I can help orphans in Haiti?
A. We understand that some Americans want to respond by offering to open their homes. We certainly appreciate this generous impulse, but note that it can be extremely difficult to determine whether children are truly orphans. Children may be temporarily separated from their parents or other family members, and their parents or other relatives may be looking for them. In the first instance, we believe it is most important to focus on re-uniting separated children with their relatives. Some individuals may wish to assist by contributing to a reputable relief or humanitarian organization working in that country. More information can be found at the following Web sites linked on the right:

  • Department of State
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
  • Interaction

USCIS Update: Registration Begins for Temporary Protected Status to Haiti

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that eligible Haitian nationals in the United States may begin the application process for Temporary Protected Status. Details and procedures for applying for TPS are provided in the Federal Register notice published today.

On Jan. 15, 2010, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano designated TPS for eligible Haitian nationals as a result of the catastrophic earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.

The TPS designation for Haiti is effective today and will remain in effect through July 22, 2011. The designation means that eligible Haitian nationals will not be removed from the United States and will also be eligible to apply to work in the United States. The 180-day registration period for eligible Haitian nationals to apply for TPS begins today and will end on July 20, 2010.

The designation applies only to those Haitians who resided in the United States on or before Jan. 12, 2010; TPS will not be granted to Haitian nationals who entered the United States after Jan. 12, 2010.

Haiti joins El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Sudan as countries currently designated for TPS.

Questions & Answers: Filing Instructions for the E-2 CNMI Investor Classification

Background

On May 8, 2008, President Bush signed into law Public Law 110-229, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA). Title VII of this law amended Pub. L. 94-241, the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in Political Union with the United States. Title VII fully extends certain provisions of the immigration laws of the United States to the CNMI for the first time in history. The transition period for this change began November 28, 2009.

Under the CNRA, USCIS is establishing an E-2 CNMI Investor classification. This classification would allow foreign nationals who were admitted as long-term investors under the CNMI immigration laws a classification that allows them to remain in the CNMI through the transition period.

Questions and Answers

Q. Can I file for classification as an E-2 CNMI Investor now?

A. No. The E-2 CNMI Investor rule has not been finalized, so you cannot file for the E-2 CNMI Investor classification. All petitions filed seeking classification as an E-2 CNMI Investor will be returned to the petitioner until the final rule is published. The proposed rule was posted in the Federal Register on September 14, 2009 for a public comment period; that period is now closed.

Q. What is the purpose of the E-2 CNMI Investor Program?

A. The E-2 CNMI Investor Program will allow foreign nationals who were previously admitted to the CNMI under certain long-term CNMI investor classifications to obtain a transitional INA-based E-2 CNMI Investor classification. Thus, the E-2 CNMI Investor classification offers a lawful U.S. immigration status to foreign nationals who were previously admitted to the CNMI as long-term investors but are unable to establish eligibility for the regular E-2 investor classification.

Q. Will the E-2 CNMI Investor Program and classification be permanent?

A. No. The E-2 CNMI Investor Program is only in effect during the transition period which is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014. E-2 CNMI Investor classification and visas will expire that day. The transition period may be extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Notification will be provided if that occurs.

Q. If I am in the CNMI now, do I have the option of filing for an E-2 Treaty Investor classification?

A. Yes. Federal immigration law took effect in the CNMI on November 28, 2009, so all nonimmigrant classifications available to nonimmigrants in the United States are now available for nonimmigrants in the CNMI. If you believe that you qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor classification, you may proceed with the steps to obtain such classification. Please note: If you are currently present in the CNMI with a work permit based on CNMI law, you are required to process your E-2 classification at a consulate abroad as you do not currently have an INA-based classification from which you can change status.


Friday, January 22, 2010

USCIS Update: Registration Begins for Temporary Protected Status to Haiti

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that eligible Haitian nationals in the United States may begin the application process for Temporary Protected Status. Details and procedures for applying for TPS are provided in the Federal Register notice published today.

On Jan. 15, 2010, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano designated TPS for eligible Haitian nationals as a result of the catastrophic earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.

The TPS designation for Haiti is effective today and will remain in effect through July 22, 2011. The designation means that eligible Haitian nationals will not be removed from the United States and will also be eligible to apply to work in the United States. The 180-day registration period for eligible Haitian nationals to apply for TPS begins today and will end on July 20, 2010.

The designation applies only to those Haitians who resided in the United States on or before Jan. 12, 2010; TPS will not be granted to Haitian nationals who entered the United States after Jan. 12, 2010.

Haiti joins El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Sudan as countries currently designated for TPS.

Petition Filing and Processing Procedures for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

Form I-140

The Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is used to petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to classify an alien beneficiary as eligible for an immigrant visa based on employment. The employer generally files the Form I-140 on behalf of the alien.

What steps can I take to ensure that my Form I-140 petition will not be rejected by USCIS?

Be sure to submit your Form I-140 petition with correct information and well-organized supporting documentation or your petition may be rejected or a final decision can be delayed.

Below are tips to ensure that your Form I-140 petition is accepted for processing:

Use the most current edition of the form, although older editions may be accepted.

Make sure you follow the instructions carefully in regards to which location to file your Form I-140 petition.

Select only one visa preference category in Part 2 of the Form I-140. (USCIS will reject the Form I-140 petition if Part 2 is left blank or when more than one visa preference category is selected in Part 2.)

Respond to all questions and provide information in all of the "answer" and "check" boxes. Please write "none" or "n/a" in an answer box if a question does not apply to you.

Print or type information using black ink only. Please do not "highlight" or "background shade" your entries.

Make sure the petitioner signs the Form I-140.

Include the correct fee specified in the form instructions. If you file the petition with other related applications for the alien beneficiary, attach the fee to the petition by paper clip or staple, and indicate the name of the applicant on the payment document (i.e., in the memo field).

Submit one check per application. If more than one petition or application is filed using a single check, and any of the forms are found to be improperly filed, ALL forms will be rejected.

Submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative, if applicable (with original signatures of both the representative and the applicant or petitioner).

For petitions that are filed electronically, send the supporting documentation to the address identified in the directions for e-filing. Do not submit any other paper-filed applications or petitions with the supporting documentation for the electronically filed I-140.

What if an incorrect visa category is selected in Part 2 of the Form I-140?

When USCIS creates the electronic record for the Form I-140 petition it will issue and mail a Form I-797 Receipt Notice to the petitioner or the Form G-28 representative. The receipt notice will indicate the visa category that the petitioner requested on Part 2 of their Form I-140. Make sure this category is correct. If it is not correct (i.e., in cases where either the petitioner or USCIS has made a clerical error), then immediately request a change in visa classification through the USCIS National Customer Service Center [1-800-375-5283, 1-800-767-1833 (TTY)] prior to the adjudication of the petition.

Although you may request a change of classification prior to adjudication to correct a clerical error in Part 2 of the form, the determination regarding whether to change the visa preference classification will be made by USCIS, based on the totality of the record. Denial of the I-140 based upon ineligibility for the visa preference category will result in denial of the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if one was filed with the I-140. Requests for a change in visa preference category cannot be granted in petitions that have already been adjudicated. A post-adjudication alteration of the requested visa classification constitutes a material change in the petition and is prohibited.

What if the petitioner wants to request consideration of multiple visa categories on behalf of an alien beneficiary?

If you want to classify the alien beneficiary under multiple visa preference categories, file a separate Form I-140 petition, with the required fee and supporting documentation for each requested visa category.

What special steps should be taken to file a Form I-140 petition that requires a DOL-approved labor certification?

USCIS reviews Form I-140 petition filings in visa categories that require DOL-approved labor certification to verify that the petition is supported by a valid labor certification. In order to be valid at the time of filing of the Form I-140 petition, the labor certification must be submitted with the Form I-140 during the 180-day validity period annotated at the bottom of every page of the labor certification by DOL. Petitions that are not supported by a valid labor certification will be rejected.

Below are tips to help ensure that your Form I-140 petition that requires a DOL-approved labor certification is accepted for processing:

Package your Form I-140 with the Form G-28, if any, on top, followed by the form itself. Place the original labor certification directly under the I-140 petition, followed by the other supporting documentation.

In instances where the ending date of the labor certification's validity period expires on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, petitions will be accepted with the labor certification on the next business day. Petitions filed with expired labor certifications filed after the next business day will be rejected.

DOL-approved labor certifications that are filed electronically with DOL must be signed by the employer, the agent/representative, and the alien beneficiary prior to submission with the I-140 petition. Form I-140 petitions will be rejected if filed with unsigned labor certifications. If an I-140 is inadvertently accepted with an unsigned labor certification, the petitioner will be issued a Request for Information (RFE) requesting the required signatures.

Place a brightly colored piece of paper directly under the Form I-140 petition requesting in large bold font a duplicate labor certification if you need one.

If the petition that is being filed is an amended petition and the original labor certification has already been submitted with another Form I-140 petition, place a brightly colored piece of paper directly under the petition that indicates in large bold font that the petition is an amended petition and that the labor certification has already been submitted. Also provide the receipt number of the previously filed petition, if available.

When filing my Form I-140, how should I organize the evidence with the petition?

The various categories of evidence provided in support of the petition should be grouped according to the area of eligibility that the category of evidence is seeking to establish.

Follow the tips below for how to organize your evidence:

Provide all required documentation and evidence with the petition when filed. Form I-140 petitions may be denied without issuing a request for evidence in the instances where the required evidence described in the instructions and regulations are not initially provided.

If providing photocopies of documents, please provide clear legible copies. (Note: Original DOL-approved labor certifications, signed by the petitioner, alien and representative, if any, must be submitted if they are required by the visa category.)

All foreign language documents must be submitted with a corresponding English translation. The English translation must be certified by a translator who is competent to translate and must verify in writing that "the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator's abilities." It is helpful if the English translation is stapled to the foreign language document.

If the alien beneficiary may be entitled to an earlier priority date based on a previously approved Form I-140 petition, please provide a statement to that affect, along with a copy of the Form I-797 approval notice for the previous petition. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(e))

If documenting the alien's publications or citations of the alien beneficiary's work, please highlight the alien's name in the relevant articles. It is not necessary to send the full copy of a dissertation, thesis, or research paper written by the alien beneficiary, or one in which the alien beneficiary's work has been cited. Include the title page and the portion(s) that cite the alien's work and the "works cited" or bibliography.

Tab and label the evidentiary exhibits at the bottom of the first page of each exhibit, and provide a list of the evidentiary exhibits and the eligibility criteria that each exhibit is submitted to establish for petitions supported by a substantial amount of documentation. An exhibit that is being provided to meet multiple eligibility criteria should be so identified in the exhibit list.

In the case of:

E11, Alien of Extraordinary Ability petitions (Form I-140, Part 2. option a.)

Identify which of the ten regulatory criteria the alien is attempting to satisfy and the relevant evidence for each individual criterion.

Provide a statement and evidence that the alien beneficiary is coming to the U.S. to continue to be employed in his/her area of sustained national or international acclaim. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(h).)

E12, Outstanding Professor or Researcher petitions (Form I-140, Part 2. option b.)

Identify which of the six regulatory criteria the alien is attempting to satisfy and the relevant evidence for each individual criterion.

Provide evidence that the alien has at least three years of experience in teaching and/or research in the academic field.

Submit a copy of the petitioner's actual job offer issued to the alien beneficiary. This letter or contract must set forth the title, terms and conditions of the position offered.

Send documentation as outlined above for each position if the beneficiary has changed positions since s/he was initially hired. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(i).)

E13, Multinational Executive or Manager (Form I-140, Part 2. option c.)

Provide evidence and a cover letter that describes the name of the foreign employer, the position offered in the U.S., the position held abroad and the years of employment as well as the date the beneficiary transferred to the U.S. State the claimed relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. petitioner, i.e. affiliates, subsidiary, joint venture etc.

Provide evidence that the U.S. employer has been doing business for at least one year prior to the filing of the petition. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(j).)

E21, Alien of Exceptional Ability (Form I-140, Part 2. option d. or i.)

Identify which of the six regulatory criteria the alien is attempting to satisfy and the relevant evidence for each individual criterion.

Provide evidence that the alien beneficiary meets the minimum education and experience requirements specified in the supporting labor certification if filing under Form I-140 Part 2. option d. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(3).)

E21, Member of the Professions Holding an Advance Degree or an Alien of Exceptional Ability, requesting a National Interest Waiver (Form I-140, Part 2. option i.)

Identify how the alien qualifies for classification as a member of the professions with an advanced degree (e.g. the alien holds an advanced degree, the alien holds a Bachelor's degree in addition to five years of progressive experience, or the alien qualifies as an alien of exceptional ability).

Identify each of the three criteria (e.g. intrinsic merit, national scope, and national interest) that must be satisfied and provide the evidence needed to satisfy each criteria. (See 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k) and Matter of New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), 22 I&N Dec. 3363, Int. Dec. 3363 (Act. Assoc. Comm. 1998).

How can a petitioner request the withdrawal of a Form I-140 petition?

The petitioner or the Form G-28 representative may send a letter requesting to withdraw the I-140 petition to USCIS (See Question #10 regarding the submission of a petition withdrawal request).

Withdrawal requests should include:

A statement indicating that the Form I-140 petitioner wishes to withdraw the petition;

The Form I-140 petition receipt number;

The name, address and phone number of the petitioner;

The name of the alien beneficiary;

The alien registration number of the alien beneficiary, if known;

The petitioner's signature or the Form G-28 representative.

Who is eligible to submit a request to change employers under INA 204(j), which is commonly known as "porting" under INA 204(j)?

An alien beneficiary of a pending or approved Form I-140 petition whose application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) has been filed and remains un-adjudicated for 180 days or more and who seeks to change jobs to a new job that is the same or similar occupational classification may submit a request to "port" under AC21.

Note: Determinations of eligibility for INA §204(j) portability are made within the adjudication of Form I-485 applications and not the adjudication of Form I-140 petitions.

How can an alien beneficiary submit a request to change employers under INA 204(j)?

An alien beneficiary may supplement the Form I-485 record of proceeding with documentation relating to the new job offer that forms the basis of the INA §204(j) portability request. The alien beneficiary or the Form G-28 representative for the Form I-485 application must send a letter from the new intended permanent employer specifying the job title and duties of the offered position, the minimum educational or training requirements, the date the alien beneficiary began (or will begin) employment and the offered salary or wage. The letter must be issued and signed by the appropriate authority within the new employer's organization who is authorized to make or confirm an offer of permanent employment. In addition, a copy of the Form I-140 approval notice or receipt notice and a copy of the Form I-485 receipt notice should be provided to locate the alien's beneficiary's case file and to confirm that the application has been pending for at least 180 days.

May an alien beneficiary request to "port" to a different employer or job under INA 204(j) if his or her Form I-140 petition is still pending?

Yes, an alien beneficiary may request to change employers under INA 204(j) while the Form I-140 petition is pending, as long as his or her Form I-485 adjustment application has been pending for at least 180 days. However, in order for the Form I-140 petition to "remain valid" for INA §204(j) purposes, it must be determined that the petition was "valid" when filed, i.e., that the I-140 petition was filed on behalf of an alien who was entitled to the employment-based classification and that the petition contained a valid job offer at the time that the petition was filed. Therefore, the petition must be approved prior to a favorable determination regarding a portability request made under INA §204(j).

Guidance on the adjudication of requests to change employers (or jobs) under INA §204(j) was published in USCIS's December 27, 2005 memorandum entitled, Interim guidance for processing I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions and I-485 and H-1B petitions affected by the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) (Public Law 106-313). This memo specifically dealt with how USCIS processes unapproved I-140 petitions that were concurrently filed with I-485 applications in the portability context. If evidence is submitted to USCIS that an alien seeks to adjust on the basis of a new job offer under INA 204(j), then, the adjudicator will first determine if the alien is the beneficiary of an approved I-140 petition. If he or she is not, the adjudicator will proceed to determine whether the unapproved, pending I-140 wasapprovable when filed (this may involve issuance of an RFE if the I-140 cannot be approved without further evidence of its merits). Then, only if the I-140 can be approved, the adjudicator will adjudicate the adjustment of status application and also determine if the new position is the same or similar for I-140 portability purposes.

Where do I mail Form I-140 petition withdrawal requests and AC21 106(c) portability requests?

The Texas Service Center (TSC) and the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) have established a dedicated U.S. Post Office Box for the submission of:

Form I-140 petition withdrawal requests, and;

AC21 106(c) portability requests.

The use of the Post Office Box addresses is limited to the submission of Form I-140 petition withdrawal requests and AC21 portability requests. The submission of correspondence that is unrelated to this will be sent to the Service Center's General Correspondence Unit.

If the Submission is...

For a...

Then the Submission should be Mailed to...

A Form I-140 Withdrawal Request

Form I-140 Petition that is pending or was approved at the TSC

USCIS Texas Service Center
PO Box 851745
Mesquite, TX 75185

Form I-140 Petition that was approved at the Vermont Service Center (VSC)

An AC21 106(c) Portability Request

Form I-485 Application that is pending at the TSC

A Form I-140 Withdrawal Request

Form I-140 Petition that is pending or was approved at the NSC

USCIS Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87105
Lincoln, NE 68501-7105

Form I-140 Petition that was approved at the California Service Center

An AC21 106(c) Portability Request

Form I-485 Application that is pending at the NSC

Unrelated to a Form I-140 Withdrawal Request or an AC21 106(c) Request

An address other than the addresses noted above. Please go to the Related Links to determine the correct USCIS mailing address.

How can a successor employer establish a successor-in-interest (SII) relationship with a predecessor employer in order to use that employer's approved labor certification when filing an I-140 petition on behalf of the alien beneficiary named on the labor certification?

On August 6, 2009, USCIS issued a memorandum, entitled

"Successor-in-Interest Determinations in Adjudication of Form I-140 Petitions; Adjudicators Field Manual ("AFM") Update to Chapter 22.2(b)(5)" which amended the Adjudicator's Field Manual guidance on factors for making successor-in-interest (SII) determinations in the adjudication of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This memorandum also superseded all previously issued policy guidance on SII relationship determinations for Form I-140 purposes. This updated guidance is intended to allow flexibility in the adjudication of I-140 petitions that present novel, yet substantiated and legitimate SII scenarios.

Per the memo, the following factors noted below will determine whether a valid SII exists:

Three Successor-In-Interest Factors

  1. The job opportunity offered by the successor must be the same as the job opportunity originally offered on the labor certification;
  2. The successor bears the burden of proof to establish eligibility in all respects, including the provision of required evidence from the predecessor entity, such as evidence of the predecessor's ability to pay the proffered wage, as of the date of filing of the labor certification with DOL, and;
  3. For a valid successor-in-interest relationship to exist between the successor and the predecessor that filed the labor certification, the petitioner must fully describe and document the transfer and assumption of the ownership of the predecessor by the successor.

To which I-140 visa classifications does the SII guidance apply?

The SII guidance only applies to I-140 visa classifications that require a job offer, do not have classification-specific eligibility requirements for petitioners, and must be supported by a DOL-approved individual labor certification. Note: The SII guidance does not apply in cases where the Form I-140 petition is the basis for a portability claim under INA 204(j), as no new successor Form I-140 petition is required as part of the INA 204(j) determination.

The following table outlines which visa classifications that the SII guidance applies to.

Class/Subcategory

Does SII Guidance Apply?

If Not, Why?

E11, Alien of Extraordinary Ability

No

The E11 visa classification does not require a job offer.

E12, Outstanding Professor or Researcher

No

The E12 visa classification has classification-specific eligibility requirements for petitioners, i.e. the petitioning employer must be shown to be an institution of higher learning or a private research firm that employs at least 3 full-time researchers. [See 8 CFR 204.5(i).] Also, no individual labor certification is required.

E13, Multinational Manager or Executive

No

The E13 visa classification has classification-specific eligibility requirements for petitioners, i.e. the entity must be "multi-national, and have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity which employed the alien abroad. [See 8 CFR 204.5(j).] Also, no individual labor certification is required.

E21, Advanced Degree Alien or Alien of Exceptional Ability, with Individual Labor Certification

Yes

N/A

E21, NIW

No

The E21 - NIW visa classification does not require a job offer nor a labor certification.

E21 or "EB3", Schedule A, Group I or II

No

The Schedule A classification subcategories have specific requirements for the job offered by the petitioner which must occur prior to the filing of each petition with USCIS. [See 20 CFR 656.]

E32, Professional

Yes

N/A

E31, Skilled Worker

Yes

N/A

EW3, Other Worker

Yes

N/A

Does the SII guidance impact the ability of an alien beneficiary to retain the priority date established in a previously approved Form I-140 petition under 8 CFR 204.5(e)?

Generally, the alien beneficiary in an SII case may retain the priority date of the predecessor's approved Form I-140 petition, if any. Also it is important to note that an alien beneficiary of an approved petition may be able to retain the priority date from the previously approved petition even if an SII relationship is not established by a company as result of an acquisition, merger, etc. However, the resultant company must test the labor market anew through the labor certification process, obtain a DOL-approved labor certification and then file a new Form I-140 petition on the alien beneficiary's behalf. A copy of the approval notice for the previously filed petition, or an annotation on the new petition noting the receipt number of the previously filed petition should be provided if an alien beneficiary seeks to retain the priority date of the prior I-140 petition.

Generally, an alien beneficiary may also retain the priority date established by an approved E12 or E13 petition for subsequent petitions filed in his or her behalf by a new employer in the E12 or E13 categories.

Is the SII analysis adversely impacted if the job title for the position with the successor company differs from the job title noted in the predecessor company's labor certification?

When determining whether the job opportunity is the same as the job opportunity originally offered on the labor certification, adjudicators will examine the job duties of the position to determine if the job is still the same. Changes in job title, and other ancillary changes such as a change in computer software used in the job are not in and of themselves disallowed. Further, changes in the wage offered due to wage increases that have occurred over the passage of time do not impact the determination as to whether the job is the same.

How can a successor employer request consolidated processing of SII cases as outlined in the SII memo?

A request for consolidated processing of SII cases should be directed to the National Customer Service Center (NCSC). The NCSC will forward the request to the appropriate service center(s) for a decision, which should be received within 30 days of the request. The center director(s) will determine if the consolidated processing request can be granted based upon whether such a request would adversely impact the service center's ability to timely address other pressing work priorities.



Last updated:01/20/2010