Every year U.S. Government organizes a lucky draw for eligible candidates or a Lottery drawing for 50,000 applicants that are interested in moving to the U., S. This was started by the Immigration Act of the 1990’s and it gives them the legal right to work, live, and change homes. This was intended to encourage people from countries who shy way from entering the U.S. for various reasons like color and discrimination. This program is aimed towards promoting world unity, but it has its own conditions to be satisfied.
The green card lottery allows immigrants to be added to a drawing. There are 29 countries currently that are eligible. The winner not only gets to come to the US but they are permitted to bring their family for legal status. As a legal citizen they are allowed to come and go from the country and work here.
The only requirements for entering in the lotto drawing is a High school diploma or GED, and have proof of occupation for the last two years. It is a requirement to have work experience since the purpose of coming over is for work, etc… if one applicant applies individually more then once in a year then their application will be deleted.
The application for the Green Card Lottery Group is only available online. The applications are accepted for only 60 days at the end of the year. Making sure that the application is completed to the best of you ability since they run on strict guidelines and you can be disqualified for not completing the application right.
The Lottery winners are chosen at random and then listed when the process is complete. The people who are not picked are not notified. You can also get the winners list online at the site. The winners are required to attend a meeting. This program is designed to assist people of other countries with some degree of security
While studies show that 30% of the United States Population is illegal immigrants so the lotto is a good way for the U.S government to help them as well as themselves. The overall applicants are just looking for work at a decent wage. The Green Card Lottery Group has developed a great and reasonable program that can be used by all. Dealing with the lottery is a lot better now than it was in the beginning years and has a better chance of advancing still.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Online Green Card Lottery
The best thing about green card lottery program is that the application can be files completely online. Online green card lottery is both time effective as well as cost effective. All you have to do is to follow the “state government’ diversity visa lottery link”.
All the applications must be filed electronically with all the mandatory details filled up. The application form for online green card lottery is free of cost. You have to submit your own form and only one form per head. Multiple entries for the same person would lead to cancellation of the candidature. The completion of the application is even more important.
The details that you have to furnish includes your full name, date of birth, country of chargeability, city and country of birth, complete mailing address (all further correspondence will be to this address only), photograph (most recent and taken according to the standards specified), marital status, highest level of education, work experience, spouse and children information and email address or phone number (optional).
You can also bring your spouse or unmarried children lesser than 21 years of age along with you in this program for which you have to furnish the details of the same while filing online green card lottery.
Once your online green card lottery application is accepted, then the display would show a confirmation message showing your name, country of chargeability, date of birth and a date or time stamp. You can take a print out of this confirmation message for your records.
The next step consists of processing of your application form at the Kentucky Consular Center where eligible candidates are selected by a computer generated random draw. You will be notified by mail regarding the interview date at your nearest consular office.
You must be aware that online green card lottery is not open throughout the year and it ends once the limit is reached.
But make sure that you are applying the online green card lottery only from the authorized website of the USCIS. The common complaint of victims is that the fraudulent websites charge money for the application form. It is essential that you crosscheck the authenticity of the web site and keep in mind that you are clear about the procedures of applying for online green card lottery. In case you send your personal documents, you must know who you are sending to, to prevent identity theft.
All the applications must be filed electronically with all the mandatory details filled up. The application form for online green card lottery is free of cost. You have to submit your own form and only one form per head. Multiple entries for the same person would lead to cancellation of the candidature. The completion of the application is even more important.
The details that you have to furnish includes your full name, date of birth, country of chargeability, city and country of birth, complete mailing address (all further correspondence will be to this address only), photograph (most recent and taken according to the standards specified), marital status, highest level of education, work experience, spouse and children information and email address or phone number (optional).
You can also bring your spouse or unmarried children lesser than 21 years of age along with you in this program for which you have to furnish the details of the same while filing online green card lottery.
Once your online green card lottery application is accepted, then the display would show a confirmation message showing your name, country of chargeability, date of birth and a date or time stamp. You can take a print out of this confirmation message for your records.
The next step consists of processing of your application form at the Kentucky Consular Center where eligible candidates are selected by a computer generated random draw. You will be notified by mail regarding the interview date at your nearest consular office.
You must be aware that online green card lottery is not open throughout the year and it ends once the limit is reached.
But make sure that you are applying the online green card lottery only from the authorized website of the USCIS. The common complaint of victims is that the fraudulent websites charge money for the application form. It is essential that you crosscheck the authenticity of the web site and keep in mind that you are clear about the procedures of applying for online green card lottery. In case you send your personal documents, you must know who you are sending to, to prevent identity theft.
Online Green Card Application
Online green card application is the latest in the field of getting green card to the US. The reason behind having an online green card application is to save time that is usually consumed by such procedures. Online green card application is fast, secure and easy and avoids costly mistakes and the delays with the USCIS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can also track the progression of your application round the clock.
Online green card application is available for employment, adoption, asylum, refugee based, marriage based, relatives, investment and green card lottery. Different application forms have different requirements and restrictions that have to be thoroughly studied before applying for the same. You must also be sure that the online green card application that you are using is the latest and the correct version and complies with the complex rules laid down by the US department of state.
It is essential to note that only applications for green card are available online. The filing of the applications must be mailed to the respective offices that are specified. This is not true of green card lotteries.
The green card lottery has to be filed completely electronic in the official site of state government DV program which is absolutely cost free.
The major problem regarding online green card application is the fear of falling prey to fraudulent companies. This is particularly true about green card lottery where the sites announce that:
They have affiliation with the US government
They have no lottery entry rejected
They have special entry form or special expertise that would help you enter the green card lottery
They get green card lottery for individuals coming from ineligible countries
The company would enhance the chances of winning the green card lottery
Above all these fraudulent sites charge substantial fees and sometimes also ask for the original documents like passports, birth certificates, Social Security Card and Number, licenses, marriage certificates, etc. These bogus sites would hijack your privacy and indulge in identity theft.
Moreover other immigration forms and documents such as visas, passports, green cards, and other travel and residency documents must be completed in person before an officer of the US government. So be alert against the web sites which promise government travel or residency documents online or by mail.
All impediments must be brought to the notice of the government.
Online green card application is available for employment, adoption, asylum, refugee based, marriage based, relatives, investment and green card lottery. Different application forms have different requirements and restrictions that have to be thoroughly studied before applying for the same. You must also be sure that the online green card application that you are using is the latest and the correct version and complies with the complex rules laid down by the US department of state.
It is essential to note that only applications for green card are available online. The filing of the applications must be mailed to the respective offices that are specified. This is not true of green card lotteries.
The green card lottery has to be filed completely electronic in the official site of state government DV program which is absolutely cost free.
The major problem regarding online green card application is the fear of falling prey to fraudulent companies. This is particularly true about green card lottery where the sites announce that:
They have affiliation with the US government
They have no lottery entry rejected
They have special entry form or special expertise that would help you enter the green card lottery
They get green card lottery for individuals coming from ineligible countries
The company would enhance the chances of winning the green card lottery
Above all these fraudulent sites charge substantial fees and sometimes also ask for the original documents like passports, birth certificates, Social Security Card and Number, licenses, marriage certificates, etc. These bogus sites would hijack your privacy and indulge in identity theft.
Moreover other immigration forms and documents such as visas, passports, green cards, and other travel and residency documents must be completed in person before an officer of the US government. So be alert against the web sites which promise government travel or residency documents online or by mail.
All impediments must be brought to the notice of the government.
Green Card Lottery Requirements
Green card lottery requirements are designed in such a way that it promotes the migration of the natives of low rate immigration countries to the US. The basic requirement of an applicant for green card lottery is that he must hail from an eligible country. The USCIS has defined a set of countries that are considered eligible for the green card lottery.
You have to be the native of the eligible country by birth. In case you do not come from an eligible country, but your spouse belongs to a qualifying country, then you have the liberty to apply for the green card lottery specifying your spouse’ native country. Or you can show your parents’ native country if they come from an eligible country. The concept behind this is that your place of birth matters more than your current place of residence.
The green card lottery requirements include educational or work experience defined as “high school diploma or equivalent (defined as a successful completion of a 12 year course of elementary and secondary education) OR you must have work experience of two years in the past five years in a field that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.”
The green card lottery requirements of the application form are full name, date of birth, gender, city of birth, country of birth, country of eligibility or chargeability for the green card lottery program, your recent photograph, a detailed mailing address, your present country of stay, phone number (optional), e mail address (optional), highest level of education, marital status, number of children that are unmarried and lesser than 21 years of age, spouse information and children information.
Your recent photograph must strictly adhere to the instructions laid by the immigration services to get your approval. The specifications include:
The image must be in JPEG format
Color images must be scanned in 24-bit color mode
The maximum image size must not exceed 62,500 bytes
Digital photographs must have a resolution of 320×240 pixels
A scanned photograph must be 2’’× 2’’ square.
Other green card lottery requirements for the photograph are: direct focus of the face towards the camera, no head gear or helmet or caps allowed, no sun glasses, and must have a neutral and light colored back ground.
For further details about green card lottery requirements, you can contact the nearest US consulate.
You have to be the native of the eligible country by birth. In case you do not come from an eligible country, but your spouse belongs to a qualifying country, then you have the liberty to apply for the green card lottery specifying your spouse’ native country. Or you can show your parents’ native country if they come from an eligible country. The concept behind this is that your place of birth matters more than your current place of residence.
The green card lottery requirements include educational or work experience defined as “high school diploma or equivalent (defined as a successful completion of a 12 year course of elementary and secondary education) OR you must have work experience of two years in the past five years in a field that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.”
The green card lottery requirements of the application form are full name, date of birth, gender, city of birth, country of birth, country of eligibility or chargeability for the green card lottery program, your recent photograph, a detailed mailing address, your present country of stay, phone number (optional), e mail address (optional), highest level of education, marital status, number of children that are unmarried and lesser than 21 years of age, spouse information and children information.
Your recent photograph must strictly adhere to the instructions laid by the immigration services to get your approval. The specifications include:
The image must be in JPEG format
Color images must be scanned in 24-bit color mode
The maximum image size must not exceed 62,500 bytes
Digital photographs must have a resolution of 320×240 pixels
A scanned photograph must be 2’’× 2’’ square.
Other green card lottery requirements for the photograph are: direct focus of the face towards the camera, no head gear or helmet or caps allowed, no sun glasses, and must have a neutral and light colored back ground.
For further details about green card lottery requirements, you can contact the nearest US consulate.
Green Card Benefits
Green card or the LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) promises with a huge package of benefits starting from the right to work and live permanently in the US. You can leave or enter the US at your own will without the fear of rejection at the port of entry by an immigration official. The need for form I-94 is excluded and also there is no fear of expiry of authorized stay in the US though you have to renew the green card every ten years.
Green card benefits include the right to apply for government sponsored financial aid for education, permission to start a business or create a corporation, you can legally own assets, property, homes, cars, guns, etc. and green card simplifies the job of getting life insurance of health insurance.
Green card holders have more job opportunities; can work in any organization with out any restriction in working hours, nature of job, and provides automatic security clearance for jobs within the US territory. One of the green card benefits for employees is that you do not require employer sponsorship and get social security benefits on retirement if you have worked for 40 quarters.
The green card benefits for your dependents are also many including: sponsoring your spouse and minor children under 21 years of age to obtain permanent status, your family can retain the green card even after you lose your job or meet your death, your children can get student visas for studying and work visas for working which can be extended to get a green card and continue staying in the US even after 21 years of age and marriage.
Green card benefits for safeguarding your immigration status include immunity against future changes in the immigration rules that might harm your status, exemption from export restrictions, eligibility for government grants, access to security clearances and most of the legal rights under the US law.
Having the right for making political campaigns is also included in the green card benefits. To a certain extent green card give you tax benefits, grants you professional licenses like insurance agents, real estate agents, etc.
But the green card benefits does not comprise of the right to vote which makes you distinct from US citizens. It is heartening that having a green card gives you the eligibility of applying for US citizenship later.
Green card benefits include the right to apply for government sponsored financial aid for education, permission to start a business or create a corporation, you can legally own assets, property, homes, cars, guns, etc. and green card simplifies the job of getting life insurance of health insurance.
Green card holders have more job opportunities; can work in any organization with out any restriction in working hours, nature of job, and provides automatic security clearance for jobs within the US territory. One of the green card benefits for employees is that you do not require employer sponsorship and get social security benefits on retirement if you have worked for 40 quarters.
The green card benefits for your dependents are also many including: sponsoring your spouse and minor children under 21 years of age to obtain permanent status, your family can retain the green card even after you lose your job or meet your death, your children can get student visas for studying and work visas for working which can be extended to get a green card and continue staying in the US even after 21 years of age and marriage.
Green card benefits for safeguarding your immigration status include immunity against future changes in the immigration rules that might harm your status, exemption from export restrictions, eligibility for government grants, access to security clearances and most of the legal rights under the US law.
Having the right for making political campaigns is also included in the green card benefits. To a certain extent green card give you tax benefits, grants you professional licenses like insurance agents, real estate agents, etc.
But the green card benefits does not comprise of the right to vote which makes you distinct from US citizens. It is heartening that having a green card gives you the eligibility of applying for US citizenship later.
dv lottery online
The dv lottery online is the best and the only method of getting the green card lottery to the US. This is known as the electronic filing of the application form. You have to be born in an eligible country under the provisions of section 202(b) of the INA or Immigration and Nationality Act.
You do not have to sign on the dv lottery online form but it requires the recent photographs of yours as well as your spouse’ and unmarried children lesser than 21 years of age. The photographs must be taken according to the guidelines specified by the US department of State and group photos are not accepted.
The natives of certain countries are considered ineligible for dv lottery online which has sent more than 50, 000 nationals to the US in the past five years. Such countries are considered as high admission countries.
Once you fulfill the eligibility conditions, you can start filling up the dv lottery online application form provided in the official website of the US department of state. The dv lottery online application form asks for simple details such as name, place of birth, date of birth (though there is no age restriction), mailing address, spouse and children information, eligibility status, educational qualification, work experience, recent individual photographs, contact number and e mail address, etc.
It is advisable to submit dv lottery online form few days before the last date to avoid the downloading problems associated with the same during the last few days due to net traffic.
The important part of dv lottery online is COMPLETION. Incomplete entries are rejected out rightly. Once your application is accepted, you will get a confirmation message from the site which would show your name, date of birth, country of chargeability and time/ date stamp. You can have a print out of this confirmation message for future references.
The major problem associated with dv lottery online is DV scams and identity theft. Many of the fraudulent companies bearing names similar to government institutions offer to get you DV easily for a certain amount of fee (but dv lottery online is free of cost). Some of the fake companies ask for your documents including your passport, Social Security Card and number, licenses, and other vital reports. Once they get your SSN, they would indulge in identity theft and online piracy. It is essential to know whom you are dealing with.
You do not have to sign on the dv lottery online form but it requires the recent photographs of yours as well as your spouse’ and unmarried children lesser than 21 years of age. The photographs must be taken according to the guidelines specified by the US department of State and group photos are not accepted.
The natives of certain countries are considered ineligible for dv lottery online which has sent more than 50, 000 nationals to the US in the past five years. Such countries are considered as high admission countries.
Once you fulfill the eligibility conditions, you can start filling up the dv lottery online application form provided in the official website of the US department of state. The dv lottery online application form asks for simple details such as name, place of birth, date of birth (though there is no age restriction), mailing address, spouse and children information, eligibility status, educational qualification, work experience, recent individual photographs, contact number and e mail address, etc.
It is advisable to submit dv lottery online form few days before the last date to avoid the downloading problems associated with the same during the last few days due to net traffic.
The important part of dv lottery online is COMPLETION. Incomplete entries are rejected out rightly. Once your application is accepted, you will get a confirmation message from the site which would show your name, date of birth, country of chargeability and time/ date stamp. You can have a print out of this confirmation message for future references.
The major problem associated with dv lottery online is DV scams and identity theft. Many of the fraudulent companies bearing names similar to government institutions offer to get you DV easily for a certain amount of fee (but dv lottery online is free of cost). Some of the fake companies ask for your documents including your passport, Social Security Card and number, licenses, and other vital reports. Once they get your SSN, they would indulge in identity theft and online piracy. It is essential to know whom you are dealing with.
Diversity Visa Program
Diversity Visa Program is a comprehensive program to improve the rates of migration to the US from low admission countries Japan, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. these countries have not sent at least 50, 000 people to the US in the past five years. Diversity Visa program offers 55, 000 green cards to the nationals of those countries which are considered eligible under the provisions of section 202(b) of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).
This act includes all the immigrants under the family sponsored and employment based visa categories. Since this number is liable to change, the USCIS adds the number each year and makes a separate determination for the list of eligible countries before every diversity visa program for the fiscal year starts. Sometimes a country which was eligible last year would become ineligible in the next due to the above fact.
Further you have to be academically equipped with a high school diploma or an equivalent or must have a work experience of 2 years in the past five years in a field that requires at least two years of training or experience.
There are also regional limits for the diversity visa program which is specified by the USCIS under the section 203(c) of the INA. Though the limit of diversity visa program for a fiscal year is 55, 000, the NACARA or Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act uses 5,000 diversity visas which reduce the availability of the Diversity visa to 50,000. The NACARA was passed by the congress in November 1997 which came into effect for DV-1999.
The entries for the Diversity Visa program must be filed within the stipulated period of time (not earlier or late) in electronic format with the US department of state official website. The Diversity Visa application is free of cost and can be filed either in the US or abroad. Only one entry per head is allowed with separate entries for husband and wide.
You must list all the unmarried children less than 21 years of age irrespective of the fact whether they are your natural children, your spouse’ children, children who are formally adopted, and also those children who do not accompany you or intend to migrate to the US.
The selected winners would be notified through mail by the Kentucky Consular Center after which you have to appear for an interview scheduled by the same.
This act includes all the immigrants under the family sponsored and employment based visa categories. Since this number is liable to change, the USCIS adds the number each year and makes a separate determination for the list of eligible countries before every diversity visa program for the fiscal year starts. Sometimes a country which was eligible last year would become ineligible in the next due to the above fact.
Further you have to be academically equipped with a high school diploma or an equivalent or must have a work experience of 2 years in the past five years in a field that requires at least two years of training or experience.
There are also regional limits for the diversity visa program which is specified by the USCIS under the section 203(c) of the INA. Though the limit of diversity visa program for a fiscal year is 55, 000, the NACARA or Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act uses 5,000 diversity visas which reduce the availability of the Diversity visa to 50,000. The NACARA was passed by the congress in November 1997 which came into effect for DV-1999.
The entries for the Diversity Visa program must be filed within the stipulated period of time (not earlier or late) in electronic format with the US department of state official website. The Diversity Visa application is free of cost and can be filed either in the US or abroad. Only one entry per head is allowed with separate entries for husband and wide.
You must list all the unmarried children less than 21 years of age irrespective of the fact whether they are your natural children, your spouse’ children, children who are formally adopted, and also those children who do not accompany you or intend to migrate to the US.
The selected winners would be notified through mail by the Kentucky Consular Center after which you have to appear for an interview scheduled by the same.
DV-LOTTERY 2009
The filing of applications for DV-lottery 2009 started from noon, 12:00 pm EDT or Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4), on Wednesday, October 3, 2009 to noon, 12:00 pm EST (GMT-5), Sunday, December 2, 2007. It is advised that you apply for the DV-lottery 2009 well before the last date to prevent getting entangled in the internet traffic that usually occurs during the last few days of closing of the program.
The entire procedure of applying for DV-lottery 2009 is online called the electronic filing which is done at the official website of Department of State DV-lottery 2009. Once your application is filed successfully, then the processing of the same begins. Then the drawing of the eligible candidates begins. This is done at the Kentucky Consular Center.
You must be aware that the natives of following countries are considered ineligible for the DV-lottery 2009: Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, Colombia, India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Poland, Russia, Peru, Vietnam, and UK dependent territories. It is noteworthy that some of the countries that were once considered eligible are now in the non qualifying list. This is because of the rise in the immigration rates from that country to the US. People born in Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR are eligible.
It is important to understand that winning a green card lottery does not automatically guarantee a green card. The requirements for getting the DV-lottery 2009 are strict and are liable to rejection if you fail to meet the mandatory educational and professional requirements.
There are 50,000 green cards issued under the DV-lottery 2009. The selection of your application depends on the total number of application forms that are filed with the US Department of State. More over there are also country quotas which promise more green cards for some countries.
The selected candidates are informed through post (to the address that they furnish during the filing of the application) between May and July 2008. You will also be informed about your date of interview which will begin in October 2008. This is usually done 4 to 6 weeks before the scheduled date of interview.
All DV-lottery 2009 visas will be issued between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009 and not after that.
The entire procedure of applying for DV-lottery 2009 is online called the electronic filing which is done at the official website of Department of State DV-lottery 2009. Once your application is filed successfully, then the processing of the same begins. Then the drawing of the eligible candidates begins. This is done at the Kentucky Consular Center.
You must be aware that the natives of following countries are considered ineligible for the DV-lottery 2009: Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, Colombia, India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Poland, Russia, Peru, Vietnam, and UK dependent territories. It is noteworthy that some of the countries that were once considered eligible are now in the non qualifying list. This is because of the rise in the immigration rates from that country to the US. People born in Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR are eligible.
It is important to understand that winning a green card lottery does not automatically guarantee a green card. The requirements for getting the DV-lottery 2009 are strict and are liable to rejection if you fail to meet the mandatory educational and professional requirements.
There are 50,000 green cards issued under the DV-lottery 2009. The selection of your application depends on the total number of application forms that are filed with the US Department of State. More over there are also country quotas which promise more green cards for some countries.
The selected candidates are informed through post (to the address that they furnish during the filing of the application) between May and July 2008. You will also be informed about your date of interview which will begin in October 2008. This is usually done 4 to 6 weeks before the scheduled date of interview.
All DV-lottery 2009 visas will be issued between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009 and not after that.
DV Lottery Application
DV lottery application is the initial step that helps you to win a green card to the US under the Diversity Visa program. The DV lottery application is purely online or in other words it is completely electronic which is available only with the official web site of the US department of State. The guidelines for the DV lottery application are simple but very stringent.
You have to prepare and submit a DV lottery application form for yourself that can also be filed through private services for a certain fee or through an attorney. Only one DV lottery form is allowed per person and the form must be furnished with all the mandatory details without fail.
The DV lottery application form starts with the personal particulars namely the:
- Full name (surname or family name or last name, first name and middle name )
- Date of birth (DD:MM:YYYY)
- Gender (Male or Female)
- City or Town of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Country of chargeability
(Some times there is a difference between the country of chargeability and the country of birth when you prefer to apply through your spouse’ place of birth or your parents’ nativity)
- Your recent photograph (adhering to the standards laid by the USCIS)
- Complete mailing address in the following format:
Name, in care of, address line 1, address line 2, city/ town, district, province, state, zip code and country.
- Present country of residence
- Phone number (optional)
- E mail address (optional)
- Highest level of education (it has 10 categories from which you must choose only one namely primary school, high school no degree, high school degree, vocational school, some university courses, university degree, some graduate level courses, master degree, some doctorate level courses, and doctorate degree)
- Marital status specifying whether your are single or married or divorced or widowed or legally separated
- Number of children lesser than 21 years of age and unmarried
- Spouse’ information
Name, date of birth, gender, city/town of birth, country of birth and photograph (same standards)
- Children information with the details of name, date of birth, gender, city/ town of birth, country of birth, photographs
You must furnish a separate photograph for each applicant which must be the most recent one. The DV lottery application can be submitted from US or from abroad depending on your comfort.
You have to prepare and submit a DV lottery application form for yourself that can also be filed through private services for a certain fee or through an attorney. Only one DV lottery form is allowed per person and the form must be furnished with all the mandatory details without fail.
The DV lottery application form starts with the personal particulars namely the:
- Full name (surname or family name or last name, first name and middle name )
- Date of birth (DD:MM:YYYY)
- Gender (Male or Female)
- City or Town of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Country of chargeability
(Some times there is a difference between the country of chargeability and the country of birth when you prefer to apply through your spouse’ place of birth or your parents’ nativity)
- Your recent photograph (adhering to the standards laid by the USCIS)
- Complete mailing address in the following format:
Name, in care of, address line 1, address line 2, city/ town, district, province, state, zip code and country.
- Present country of residence
- Phone number (optional)
- E mail address (optional)
- Highest level of education (it has 10 categories from which you must choose only one namely primary school, high school no degree, high school degree, vocational school, some university courses, university degree, some graduate level courses, master degree, some doctorate level courses, and doctorate degree)
- Marital status specifying whether your are single or married or divorced or widowed or legally separated
- Number of children lesser than 21 years of age and unmarried
- Spouse’ information
Name, date of birth, gender, city/town of birth, country of birth and photograph (same standards)
- Children information with the details of name, date of birth, gender, city/ town of birth, country of birth, photographs
You must furnish a separate photograph for each applicant which must be the most recent one. The DV lottery application can be submitted from US or from abroad depending on your comfort.
Green Card Lottery
Green card lottery is a program introduced by the American government through a law passed by the congress to enhance the rates of migration to the US. The number of green card lottery issued for a fiscal year is 55,000. One the annual numerical limit is reached, the green card lottery for that year closes.
Though there are 55,000 green cards made available through this program, yet only 50,000 green cards are originally open to the public. The rest 5,000 green card lotteries are used under the NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) which is in effect from green card lottery program -1999. The above act was congressionally mandated two years earlier in November 1997.
You have to fulfill the eligibility conditions in order to qualify for the green card lottery program which includes that you must hail from a chargeable country, must have the required educational qualifications or minimum work experience. You can also use your spouse’ country or your parents’ native as the country of chargeability.
Green card lottery must be filed electronically with the US department of state only during the stipulated two months time. The duration extends from October 3 to September 2 of the same year. You would get a confirmation message from the site if your application is registered. No paper entries are allowed and each person can file only once during a fiscal year.
Apart from the various personal data, you must also submit your photographs in JPEG format and satisfying the standards laid by the US department of state.
Each applicant will be assigned a number which is finally used for the random computer generated drawing that takes place at the Kentucky Consular Center. If your application is short listed, then you would get a notification post in the months of May to July. The call letter will also have the date when you have to appear for the interview which would be scheduled from the beginning of October of the successive year.
Getting selected for the green card lottery program does not guarantee you a green card. There are further procedures to officially recognize you with a green card. You can also bring your spouse as well as your children under the green card lottery program. Your children must be unmarried and less than 21 years of age.
It is also essential that you protect yourself from fake and fraudulent websites.
Though there are 55,000 green cards made available through this program, yet only 50,000 green cards are originally open to the public. The rest 5,000 green card lotteries are used under the NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) which is in effect from green card lottery program -1999. The above act was congressionally mandated two years earlier in November 1997.
You have to fulfill the eligibility conditions in order to qualify for the green card lottery program which includes that you must hail from a chargeable country, must have the required educational qualifications or minimum work experience. You can also use your spouse’ country or your parents’ native as the country of chargeability.
Green card lottery must be filed electronically with the US department of state only during the stipulated two months time. The duration extends from October 3 to September 2 of the same year. You would get a confirmation message from the site if your application is registered. No paper entries are allowed and each person can file only once during a fiscal year.
Apart from the various personal data, you must also submit your photographs in JPEG format and satisfying the standards laid by the US department of state.
Each applicant will be assigned a number which is finally used for the random computer generated drawing that takes place at the Kentucky Consular Center. If your application is short listed, then you would get a notification post in the months of May to July. The call letter will also have the date when you have to appear for the interview which would be scheduled from the beginning of October of the successive year.
Getting selected for the green card lottery program does not guarantee you a green card. There are further procedures to officially recognize you with a green card. You can also bring your spouse as well as your children under the green card lottery program. Your children must be unmarried and less than 21 years of age.
It is also essential that you protect yourself from fake and fraudulent websites.
US visa news
The mandatory part of getting an US visa or green card is to keep you updated with the US visa news. From the year 2000, 5000 green card lottery is issued under the NACARA or Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act which has reduced the number of visas in the open category to 50, 000. Further many of the countries who were eligible for diversity visa earlier have fallen into the category of ineligible countries. Some of the countries which have gained independence recently will also be added in the list. So it is essential that you are aware of the latest US visa news to ensure smooth functioning of visa applications.
There are also regional restrictions as well as regional quotas. The regional limits are determined by the formula specified in section 203 (c) of the INA or Immigration and nationality Act. These are carried on by the USCIS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
In the year 2000, former American president Bill Clinton signed an act named the ‘American Competitiveness in the 21st century’ for bringing a series of changes to suit the changing trends in the immigration pattern of the US. Under this act, the fee for H-1 B visa has increased to $1110 from $610.
If an alien who has got his/her I-140 petition approved but not able to apply for the adjustment of status I-485 due to per country limitations, then he/she can extend his/her non immigrant visa. Further a person is allowed to extend his H-1B visa beyond the six year limitation if 365 days or more have passed since the filing of labor petition or immigrant petition I-140. The extension is allowed in one year increments.
You can also change your employers (after filing an adjustment of status petition), if your new job is similar to the old one listed in the original labor certification and if more than 180 days have passed and BCIS adjudication has not occurred.
The latest news in the US visa news is the closing of the Diversity visa program of 2009 by noon, 12:00 pm EST on Sunday, December 2, 2007. All the selected candidates will be sent appointment letters between May and July regarding from the Kentucky Consular Center.
You must also be aware of the US visa news regarding the new laws and acts that have been passed lately.
There are also regional restrictions as well as regional quotas. The regional limits are determined by the formula specified in section 203 (c) of the INA or Immigration and nationality Act. These are carried on by the USCIS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
In the year 2000, former American president Bill Clinton signed an act named the ‘American Competitiveness in the 21st century’ for bringing a series of changes to suit the changing trends in the immigration pattern of the US. Under this act, the fee for H-1 B visa has increased to $1110 from $610.
If an alien who has got his/her I-140 petition approved but not able to apply for the adjustment of status I-485 due to per country limitations, then he/she can extend his/her non immigrant visa. Further a person is allowed to extend his H-1B visa beyond the six year limitation if 365 days or more have passed since the filing of labor petition or immigrant petition I-140. The extension is allowed in one year increments.
You can also change your employers (after filing an adjustment of status petition), if your new job is similar to the old one listed in the original labor certification and if more than 180 days have passed and BCIS adjudication has not occurred.
The latest news in the US visa news is the closing of the Diversity visa program of 2009 by noon, 12:00 pm EST on Sunday, December 2, 2007. All the selected candidates will be sent appointment letters between May and July regarding from the Kentucky Consular Center.
You must also be aware of the US visa news regarding the new laws and acts that have been passed lately.
Diversity Visa Registration
Diversity visa registration begins from beginning of October till the end of September for the stipulated period of two months. You are not supposed to register either before or after that two months duration. Diversity visa registration must be done electronically through the official website of the US department of state.
You are supposed to submit your diversity visa registration form either directly or through a private service or through an attorney. You are allowed to register only once and it is mandatory to furnish all the details failure of which would lead to cancellation of your candidature. It is wise to file the diversity visa registration many days before the closing date to prevent the traffic that may occur during the last days.
The following information has to be furnished in your diversity visa registration form: full name, date of birth, gender, place of birth (both city and country), country of chargeability, your recent photograph, mailing address, present country of residence, highest level of education reached, marital status, spouse’ information, number of children who are unmarried and less than 21 years of age, etc.
You would get a confirmation message on your screen or display showing the name, date of birth, country of chargeability, and time and date of registration which can be printed out by you for future references, on successful registration of diversity visa. You would be assigned a number which would be used for further reference.
The important fact of diversity visa registration is that it is completely free of cost. But once you win the lottery a diversity processing fee is charged while applying for the diversity visa at the US consular office. In addition to that you also have to pay an immigrant visa fee. Both these fees are non refundable. Once the visa is issued, you have to a visa issuance fee.
Then a computer generated drawing is done with the numbers assigned. This drawing is purely based on random selection by the computer. Then the Kentucky Consular Center mails you regarding the date when you have to appear for the interview.
You have to be familiar with the truth that qualifying in the diversity visa program does not guarantee a green card. Usually more than 55,000 people are called for the interview. Further you must be familiar with the DV procedures to avoid hassles.
You are supposed to submit your diversity visa registration form either directly or through a private service or through an attorney. You are allowed to register only once and it is mandatory to furnish all the details failure of which would lead to cancellation of your candidature. It is wise to file the diversity visa registration many days before the closing date to prevent the traffic that may occur during the last days.
The following information has to be furnished in your diversity visa registration form: full name, date of birth, gender, place of birth (both city and country), country of chargeability, your recent photograph, mailing address, present country of residence, highest level of education reached, marital status, spouse’ information, number of children who are unmarried and less than 21 years of age, etc.
You would get a confirmation message on your screen or display showing the name, date of birth, country of chargeability, and time and date of registration which can be printed out by you for future references, on successful registration of diversity visa. You would be assigned a number which would be used for further reference.
The important fact of diversity visa registration is that it is completely free of cost. But once you win the lottery a diversity processing fee is charged while applying for the diversity visa at the US consular office. In addition to that you also have to pay an immigrant visa fee. Both these fees are non refundable. Once the visa is issued, you have to a visa issuance fee.
Then a computer generated drawing is done with the numbers assigned. This drawing is purely based on random selection by the computer. Then the Kentucky Consular Center mails you regarding the date when you have to appear for the interview.
You have to be familiar with the truth that qualifying in the diversity visa program does not guarantee a green card. Usually more than 55,000 people are called for the interview. Further you must be familiar with the DV procedures to avoid hassles.
Diversity Visa Requirements
Diversity visa requirements are simple but you would be disqualified if you fail to satisfy even a single criterion. The most basic of the diversity visa requirements is your country of birth or nativity. You have to hail from a country that is eligible for the diversity visa under the section 202 (b) of the INA or Immigration and Nationality Act. The eligibility of a nation is determined by the number of people migrating to the US including the family sponsored and employment based categories. A nation falls under the qualifying list if it has sent less than 50, 000 people from their country in the past five years.
This numerical value is never constant which leads to the need for a revised list every year which means that a country can become disqualified if it manages to surpass the numerical limit. Some of the ineligible countries include India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, south Korea, Poland, brazil, Canada, china (mainland), United kingdom excluding Northern Ireland and Vietnam, etc.
If you reside in an ineligible country but originally hail from a qualifying country, then you can show your place of birth as country of chargeability. You can even show your spouse’ country (if it qualifies) or your parents’ native country for satisfying Diversity Visa requirements.
Though there is no minimum or maximum age limit specified for diversity visa requirements, yet a person less than 18 years can not apply for the diversity Visa owing to the educational requirements (high school diploma or equivalent certificate) or work experience that it demands.
The educational diversity visa requirements are: high school diploma or an equivalent certificate which as defined as successful completion of a 12 year course of elementary and secondary education OR you must have two years experience within the past 5 years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
You must specify your level of education from any one of the following listed in the chronological order: primary school only, high school no degree, high school degree, vocational school, some university courses, university degree, some graduate level courses, master degree, some doctorate level courses, and doctorate degree.
Once you satisfy the diversity visa requirements, then you have to file it electronically with the US department of state. It is free of application fee. You have to be clear with the procedures of diversity visa
This numerical value is never constant which leads to the need for a revised list every year which means that a country can become disqualified if it manages to surpass the numerical limit. Some of the ineligible countries include India, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, south Korea, Poland, brazil, Canada, china (mainland), United kingdom excluding Northern Ireland and Vietnam, etc.
If you reside in an ineligible country but originally hail from a qualifying country, then you can show your place of birth as country of chargeability. You can even show your spouse’ country (if it qualifies) or your parents’ native country for satisfying Diversity Visa requirements.
Though there is no minimum or maximum age limit specified for diversity visa requirements, yet a person less than 18 years can not apply for the diversity Visa owing to the educational requirements (high school diploma or equivalent certificate) or work experience that it demands.
The educational diversity visa requirements are: high school diploma or an equivalent certificate which as defined as successful completion of a 12 year course of elementary and secondary education OR you must have two years experience within the past 5 years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
You must specify your level of education from any one of the following listed in the chronological order: primary school only, high school no degree, high school degree, vocational school, some university courses, university degree, some graduate level courses, master degree, some doctorate level courses, and doctorate degree.
Once you satisfy the diversity visa requirements, then you have to file it electronically with the US department of state. It is free of application fee. You have to be clear with the procedures of diversity visa
Certifying US Nonimmigrants
Certifying US nonimmigrants can be done on the basis of business B-1, tourist visa B-2, transit visa C-1, E-3 visa for Australians, F-1 student visa, Exchange Visitor visa J-1, H-1B work visa, H-2B work visa, K-1 fiancée/ fiancé visa and TN NAFTA work visa, A-1 for diplomatic employees, A-2 for officials or employees of foreign governments, E-1 treaty traders, E-2 treaty investors, G-1 visa for employees of international organizations who are representing foreign governments, H-3 trainees, I visa for representatives of international media, K-3 visa for spouses of US citizens awaiting approval of their visa petition and a green card, L-1 visa for Intracompany transferees, and with L-2 for dependents of L-1.
Certifying US nonimmigrants is also done by: O-1 for people with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, athletics or education, and their support staff; P-1 for performers, athletes, entertainers and their support staff, P-2 visa for cultural exchange entertainers; P-3 visa for artists and entertainers presenting culturally unique programs; Q-1 exchange visitors, R visa for religious workers; S-1 for witnesses in a criminal investigation; T visa for women and children in the US because they are victims of human trafficking; U visa for victims of criminal abuse in the US who are assisting law enforcement authorities and V visa for spouse and unmarried son and daughter of US green card holders who have already waited for 3 years for approval of their visa petition or the availability of green card, and whose visa petition was filed before December 21, 2000.
Another category of certifying US nonimmigrants is under the visa waiver program where the citizens of certain countries can travel to the US for business or tourism without taking a visa. But your period of stay must be less than 90 days. The countries that come under this program have the treaties signed with the US for promotion of commerce, industry and tourism. The countries that come under this includes Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, new Zealand, Norway, Portugal, san Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland, and United kingdom.
The other modes of certifying US nonimmigrants is under crew service, journalism, study, temporary employment, religious work, etc. Every category has its own specific visa.
Sometimes you may fit into more than one category, when you have to choose the easier of the two.
Certifying US nonimmigrants is also done by: O-1 for people with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, athletics or education, and their support staff; P-1 for performers, athletes, entertainers and their support staff, P-2 visa for cultural exchange entertainers; P-3 visa for artists and entertainers presenting culturally unique programs; Q-1 exchange visitors, R visa for religious workers; S-1 for witnesses in a criminal investigation; T visa for women and children in the US because they are victims of human trafficking; U visa for victims of criminal abuse in the US who are assisting law enforcement authorities and V visa for spouse and unmarried son and daughter of US green card holders who have already waited for 3 years for approval of their visa petition or the availability of green card, and whose visa petition was filed before December 21, 2000.
Another category of certifying US nonimmigrants is under the visa waiver program where the citizens of certain countries can travel to the US for business or tourism without taking a visa. But your period of stay must be less than 90 days. The countries that come under this program have the treaties signed with the US for promotion of commerce, industry and tourism. The countries that come under this includes Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, new Zealand, Norway, Portugal, san Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland, and United kingdom.
The other modes of certifying US nonimmigrants is under crew service, journalism, study, temporary employment, religious work, etc. Every category has its own specific visa.
Sometimes you may fit into more than one category, when you have to choose the easier of the two.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
U.S Citizenship Test
A foreign national who needs to acquire U.S Citizenship has to follow certain directives, from filling up the application form to asserting legalized documents going through an interview and finally taking a civic examination before taking the oath after all these procedures a foreign national is granted U.S Citizenship.
When an immigrant applies for citizenship of United States, they have to appear for a Citizenship Civic Exam, this test is an essential step in the immigration process. All applicants who have applied for immigration have to pass this citizenship test before moving ahead with taking the Oath which is the final step before being granted citizenship.
The significance of the test in the citizenship procedure is very vital. The US Immigration centre’s have recently created a more consistent and evocative naturalization process for the citizenship test, they have laid prominence in multi-year
redesigning of the U.S Citizenship exam.
The amended naturalization exam, lays more importance on the fundamental American concepts of the United Stated democracy. The civic test encourages the applicant to honor and identify with the constitutional rights, civil liberties and responsibilities of being a United States citizen.
The citizenship test consists of a set of basic questions regarding the Constitution of United States, The Presidents as well as the list of head Executives, The branches of the Government bodies, The Supreme court, General information regarding the Revolutionary War ,The Civil War ,The Pilgrims, The Colonies, The Declaration of independence, As well as information on the history and time of Abraham Lincoln. The redesigned questionnaire covers the current as well as historical events in America.
Additional to the written test, English oral reading is also a part of the Citizenship test.
From Oct1st, 2008 the new redesigned system of test will come into practice.
The purpose and meaning of the Citizenship test is to encourage the new immigrant to learn identify and adapt to the values and the culture of United States.
For the immigrant to gain American citizenship, the citizenship test is very essential. This civic test has to be taken by the immigrant in front of the Citizenship and Immigration service officer.
Mostly the questionnaire comprises from the list of 100 prepared sample questionnaire, though in some cases the officer can also ask questions even not listed in the sample questionnaire.
The oral questionnaire in the citizenship test does not consist of multiple choices the list given below is a list of sample questions that are asked in the citizenship test.
How many stripes are there on the U.S flag?
Who is the chief justice of the Supreme Court today?
In what year was the Constitution written?
Which of these is guaranteed by the Fist Amendment?
How many Supreme Court justices are there?
What are the first 10 amendments to the constitution called?
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Which of the following amend aments to the constitution does Not address or guarantee voting rights?
What are the 13 original states?
What do the stripes on the U.S flag mean?
What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT one of the constitutional requirements to be eligible to become president?
Who selects the Supreme Court justices?
How many representatives are there in congress?
Who said, “Give me liberty or give me death”?
Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
Who has the power to declare war?
What INS form is used apply to become a naturalized citizens?
Which of these contains three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?
When an immigrant applies for citizenship of United States, they have to appear for a Citizenship Civic Exam, this test is an essential step in the immigration process. All applicants who have applied for immigration have to pass this citizenship test before moving ahead with taking the Oath which is the final step before being granted citizenship.
The significance of the test in the citizenship procedure is very vital. The US Immigration centre’s have recently created a more consistent and evocative naturalization process for the citizenship test, they have laid prominence in multi-year
redesigning of the U.S Citizenship exam.
The amended naturalization exam, lays more importance on the fundamental American concepts of the United Stated democracy. The civic test encourages the applicant to honor and identify with the constitutional rights, civil liberties and responsibilities of being a United States citizen.
The citizenship test consists of a set of basic questions regarding the Constitution of United States, The Presidents as well as the list of head Executives, The branches of the Government bodies, The Supreme court, General information regarding the Revolutionary War ,The Civil War ,The Pilgrims, The Colonies, The Declaration of independence, As well as information on the history and time of Abraham Lincoln. The redesigned questionnaire covers the current as well as historical events in America.
Additional to the written test, English oral reading is also a part of the Citizenship test.
From Oct1st, 2008 the new redesigned system of test will come into practice.
The purpose and meaning of the Citizenship test is to encourage the new immigrant to learn identify and adapt to the values and the culture of United States.
For the immigrant to gain American citizenship, the citizenship test is very essential. This civic test has to be taken by the immigrant in front of the Citizenship and Immigration service officer.
Mostly the questionnaire comprises from the list of 100 prepared sample questionnaire, though in some cases the officer can also ask questions even not listed in the sample questionnaire.
The oral questionnaire in the citizenship test does not consist of multiple choices the list given below is a list of sample questions that are asked in the citizenship test.
How many stripes are there on the U.S flag?
Who is the chief justice of the Supreme Court today?
In what year was the Constitution written?
Which of these is guaranteed by the Fist Amendment?
How many Supreme Court justices are there?
What are the first 10 amendments to the constitution called?
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Which of the following amend aments to the constitution does Not address or guarantee voting rights?
What are the 13 original states?
What do the stripes on the U.S flag mean?
What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?
Which of the following is NOT one of the constitutional requirements to be eligible to become president?
Who selects the Supreme Court justices?
How many representatives are there in congress?
Who said, “Give me liberty or give me death”?
Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
Who has the power to declare war?
What INS form is used apply to become a naturalized citizens?
Which of these contains three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?
DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM
The Diversity Visa Program for immigrants is a mandatory lottery program for obtaining the Permanent Resident Card of United States of America. The other name for the Diversity Visa Program is green card lottery.
This lottery program is conducted by the department of the state of the U S under the conditions and terms prevailing under the section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. New class which has been offered under section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 to the immigrants is known as the diversity immigrants.
According to this act 55,000 permanent resident visas are granted annually to those who wish to live and work permanently in the United States of America. If any country has sent more than 50000 immigrants in the past five years do not have the eligibility to obtain the diversity visa.
Lottery is made available to the people of those countries where the immigration rates turn out to be extremely low. If the visa is obtained through the Diversity Visa Program the immigrant is allowed to bring the spouse or any children below the age of 21 years to the United States of America.
The Department of the State of the United States conducts lottery annually and the selection of the applicant is done at a random basis. Some of the initial 50000 applicants may not qualify for the visas. But sufficient entries will be selected for the Diversity Visa Program so that all the diversity visas can be issued.
After the issuance of the 50000 visa the lottery will be closed for the fiscal year. Hence selected applicants should be prepared with the prompt action. Kentucky Consular Center computer does the random selection and hence there is no assurance that the visa will be received. The selected applicants will receive the notification of their selection by mail between the months of May and July 2008 at the respective addresses that has been provided in the application form.
The Kentucky Consular Center will send the necessary appointment letters of the applicants selected before 4 – 6 weeks prior to the interview that has been scheduled with U S consular officers. Visas will be given to the applicants depending upon the availability of the visa number.
There are mainly two requirements to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the Diversity Visa Program. The applicant should be from the country that has the eligibility. The department of the state declares the countries that are not eligible for the application.
A successful completion of the elementary and secondary education is necessary for the applying under the diversity visa program.
This lottery program is conducted by the department of the state of the U S under the conditions and terms prevailing under the section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. New class which has been offered under section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 to the immigrants is known as the diversity immigrants.
According to this act 55,000 permanent resident visas are granted annually to those who wish to live and work permanently in the United States of America. If any country has sent more than 50000 immigrants in the past five years do not have the eligibility to obtain the diversity visa.
Lottery is made available to the people of those countries where the immigration rates turn out to be extremely low. If the visa is obtained through the Diversity Visa Program the immigrant is allowed to bring the spouse or any children below the age of 21 years to the United States of America.
The Department of the State of the United States conducts lottery annually and the selection of the applicant is done at a random basis. Some of the initial 50000 applicants may not qualify for the visas. But sufficient entries will be selected for the Diversity Visa Program so that all the diversity visas can be issued.
After the issuance of the 50000 visa the lottery will be closed for the fiscal year. Hence selected applicants should be prepared with the prompt action. Kentucky Consular Center computer does the random selection and hence there is no assurance that the visa will be received. The selected applicants will receive the notification of their selection by mail between the months of May and July 2008 at the respective addresses that has been provided in the application form.
The Kentucky Consular Center will send the necessary appointment letters of the applicants selected before 4 – 6 weeks prior to the interview that has been scheduled with U S consular officers. Visas will be given to the applicants depending upon the availability of the visa number.
There are mainly two requirements to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the Diversity Visa Program. The applicant should be from the country that has the eligibility. The department of the state declares the countries that are not eligible for the application.
A successful completion of the elementary and secondary education is necessary for the applying under the diversity visa program.
DS-11 US Passport Application Form
You have never travelled out of the country and you plan to do so in the near future. You must be wondering how t go about trying to get a passport which is the essential document that any person must have with him or her to either leave their country of residence or to arrive in another country.
The first thing to do is to get hold of the DS-11 Passport Application Form which is the United States Application form for getting a new passport or for renewal of old passport.
This form must be used if you intend getting a passport and if you fall under one of these criteria.
1.You have never applied for and had passport before.
2.2. You are below the age of 16.
3.If you have a passport which has been issued 15 years ago
4.Either if your passport was stolen or it was lost
Incase your recent passport was lost or stolen and you intend to get a fresh one then you would need to fill both form DS-11 Passport Application Form and Form DS-64 and submit both. Everyone falling under the above criteria have to come in person and submit their applications. You can apply for anew passport online itself if you do not fall in any of the criteria listed above by filling the DS-11 form on the net itself.
The DS-11 Passport Application Form requires certain conditions be followed while filling the form. The form should be either typed or printed in black ink and all information made available should be legible.
All sections of the form should be filled completely. The application should not be signed at any cost until and when the oath is administered to you by an authorized passport acceptance agent. Only those persons who have been authorized as passport acceptance agents are eligible to administer the oath and witness you appending your signature.
Incase you happen to have your passport stolen or you have lost it while traveling then it is wise to immediately contact your nearest United States Embassy or Consular office to apply for a new passport using the DS-11Passport Application Form and DS-64 forms
The DS-11 Passport Application Form is available on the internet and can be downloaded from the net. If you are printing the forms, and then make sure that they are sharp and crystal clear as illegible forms are rejected.
They must be printed using black ink. Photographs of the size 2x2 inches must be submitted along with the application. Along with the form DS-11 the person applying for a passport must also submit certain documents for verification like citizenship papers, birth certificates etc.
The first thing to do is to get hold of the DS-11 Passport Application Form which is the United States Application form for getting a new passport or for renewal of old passport.
This form must be used if you intend getting a passport and if you fall under one of these criteria.
1.You have never applied for and had passport before.
2.2. You are below the age of 16.
3.If you have a passport which has been issued 15 years ago
4.Either if your passport was stolen or it was lost
Incase your recent passport was lost or stolen and you intend to get a fresh one then you would need to fill both form DS-11 Passport Application Form and Form DS-64 and submit both. Everyone falling under the above criteria have to come in person and submit their applications. You can apply for anew passport online itself if you do not fall in any of the criteria listed above by filling the DS-11 form on the net itself.
The DS-11 Passport Application Form requires certain conditions be followed while filling the form. The form should be either typed or printed in black ink and all information made available should be legible.
All sections of the form should be filled completely. The application should not be signed at any cost until and when the oath is administered to you by an authorized passport acceptance agent. Only those persons who have been authorized as passport acceptance agents are eligible to administer the oath and witness you appending your signature.
Incase you happen to have your passport stolen or you have lost it while traveling then it is wise to immediately contact your nearest United States Embassy or Consular office to apply for a new passport using the DS-11Passport Application Form and DS-64 forms
The DS-11 Passport Application Form is available on the internet and can be downloaded from the net. If you are printing the forms, and then make sure that they are sharp and crystal clear as illegible forms are rejected.
They must be printed using black ink. Photographs of the size 2x2 inches must be submitted along with the application. Along with the form DS-11 the person applying for a passport must also submit certain documents for verification like citizenship papers, birth certificates etc.
Dual Citizenship Package
More than 150 nations have forever been in a conflict leading to Dual Citizenship package. Dual Citizenship package is where by a resident of one country can be allowed to hold passports of more than one country at the same time. Dual Citizenship is when an individual is a citizen of two or more countries. The conception of Dual citizenship, is when an individual exercises rights of citizenship of 2 countries and is subject to responsibility and accountability of both the countries. U.S law discourage Dual Citizenship, though the Government has to accept Dual citizenship only because of the conflicting laws of the other countries.
If you are an existing US Citizen, and you opt for another countries citizenship then you are no longer considered a United States Citizen. Though there are some exceptions in this law too such as, If a child has acquired citizenship through his or her parents can still be permitted to be a citizen of another country. Dual citizenship is consider In the cases of citizenship through Birth , it is not permitted in cases of citizenship through immigration . U.S does not encourage dual citizenship very positively ,they still have certain reservation as no country would like to lose their control over their citizens.
An individual who is a existing US Citizen ,and applies for the citizenship of another country is stripped of his or her U.S Citizenship and therefore looses all benefits and privileges that are given to a United States Citizen. The United States Government does recognize Dual citizenship and in some cases where citizenship is gained by birth or by parents it also retains and allows the individual to keep dual citizenship. In the case of citizenship obtained from immigration, US law does not permit an immigrant to keep dual citizenship. As a matter of policy US Government doesn’t encourage dual citizenship as it causes a lot of problem in law enforcement.
In reality dual citizenship package is beneficial to both the countries as well as the individual, with the help of dual citizenship they can be very much a part of their home land as well as their new motherland and in separate ways learn to be loyal to both of them.
Dual citizenship package has also been very beneficial to the United States as it has helped in promoting U.S ideas culture values across the globe. It has promoted the true value of peace and understanding and expanding US connections all over the World. For United States Dual citizenship has definitely been fruitful both politically economically and has been practical in removing hurdles in the procedure of Naturalization.
If you are an existing US Citizen, and you opt for another countries citizenship then you are no longer considered a United States Citizen. Though there are some exceptions in this law too such as, If a child has acquired citizenship through his or her parents can still be permitted to be a citizen of another country. Dual citizenship is consider In the cases of citizenship through Birth , it is not permitted in cases of citizenship through immigration . U.S does not encourage dual citizenship very positively ,they still have certain reservation as no country would like to lose their control over their citizens.
An individual who is a existing US Citizen ,and applies for the citizenship of another country is stripped of his or her U.S Citizenship and therefore looses all benefits and privileges that are given to a United States Citizen. The United States Government does recognize Dual citizenship and in some cases where citizenship is gained by birth or by parents it also retains and allows the individual to keep dual citizenship. In the case of citizenship obtained from immigration, US law does not permit an immigrant to keep dual citizenship. As a matter of policy US Government doesn’t encourage dual citizenship as it causes a lot of problem in law enforcement.
In reality dual citizenship package is beneficial to both the countries as well as the individual, with the help of dual citizenship they can be very much a part of their home land as well as their new motherland and in separate ways learn to be loyal to both of them.
Dual citizenship package has also been very beneficial to the United States as it has helped in promoting U.S ideas culture values across the globe. It has promoted the true value of peace and understanding and expanding US connections all over the World. For United States Dual citizenship has definitely been fruitful both politically economically and has been practical in removing hurdles in the procedure of Naturalization.
Dual U.S Citizenship
Dual Citizenship is when an individual is a citizen of two or more countries. The conception of Dual citizenship, is when an individual exercises rights of citizenship of 2 countries and is subject to responsibility and accountability of both the countries. U.S law discourage Dual Citizenship, though the Government has to accept Dual citizenship only because of the conflicting laws of the other countries. AN individual with dual citizenship of United States is not issued a non immigrant visa, they have to carry their passports every time they enter or leave United States.
If you are an existing US Citizen, and you opt for another countries citizenship then you are no longer considered a United States Citizen. Though there are some exceptions in this law too such as, If a child has acquired citizenship through his or her parents can still be permitted to be a citizen of another country. Dual citizenship is consider I the cases of citizenship through Birth , it is not permitted in cases of citizenship through immigration . U.S does not encourage dual citizenship very positively ,they still have certain reservation as no country would like to lose their control over their citizens.
Given below is a list of those countries who enable their citizens to enjoy Dual citizenship, the list contains those countries who will allow their citizen to retain their citizenship even after he or she has obtained US Citizenship.
Albania ,Argentina, Australia, Brazil (with certain restrictions),Canada, Czech Republic, Cambodia, Colombo, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Bangladesh , Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Turkey.
Countries that do not allow their citizens from obtaining Dual citizenship are as follows-
Austria, Belgium, Burma, China, Chile, Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran- (does not recognize dual citizenship but continues to recognize its citizens as Iranian), Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
An individual who is a existing US Citizen ,and applies for the citizenship of another country is stripped of his or her U.S Citizenship and therefore looses all benefits and privileges that are given to a United States Citizen. The United States Government does recognize Dual citizenship and in some cases where citizenship is gained by birth or by parents it also retains and allows the individual to keep dual citizenship. In the case of citizenship obtained from immigration ,Us law does not permit an immigrant to keep dual citizenship. As a matter of policy US Government doesn’t encourage dual citizenship as it causes a lot of problem in law enforcement.
If you are an existing US Citizen, and you opt for another countries citizenship then you are no longer considered a United States Citizen. Though there are some exceptions in this law too such as, If a child has acquired citizenship through his or her parents can still be permitted to be a citizen of another country. Dual citizenship is consider I the cases of citizenship through Birth , it is not permitted in cases of citizenship through immigration . U.S does not encourage dual citizenship very positively ,they still have certain reservation as no country would like to lose their control over their citizens.
Given below is a list of those countries who enable their citizens to enjoy Dual citizenship, the list contains those countries who will allow their citizen to retain their citizenship even after he or she has obtained US Citizenship.
Albania ,Argentina, Australia, Brazil (with certain restrictions),Canada, Czech Republic, Cambodia, Colombo, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Bangladesh , Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Turkey.
Countries that do not allow their citizens from obtaining Dual citizenship are as follows-
Austria, Belgium, Burma, China, Chile, Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran- (does not recognize dual citizenship but continues to recognize its citizens as Iranian), Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
An individual who is a existing US Citizen ,and applies for the citizenship of another country is stripped of his or her U.S Citizenship and therefore looses all benefits and privileges that are given to a United States Citizen. The United States Government does recognize Dual citizenship and in some cases where citizenship is gained by birth or by parents it also retains and allows the individual to keep dual citizenship. In the case of citizenship obtained from immigration ,Us law does not permit an immigrant to keep dual citizenship. As a matter of policy US Government doesn’t encourage dual citizenship as it causes a lot of problem in law enforcement.
E-1 Visa Benefits
E1 OR Treaty Trader Visa is a non restricted visa , there are no restrictions and the procedure of applying for the visa is also easier and faster.
The family of the applicant of the trade treaty visa is also granted the visa and they can travel and live with the foreign national in United States.
The family has no work or study restrictions they all eligible to apply for jobs or for admissions in United States.
Treaty trader visa has a time limit of 2 years but the time limit can always be extended depending on the time taken to complete the entire operation.
With the existence of a trade treaty among the countries , the trade treaty visa applicant has more liberties than any other nonimmigrant visa applications.
In Treaty trader visa there are 2 kinds of visa’s given
One is the trade treaty visa and the other is the Trade treaty investor.
Foreign nationals who apply for the Treaty trader visa apply t the America consulate or U.S Embassy near their place of residence. Though in this visa the applicant ca also file for the treaty trader visa at the American consulate abroad, tough it is not advised to do this as applying for a visa outside your country of citizenship may make the process more difficult and lengthier. For the treaty trader visa a interview is necessary following the application, especially for applicants between the age of 14 to 79 years.
Travelers traveling on E1 who are aged below 14 and above 80 do not need to undergo an interview but if called for by the consulate need to attend the interview.
The earlier you apply for the visa the earlier will you get the date for the interview, as the date for the interview varies from one consulate to the other depending on the length of previous applications. So it is better to apply for the treaty trader visa early to secure an early interview.
The benefits of the treaty trade visa is that the applicant is allowed to travel with his family and the family is not restricted from taking up employment or education. The spouse of the applicant along with the children are granted an E-1 visa this enables then to take up employment as well as get admissions. In other non immigrant visa there are restrictions concerning the families of the applicants.
The other benefit of E-1 visa is the time limit, the general time limit of the E-1 visa is 2 years but this can be extended depending on the time taken for completion of professional contract or trade.
The E-1 applicant has no restrictions of traveling in and out of United States, usually the visa granted in E-1 is multiple entry visa which enables them to travel freely.
The family of the applicant of the trade treaty visa is also granted the visa and they can travel and live with the foreign national in United States.
The family has no work or study restrictions they all eligible to apply for jobs or for admissions in United States.
Treaty trader visa has a time limit of 2 years but the time limit can always be extended depending on the time taken to complete the entire operation.
With the existence of a trade treaty among the countries , the trade treaty visa applicant has more liberties than any other nonimmigrant visa applications.
In Treaty trader visa there are 2 kinds of visa’s given
One is the trade treaty visa and the other is the Trade treaty investor.
Foreign nationals who apply for the Treaty trader visa apply t the America consulate or U.S Embassy near their place of residence. Though in this visa the applicant ca also file for the treaty trader visa at the American consulate abroad, tough it is not advised to do this as applying for a visa outside your country of citizenship may make the process more difficult and lengthier. For the treaty trader visa a interview is necessary following the application, especially for applicants between the age of 14 to 79 years.
Travelers traveling on E1 who are aged below 14 and above 80 do not need to undergo an interview but if called for by the consulate need to attend the interview.
The earlier you apply for the visa the earlier will you get the date for the interview, as the date for the interview varies from one consulate to the other depending on the length of previous applications. So it is better to apply for the treaty trader visa early to secure an early interview.
The benefits of the treaty trade visa is that the applicant is allowed to travel with his family and the family is not restricted from taking up employment or education. The spouse of the applicant along with the children are granted an E-1 visa this enables then to take up employment as well as get admissions. In other non immigrant visa there are restrictions concerning the families of the applicants.
The other benefit of E-1 visa is the time limit, the general time limit of the E-1 visa is 2 years but this can be extended depending on the time taken for completion of professional contract or trade.
The E-1 applicant has no restrictions of traveling in and out of United States, usually the visa granted in E-1 is multiple entry visa which enables them to travel freely.
E2 Visa Application
The E2 Treaty Investor visa allows the nationals of countries that have treaties of commerce and navigation or bilateral agreements in effect with the U.S., to enter US for the purpose of directing and developing the operations of an enterprise that they have invested in, or are in the process of investing a substantial capital amount.
The benefits of E2 Visa Application give below.
You can work legally in US or for a US Company that is subject of the investment .You can travel around freely in and out of the U.S. while on an E2 visa. You can stay on a prolonged basis with an unlimited two year extension as long as you maintain a valid E2 status.
You may bring your dependents such as your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, to live with you in the U.S. Also your spouse may seek for an employment by applying for an employment authorization document
To qualify for the E2 Visa Application you must fulfil the following requirements.
You must be a resident of a treaty country with the United States of America. Your investment must be quite substantial. It must be sufficient enough to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage of investment required for a low-cost business enterprise is generally higher than the percentage of investment required for a high-cost one.
Each applicant for the E2 Visa Application must pay a non-refundable US$100 as an application fee and submit the following:
An application form (DS-156E), completed and signed by the person Blank forms are available free of charge at all U.S. consular offices.
If a passport is valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the US and if more than one person is included in the passport, each of them must complete an application and provide One 2x2 photograph as per the required photo format explained in Non-immigrant photograph requirements.
All male non-immigrant Treaty Investor Visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must submit a completed form DS-157 along with the Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-156E).
As part of the Treaty Investor E2 Visa Application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is compulsory for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for the applicants may vary, so an early E2 Visa Application is strongly encouraged.
During the Treaty Investor E2 Visa Application interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and they will be notified when they apply.
The benefits of E2 Visa Application give below.
You can work legally in US or for a US Company that is subject of the investment .You can travel around freely in and out of the U.S. while on an E2 visa. You can stay on a prolonged basis with an unlimited two year extension as long as you maintain a valid E2 status.
You may bring your dependents such as your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, to live with you in the U.S. Also your spouse may seek for an employment by applying for an employment authorization document
To qualify for the E2 Visa Application you must fulfil the following requirements.
You must be a resident of a treaty country with the United States of America. Your investment must be quite substantial. It must be sufficient enough to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage of investment required for a low-cost business enterprise is generally higher than the percentage of investment required for a high-cost one.
Each applicant for the E2 Visa Application must pay a non-refundable US$100 as an application fee and submit the following:
An application form (DS-156E), completed and signed by the person Blank forms are available free of charge at all U.S. consular offices.
If a passport is valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the US and if more than one person is included in the passport, each of them must complete an application and provide One 2x2 photograph as per the required photo format explained in Non-immigrant photograph requirements.
All male non-immigrant Treaty Investor Visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must submit a completed form DS-157 along with the Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-156E).
As part of the Treaty Investor E2 Visa Application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is compulsory for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for the applicants may vary, so an early E2 Visa Application is strongly encouraged.
During the Treaty Investor E2 Visa Application interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and they will be notified when they apply.
Visa Interview Appointment
In India the U S Visa applicants are being served by the VFS. Online and offline appointment facilities are provided by the VFS. Prior Visa Interview Appointment is necessary for the interview. The waiting time must be checked with the entire U S consulate in India prior to the confirmation of the appointment.
According to the new process the charge of the visa application fees ($100 = Rs 4800) and service charges to VFS (Rs 310) should be paid before the confirmation of the appointment. Fees should be paid at the specified branch of the HDFC Bank.
Applicants who have failed to attend for the interview as per the Visa Interview Appointment schedule at the embassy of U S or at the consulate of U S either in Chennai Kolkata or Mumbai then it is regarded as NO SHOW applicants.
If the no show applicant desires to reschedule the appointment the HDFC bank receipt has to be reactivated within 2 working days later than the appointment of interview that has been scheduled. VFS application center should be visited with by the applicant along with the original valid fee receipt of HDFC Bank.
Service charges of Rs 155/- should be paid by the applicant at the VFS application center either in cash or by demand draft drawn in favor of HDFC Bank. The fee should be paid only in the VFS application center and not in the bank.
The scheduled Visa Interview Appointment can be postponed only once to a later date. The present appointment should be canceled and a new appointment can be booked according to the convenience of the applicant. Preponement of the appointment is also possible by cancelling the existing one and by booking a new appointment at an earlier date.
The cancelation of the Visa Interview Appointment is allowed twice only. The HDFC Visa fee receipt automatically turns deactivated for a period of 90 days. Appointments can be booked only after 90 days. Emergency appointments can be booked based on the regulations and the necessary evidential documents should be produced.
The HDFC Fee Receipt can be used for the booking of interview appointments exactly within a year from the date of issue. The free receipt will automatically expire if the appointment is not fixed up within a year.
During the peak travel time additional steps are taken by the consulate officials to keep up the safety. This might lead to the increase in the waiting time for the visa interview appointments.
According to the new process the charge of the visa application fees ($100 = Rs 4800) and service charges to VFS (Rs 310) should be paid before the confirmation of the appointment. Fees should be paid at the specified branch of the HDFC Bank.
Applicants who have failed to attend for the interview as per the Visa Interview Appointment schedule at the embassy of U S or at the consulate of U S either in Chennai Kolkata or Mumbai then it is regarded as NO SHOW applicants.
If the no show applicant desires to reschedule the appointment the HDFC bank receipt has to be reactivated within 2 working days later than the appointment of interview that has been scheduled. VFS application center should be visited with by the applicant along with the original valid fee receipt of HDFC Bank.
Service charges of Rs 155/- should be paid by the applicant at the VFS application center either in cash or by demand draft drawn in favor of HDFC Bank. The fee should be paid only in the VFS application center and not in the bank.
The scheduled Visa Interview Appointment can be postponed only once to a later date. The present appointment should be canceled and a new appointment can be booked according to the convenience of the applicant. Preponement of the appointment is also possible by cancelling the existing one and by booking a new appointment at an earlier date.
The cancelation of the Visa Interview Appointment is allowed twice only. The HDFC Visa fee receipt automatically turns deactivated for a period of 90 days. Appointments can be booked only after 90 days. Emergency appointments can be booked based on the regulations and the necessary evidential documents should be produced.
The HDFC Fee Receipt can be used for the booking of interview appointments exactly within a year from the date of issue. The free receipt will automatically expire if the appointment is not fixed up within a year.
During the peak travel time additional steps are taken by the consulate officials to keep up the safety. This might lead to the increase in the waiting time for the visa interview appointments.
Work In USA Visa
A Work in USA Visa must be obtained through the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), a division of the USA Department of Justice. USA embassies and consulates abroad do not have the authority to grant work permits for a visa.
In all these cases, permission to work must be obtained in the USA by the employer who wishes to hire you. This can be a long and extensive procedure, which requires the employer to prove that there are no qualified USA workers available to do the same work.
After your employment sponsor has been granted approval for you by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, it is up to you to apply for a non immigrant Work In USA Visa by completing a non immigrant Visa Application. Be careful to answer honestly, as the Immigration and Naturalization Service maintains a meticulous record and can easily check whether you have previously had a visa which has been refused or cancelled.
Generally, the H-1B Work visa is designed to enable US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations on a temporary basis. A specialty occupation is one that requires (a) the theoretical and practical application of body of highly specialized knowledge in a subject and (b) the attainment of a bachelor or higher degree in the specified specialty or its equivalent as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States of America.
The employer must have an United States taxpayer identification number. Thus, a foreign business with no US presence cannot use this Work In USA Visa. The employer must sponsor or file H-1B application and therefore he or she needs to document that the position is a specialty occupation.
Further, the employer must maintain the wages and hour records and information concerning working conditions for all other similarly situated employees.
The potential employee must show that she or he is qualified for the specialty occupation and that his or her degree or work experience is equivalent to that of a US bachelor degree, and that this background is relevant to the United States position.
The H-1B visa can initially be issued for three years and be extended for another three years a total of six years. Note that H-1B employees could potentially become US legal permanent residents also known as green card holders.
In all these cases, permission to work must be obtained in the USA by the employer who wishes to hire you. This can be a long and extensive procedure, which requires the employer to prove that there are no qualified USA workers available to do the same work.
After your employment sponsor has been granted approval for you by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, it is up to you to apply for a non immigrant Work In USA Visa by completing a non immigrant Visa Application. Be careful to answer honestly, as the Immigration and Naturalization Service maintains a meticulous record and can easily check whether you have previously had a visa which has been refused or cancelled.
Generally, the H-1B Work visa is designed to enable US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations on a temporary basis. A specialty occupation is one that requires (a) the theoretical and practical application of body of highly specialized knowledge in a subject and (b) the attainment of a bachelor or higher degree in the specified specialty or its equivalent as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States of America.
The employer must have an United States taxpayer identification number. Thus, a foreign business with no US presence cannot use this Work In USA Visa. The employer must sponsor or file H-1B application and therefore he or she needs to document that the position is a specialty occupation.
Further, the employer must maintain the wages and hour records and information concerning working conditions for all other similarly situated employees.
The potential employee must show that she or he is qualified for the specialty occupation and that his or her degree or work experience is equivalent to that of a US bachelor degree, and that this background is relevant to the United States position.
The H-1B visa can initially be issued for three years and be extended for another three years a total of six years. Note that H-1B employees could potentially become US legal permanent residents also known as green card holders.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
USCIS Revises Religious Worker Visa Classification
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposes revisions to the religious worker visa classification, in response to reports of growing numbers of fraudulent individuals being granted religious worker visas. A 1999 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) mentioned that some applicants for religious worker visas falsify data regarding their job specificity, length of stay or affiliation with the religious group, and many others. On November 16, 2006, the USCIS announced that they will be opening a public comment regarding the proposed revisions on the policies for application and approval of the R-1 or religious worker visa. This notice was also published on the Federal Register.
The USCIS decides to look over the policies for religious worker visas or R-1 classification visas also based on the reports of the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS). According to the FDNS, there was a detected 33 percent rate of fraud in the applications for R-1 visas. This report by the FDNS, and prior information provided by the GAO has helped the USCIS in determining measures to prevent fraud in the process of visa applications for religious workers.
The proposal for these policy revisions for R-1 visa classification was released by the USCIS on April 25, 2007. Along with these revisions include changes in the petitioning requirements, performing on-site inspections, evidentiary requirements of organizations, and clarification and new definitions regarding religious workers, to name a few.
Some of the requirements by US religious organizations who are hiring religious workers include submission of the Petition for Non-immigrant Worker (I-129) or Petition for Special Immigrant (I-360). Along with this, the USCIS is authorized to do a comprehensive check on the US religious organization, including on-site inspections to easily verify the legitimacy or the need to petition a foreign religious worker for an R-1 visa.
The applicant that the petitioning organization will be hiring will also be verified by the USCIS. This includes checking the prior work experience of the religious worker, including jobs that are not in relation with the religious job he will be applying for in the US. Aside from this additional change, the initial admission period for an R-1 visa holder will be reduced to a year, unlike the previously set three years.
Thos interested in the public comment on these revisions can mail their inquiries to the Director, Regulatory Management Division, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529.
The USCIS decides to look over the policies for religious worker visas or R-1 classification visas also based on the reports of the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS). According to the FDNS, there was a detected 33 percent rate of fraud in the applications for R-1 visas. This report by the FDNS, and prior information provided by the GAO has helped the USCIS in determining measures to prevent fraud in the process of visa applications for religious workers.
The proposal for these policy revisions for R-1 visa classification was released by the USCIS on April 25, 2007. Along with these revisions include changes in the petitioning requirements, performing on-site inspections, evidentiary requirements of organizations, and clarification and new definitions regarding religious workers, to name a few.
Some of the requirements by US religious organizations who are hiring religious workers include submission of the Petition for Non-immigrant Worker (I-129) or Petition for Special Immigrant (I-360). Along with this, the USCIS is authorized to do a comprehensive check on the US religious organization, including on-site inspections to easily verify the legitimacy or the need to petition a foreign religious worker for an R-1 visa.
The applicant that the petitioning organization will be hiring will also be verified by the USCIS. This includes checking the prior work experience of the religious worker, including jobs that are not in relation with the religious job he will be applying for in the US. Aside from this additional change, the initial admission period for an R-1 visa holder will be reduced to a year, unlike the previously set three years.
Thos interested in the public comment on these revisions can mail their inquiries to the Director, Regulatory Management Division, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529.
US Coast Guard Deters Illegal Migrants with Biometrics
The US Coast Guard, a security and safety unit under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for monitoring and ensuring that no illegal migrants will be crossing over to the United States from the coastlines. The areas which serve as hotspots for illegal migrants are now being closely watched by the Coast Guard, namely the shores of the United States near the Dominical Republic and Puerto Rico. As a means of making the Coast Guard more effective in their tasks, the DHS collected biometrics data from over 1,300 migrants in 2006 to 2007. The DHS proudly announces that the adaptation of the biometrics system has helped reduce the number of illegal migrants significantly.
So what are biometrics and how did this information assist the DHS and the US Coast guard in arresting illegal migrants? Specifically speaking, biometrics contains data beyond that of name, age, or gender. The database which is being managed by the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) contains the abovementioned info, but includes fingerprint data, blood type, and many others. This serves as a more accurate and efficient method for detecting illegal migrants. The US-VISIT also performs biometrics collection, and provides this information to other US authorities as necessary.
How did US-VISIT and the biometrics database help the Coast Guard? Until now, the Coast Guard did not possess the knowledge and technical equipment for identifying suspected illegal migrants. With this new system established by the DHS, whenever the Coast Guard apprehends a migrant, they will be able to immediately determine if he is an illegal migrant, has a run-in with the law, or has a criminal record. Using satellite technology, the Coast Guard can upload this info to US-VISIT for checking and verification. Since the implementation of the DHS biometrics project, about 90 illegal migrants have been arrested and prosecuted, and the number of illegal migrants in the mentioned hotspots dropped by 50 percent.
Rear Admiral Wayne Justice, Director of Response Policy says that the 95,000 miles of coastline being monitored by the Coast Guard becomes easier to watch thanks to effectiveness and accuracy of the biometrics system. Aside from the DHS, US-VISIT, and the US Coast Guard, this project was a collaboration of the Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Embassy in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, and the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
So what are biometrics and how did this information assist the DHS and the US Coast guard in arresting illegal migrants? Specifically speaking, biometrics contains data beyond that of name, age, or gender. The database which is being managed by the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) contains the abovementioned info, but includes fingerprint data, blood type, and many others. This serves as a more accurate and efficient method for detecting illegal migrants. The US-VISIT also performs biometrics collection, and provides this information to other US authorities as necessary.
How did US-VISIT and the biometrics database help the Coast Guard? Until now, the Coast Guard did not possess the knowledge and technical equipment for identifying suspected illegal migrants. With this new system established by the DHS, whenever the Coast Guard apprehends a migrant, they will be able to immediately determine if he is an illegal migrant, has a run-in with the law, or has a criminal record. Using satellite technology, the Coast Guard can upload this info to US-VISIT for checking and verification. Since the implementation of the DHS biometrics project, about 90 illegal migrants have been arrested and prosecuted, and the number of illegal migrants in the mentioned hotspots dropped by 50 percent.
Rear Admiral Wayne Justice, Director of Response Policy says that the 95,000 miles of coastline being monitored by the Coast Guard becomes easier to watch thanks to effectiveness and accuracy of the biometrics system. Aside from the DHS, US-VISIT, and the US Coast Guard, this project was a collaboration of the Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Embassy in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, and the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Biometrics Helps Coast Guard in the Fight Against Illegal Migration
Illegal migrants are being constantly watched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the operations of the US Coast Guard, who patrols the shores of the United States, especially in hot spots near the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. With the new improved biometrics system, the Coast Guard can now effectively reduce the number of illegal migrants from setting foot on American soil.
In 2006 to 2007, the Department of Homeland Security collected biometrics from 1,300 migrants. Biometrics data includes fingerprints, blood type, and many others, and have placed this info in a large database maintained by the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT). US-VISIT allows for the most effective and fastest detection of illegal migrants, especially those with criminal records and previous run-in with the authorities. The biometrics system being implemented by the DHS gives the US Coast Guard the equipment and technological knowledge to collect biometrics from any apprehended and suspected illegal migrants. From this data collection, the Coast Guard can upload and search US-VISIT to determine the status of the illegal migrant, using satellite technology. The system is not only fast, but accurate as well.
The biometrics system, as a joint effort of the US Coast Guard and US-VISIT is a first for the Coast Guard, as the unit has never had the capacity to immediately detect or identify suspected illegal migrants. This helps the Coast Guard and other local authorities to apprehend those who have criminal records and have been previously tagged as suspects. From the start of the implementation of this system, almost 100 illegal migrants have been identified, arrested, and prosecuted by the US Coast Guard. The current number of illegal migrants is said to have reduced by 50% thanks to the effectiveness of the biometrics system. Currently, the most watched areas are the US coastlines near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Because the US Coast Guard secured over 95,000 miles of the American coastline, this system doubles and triples the effectiveness of the Coast Guard in deterring illegal migration, as well as in apprehending and prosecuting those who should be, according to Director of Response Policy Rear Admiral Wayne Justice.
Other authorities that assisted the DHS, US Coast Guard, and US-VISIT in ensuring the success of the project were: Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the US Embassy in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.
In 2006 to 2007, the Department of Homeland Security collected biometrics from 1,300 migrants. Biometrics data includes fingerprints, blood type, and many others, and have placed this info in a large database maintained by the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT). US-VISIT allows for the most effective and fastest detection of illegal migrants, especially those with criminal records and previous run-in with the authorities. The biometrics system being implemented by the DHS gives the US Coast Guard the equipment and technological knowledge to collect biometrics from any apprehended and suspected illegal migrants. From this data collection, the Coast Guard can upload and search US-VISIT to determine the status of the illegal migrant, using satellite technology. The system is not only fast, but accurate as well.
The biometrics system, as a joint effort of the US Coast Guard and US-VISIT is a first for the Coast Guard, as the unit has never had the capacity to immediately detect or identify suspected illegal migrants. This helps the Coast Guard and other local authorities to apprehend those who have criminal records and have been previously tagged as suspects. From the start of the implementation of this system, almost 100 illegal migrants have been identified, arrested, and prosecuted by the US Coast Guard. The current number of illegal migrants is said to have reduced by 50% thanks to the effectiveness of the biometrics system. Currently, the most watched areas are the US coastlines near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Because the US Coast Guard secured over 95,000 miles of the American coastline, this system doubles and triples the effectiveness of the Coast Guard in deterring illegal migration, as well as in apprehending and prosecuting those who should be, according to Director of Response Policy Rear Admiral Wayne Justice.
Other authorities that assisted the DHS, US Coast Guard, and US-VISIT in ensuring the success of the project were: Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the US Embassy in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.
American Students in Other Countries Increase over the Past Decade
The US government’s international exchange program for college students has shown evidence of success, as reported by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in 2007. From statistics on the number US students in overseas educational programs in 2006 – 2007, there were 223,000, which is a 150% growth as compared to the 90,000 figures in 199 – 1996. As part of the US government’s goal of increasing student awareness towards cultural diversity, more and more educational programs are being offered to American students to give them the opportunity to study abroad.
According to the report of the IIE, the regions of the world which American students go to study are in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America. About a 30% increase in the number of US students coming to the Middle East and Asia were noted. In Africa, the numbers increased by 19%, while in Latin America, there was a 14% growth. Most of the students in the said countries have participated in short courses of about 8 weeks, while some of them stayed as long as one semester and even a full year. Majority of these American students take up majors in the following disciplines: the humanities, business administration, and the social sciences.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes says that as part of the government initiative to promote understanding for other nations, the United States sponsors several programs that offer opportunities for American students to study overseas. Among them are the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), Fulbright Program, and the Gilman Scholarships.
The Fulbright Program has been in operation since 1948, and for almost 60 years, has provided international educational grants to over 100,000 American scholars. There are 144 countries in which the scholars of the Fulbright Program are allowed to study. This was founded by former US Senator J. William Fulbright.
The National Security Language Initiative was started by President George Bush and has been integrating foreign languages in kindergarten to college curricula. Launched in 2006, this program aims to provide the students with skills in the several languages, including Chinese, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, and Russian, among others. This helps not only to broaden international understanding, but to create a foundation for useful communication skills.
The Gilman Scholarships were named after former House International Relations Committee Chairman, Benjamin A. Gilman. These scholarships are granted to undergraduate college students from low-income families, to give them the chance to gain experiences from studying in other countries.
According to the report of the IIE, the regions of the world which American students go to study are in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America. About a 30% increase in the number of US students coming to the Middle East and Asia were noted. In Africa, the numbers increased by 19%, while in Latin America, there was a 14% growth. Most of the students in the said countries have participated in short courses of about 8 weeks, while some of them stayed as long as one semester and even a full year. Majority of these American students take up majors in the following disciplines: the humanities, business administration, and the social sciences.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes says that as part of the government initiative to promote understanding for other nations, the United States sponsors several programs that offer opportunities for American students to study overseas. Among them are the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), Fulbright Program, and the Gilman Scholarships.
The Fulbright Program has been in operation since 1948, and for almost 60 years, has provided international educational grants to over 100,000 American scholars. There are 144 countries in which the scholars of the Fulbright Program are allowed to study. This was founded by former US Senator J. William Fulbright.
The National Security Language Initiative was started by President George Bush and has been integrating foreign languages in kindergarten to college curricula. Launched in 2006, this program aims to provide the students with skills in the several languages, including Chinese, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, and Russian, among others. This helps not only to broaden international understanding, but to create a foundation for useful communication skills.
The Gilman Scholarships were named after former House International Relations Committee Chairman, Benjamin A. Gilman. These scholarships are granted to undergraduate college students from low-income families, to give them the chance to gain experiences from studying in other countries.
Number of American Students Studying Abroad Growing
As of 2007, the number of United States college students who are studying overseas has reached over 223,000, which is a notable 150% growth over the last ten years. Compared to the 1995 – 1996 figures which showed about 90,000 American students participating in international exchange programs, this was a significant increase and evidence of the success of the educational programs of the US government. These figures were reported by the US Institute of International Education (IIE).
The US government has constantly provided learning opportunities for its students, both locally and abroad. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes mentions that these international educational experiences are part of the government’s goal to foster cultural diversity and understanding among Americans.
Also, according to the Institute of International Education, the regions wherein the most number of American students go for their international studies are in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The IIE also presented increases in the number of students coming to these regions. In the Middle East and Asia, a 31% and 26% increase were noted. A 19% and 14% increase of international students was also found in Africa and Latin America.
Most of these students who study overseas are taking courses in social sciences, the humanities, and business administration. The length of stay of these American students ranges from short courses of about 2 months, to a semester or a full year.
Some of the notable international programs sponsored by the US government are the Fulbright US Student Program, the Gilman Scholarships, and the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI).
The Fulbright US Student Program was founded by former US Senator J. William Fulbright, and has been actively offering scholarships to American students since 1948. US students are given the opportunity to learn in over 144 participating countries in the Fulbright program. For almost 60 years, the program has given grants to over 100,000 US college students.
The Gilman Scholarships, named after former House Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman, focuses on offering international educational opportunities to college students from minority communities or low-income families.
The National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) was launched in 2006 by President George Bush. This program integrates foreign language studies from kindergarten to college, focusing on critical languages like Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Chinese, and Russian, as well as other languages. The program aims to develop essential language skills among the students, which can be useful in the future.
The US government has constantly provided learning opportunities for its students, both locally and abroad. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes mentions that these international educational experiences are part of the government’s goal to foster cultural diversity and understanding among Americans.
Also, according to the Institute of International Education, the regions wherein the most number of American students go for their international studies are in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The IIE also presented increases in the number of students coming to these regions. In the Middle East and Asia, a 31% and 26% increase were noted. A 19% and 14% increase of international students was also found in Africa and Latin America.
Most of these students who study overseas are taking courses in social sciences, the humanities, and business administration. The length of stay of these American students ranges from short courses of about 2 months, to a semester or a full year.
Some of the notable international programs sponsored by the US government are the Fulbright US Student Program, the Gilman Scholarships, and the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI).
The Fulbright US Student Program was founded by former US Senator J. William Fulbright, and has been actively offering scholarships to American students since 1948. US students are given the opportunity to learn in over 144 participating countries in the Fulbright program. For almost 60 years, the program has given grants to over 100,000 US college students.
The Gilman Scholarships, named after former House Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman, focuses on offering international educational opportunities to college students from minority communities or low-income families.
The National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) was launched in 2006 by President George Bush. This program integrates foreign language studies from kindergarten to college, focusing on critical languages like Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Chinese, and Russian, as well as other languages. The program aims to develop essential language skills among the students, which can be useful in the future.
Number of US Students Overseas Increases by 150% in 2007
The United States Institute of International Education (IIE) reported that the number of American students who are studying abroad has increased by 150% in the 2007, over the past decade. Because the US government wants to offer the opportunity for American students to experience education in other countries, a lot of exchange programs in different colleges and universities have been active for over ten years. The IIE also compares the 2006 – 2007 number of US college students studying overseas, which was 223,000, to the 1995 – 1996 data, which was only about 90,000 back then. This significant increase implies the success of the mentioned exchange programs.
Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs explains that the Department of State sponsors many international learning opportunities for their American students. The Gilman Scholarships, National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), and the Fulbright US Student Program, are only a few of such active exchange programs sponsored by the government.
According to Hughes, the Gilman Scholarships offer the opportunity to study abroad to college students from minority communities, or those from low-income groups. The scholarship program was named after former House International Relations Committee Chairman Benjamin A. Gilman. This project stresses that even undergraduates from minority communities can avail of the benefits gained from studying abroad.
President George Bush established the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) in 2006 to further improve student knowledge on critical languages like Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi. Other languages are also included in the program. Cultural diversity and the perspective of students under the NSLI are broadened, and at the same time vital language and communication skills are taught which can be useful in the future. Hughes says that some of the schools that adapt the NSLI start integrating the language skills from kindergarten, even up to the college level.
The Fulbright Program has been offering opportunities for American students since 1948. Since its inception by US Senator J. William Fulbright, the student program has already offered scholarship grants to more than 100,000 US students. Over 144 countries are participating in the exchange program.
The most popular destinations by US exchange students were in the Middle East and Asian regions, as reported by the Institute for International Education in 2007. There was a 31% increase of American students studying in the Middle East, while there was a 26% increase in the number going to Asia. Latin America and Africa were also popular destinations for the exchange students.
Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs explains that the Department of State sponsors many international learning opportunities for their American students. The Gilman Scholarships, National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), and the Fulbright US Student Program, are only a few of such active exchange programs sponsored by the government.
According to Hughes, the Gilman Scholarships offer the opportunity to study abroad to college students from minority communities, or those from low-income groups. The scholarship program was named after former House International Relations Committee Chairman Benjamin A. Gilman. This project stresses that even undergraduates from minority communities can avail of the benefits gained from studying abroad.
President George Bush established the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) in 2006 to further improve student knowledge on critical languages like Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi. Other languages are also included in the program. Cultural diversity and the perspective of students under the NSLI are broadened, and at the same time vital language and communication skills are taught which can be useful in the future. Hughes says that some of the schools that adapt the NSLI start integrating the language skills from kindergarten, even up to the college level.
The Fulbright Program has been offering opportunities for American students since 1948. Since its inception by US Senator J. William Fulbright, the student program has already offered scholarship grants to more than 100,000 US students. Over 144 countries are participating in the exchange program.
The most popular destinations by US exchange students were in the Middle East and Asian regions, as reported by the Institute for International Education in 2007. There was a 31% increase of American students studying in the Middle East, while there was a 26% increase in the number going to Asia. Latin America and Africa were also popular destinations for the exchange students.
2007 Number of Student Visas Is the Highest in History
United States student visas provide more than just the opportunity to learn abroad, but they also offer the student a chance to experience awareness and the diversity of cultures. In 2007, a record high number of student visas issued was estimated by the United States Department of State to be over 600,000, which implies a 10% increase in the number over the past year. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Maura Harty says that one of the best ways to know about the United States is to take the opportunity to study there.
According to Harty, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in 2001 decreased the number of applications for various US visas as well as student visas. Because of this, the United States government planned on how to encourage foreigners to apply for visas, as well as offer the opportunity for international students to obtain an American education. The 2007 record number of issued student visas proves that the campaign was a success. An American education does not only have an impact on the students who are studying in the US, but it also reflects on how the development and futures of their respective countries will be assisted by these students.
Diversity, cultural awareness, international understanding, and alliances can be created by the influx of foreign students into the United States. The Department of State cited examples of current international leaders who have been products of US student exchange programs during their time. Kofi Annan, the United Nations Secretary General graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incumbent president of Indonesia, Susilo Yudhoyono, studied in the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of his military training. The president of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is also a product of US education, as she studied for two years in Georgetown University, Washington DC.
Maura Harty says that the US Department of State asks for three minimum requirements before a student is eligible for or granted a US student visa. He must present these in order for him to also gain the other benefits that accompany a student visa. The student should have evidence of being currently enrolled in a US university or college. Aside from that, the student should show proof of sufficient funds to pay for his first term or year of study in the said educational institution. Lastly, the student must have the intent to return to his home country after his schooling in the US.
According to Harty, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in 2001 decreased the number of applications for various US visas as well as student visas. Because of this, the United States government planned on how to encourage foreigners to apply for visas, as well as offer the opportunity for international students to obtain an American education. The 2007 record number of issued student visas proves that the campaign was a success. An American education does not only have an impact on the students who are studying in the US, but it also reflects on how the development and futures of their respective countries will be assisted by these students.
Diversity, cultural awareness, international understanding, and alliances can be created by the influx of foreign students into the United States. The Department of State cited examples of current international leaders who have been products of US student exchange programs during their time. Kofi Annan, the United Nations Secretary General graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incumbent president of Indonesia, Susilo Yudhoyono, studied in the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of his military training. The president of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is also a product of US education, as she studied for two years in Georgetown University, Washington DC.
Maura Harty says that the US Department of State asks for three minimum requirements before a student is eligible for or granted a US student visa. He must present these in order for him to also gain the other benefits that accompany a student visa. The student should have evidence of being currently enrolled in a US university or college. Aside from that, the student should show proof of sufficient funds to pay for his first term or year of study in the said educational institution. Lastly, the student must have the intent to return to his home country after his schooling in the US.
New Record Reached by US Student Visas in 2008
The United States has always been an ideal venue for employment opportunities as well as education. It is said that one of the best methods by which America can be experienced is by obtaining an education from there. The United States Department of State proudly announced that as of 2007, a record high of 600,000 student visas have been issued to foreign exchange students. As compared to 2007 data and statistics on the issuance of student US visas, this figure shows a 10% increase.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the United States government has thought of ways to encourage foreigners, especially exchange students, to apply for visas, as there was a significantly noted decrease in applications during this period. Maura Harty, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs admits that these statistics are showing how successful the government efforts for inviting foreigners into the country have become. Harty also explains that the benefits of a United States education do not only reflect on the foreign exchange students, but has impact on their respective home countries as well. The goal of an American education should be towards learning in the US to better help their home country.
As stated by Maura Harty, the influx of exchange students into the United States promotes diversity, understanding, and awareness among different cultures. International friendships and alliances can be formed with these exposures. According to the Department of State, over 200 students of these foreign exchange programs are currently heads of state and leaders in their countries. One example, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, finished his undergraduate studies in Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Another example is Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, who studied for two years in Georgetown University in Washington DC.
There are three minimum requirements in order for an international student to be qualified for a United States student visa, as explained by Harty. The Department of State requires the student to show proof that he or she has been accepted and is currently an enrolled student in any American university or college. The student should also show evidence of sufficient funds that he or she can pay for her first year in the said school, afterwards, he or she can apply for a scholarship. The last requirement is that the student should intend on going back home to his or her country after completing the said US education.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the United States government has thought of ways to encourage foreigners, especially exchange students, to apply for visas, as there was a significantly noted decrease in applications during this period. Maura Harty, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs admits that these statistics are showing how successful the government efforts for inviting foreigners into the country have become. Harty also explains that the benefits of a United States education do not only reflect on the foreign exchange students, but has impact on their respective home countries as well. The goal of an American education should be towards learning in the US to better help their home country.
As stated by Maura Harty, the influx of exchange students into the United States promotes diversity, understanding, and awareness among different cultures. International friendships and alliances can be formed with these exposures. According to the Department of State, over 200 students of these foreign exchange programs are currently heads of state and leaders in their countries. One example, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, finished his undergraduate studies in Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Another example is Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, who studied for two years in Georgetown University in Washington DC.
There are three minimum requirements in order for an international student to be qualified for a United States student visa, as explained by Harty. The Department of State requires the student to show proof that he or she has been accepted and is currently an enrolled student in any American university or college. The student should also show evidence of sufficient funds that he or she can pay for her first year in the said school, afterwards, he or she can apply for a scholarship. The last requirement is that the student should intend on going back home to his or her country after completing the said US education.
Benefits for Non-Immigrant Victims of Criminal Activity
Pursuant to the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, the U non-immigrant status was created by the United States Congress. Persons who are included under the U classification are foreigners who are victims of criminal activity. As published in the Federal Register, as of October 2007, non-immigrants under the U classification will be granted benefits if they participate in assisting government authorities in prosecuting and investigating criminal activities.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a lot of foreigners who are witnesses or victims of criminal activity are hesitant to step forward and notify the authorities because they are unsure if they will be getting benefits or help due to their alien status. These new benefits as mentioned by the USCIS are meant to protect innocent lives, and at the same time effectively reduce criminal activity along with the proper prosecution of the perpetrators.
How is a victim of criminal activity eligible to apply for U non-immigrant status? He or she should present evidence of having mental or physical damage by a crime that was deemed illegal and committed within the United States. The mental and physical abuse can be assessed by a health professional. The victim should also provide substantial information regarding the said crime, and that he or she is willing to testify and help government authorities in investigating the crime.
What are the said benefits of persons approved for U non-immigrant classification? They can be accompanied by immediate family, such as parent, unmarried sibling below the age of 18, spouse, or children, and can remain in the United States for up to four years. During this time, the government is to assist the victim by giving him or her access to organizations that offer assistance for healthcare and employment opportunities. According to USCIS, an estimated 10,000 of these U non-immigrant visas are made available every year, but this does not cover that of the family members of the victims of criminal activity.
More details of the qualifications for U non-immigrant classification will be updated by the USCIS, and will be released after 60 days upon this announcement. To learn more about the application procedures and forms to be submitted in order to avail of U non-immigrant status, check the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more details at http://www.uscis.gov. Applications forms and mailing addresses can also be viewed at this site.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a lot of foreigners who are witnesses or victims of criminal activity are hesitant to step forward and notify the authorities because they are unsure if they will be getting benefits or help due to their alien status. These new benefits as mentioned by the USCIS are meant to protect innocent lives, and at the same time effectively reduce criminal activity along with the proper prosecution of the perpetrators.
How is a victim of criminal activity eligible to apply for U non-immigrant status? He or she should present evidence of having mental or physical damage by a crime that was deemed illegal and committed within the United States. The mental and physical abuse can be assessed by a health professional. The victim should also provide substantial information regarding the said crime, and that he or she is willing to testify and help government authorities in investigating the crime.
What are the said benefits of persons approved for U non-immigrant classification? They can be accompanied by immediate family, such as parent, unmarried sibling below the age of 18, spouse, or children, and can remain in the United States for up to four years. During this time, the government is to assist the victim by giving him or her access to organizations that offer assistance for healthcare and employment opportunities. According to USCIS, an estimated 10,000 of these U non-immigrant visas are made available every year, but this does not cover that of the family members of the victims of criminal activity.
More details of the qualifications for U non-immigrant classification will be updated by the USCIS, and will be released after 60 days upon this announcement. To learn more about the application procedures and forms to be submitted in order to avail of U non-immigrant status, check the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more details at http://www.uscis.gov. Applications forms and mailing addresses can also be viewed at this site.
Visa Lottery Continues to Open Opportunities to Many
Since 1995, the US Immigrant Visa Lottery has provided over half a million foreign nationals the opportunity to work and live in the United States. In 2009, the next Diversity Immigrant Visa Program will be holding the next visa lottery, and the applications can be submitted online. As per the announcement of the State Department, the deadline for online applications is December 2, 2007.
In the early 90’s the idea for the visa lottery stemmed from the desire of the US government in wanting to attract more foreigners to come into the United States. The US government wanted to create diversity among the people by inviting foreign nationals to the country. At present, the visa lottery has attached controversies to it, along with comments of analysts who do not believe that this is entirely a good idea. As presented by the data from the State Department, the 2006 visa lottery actually had more than 6.4 million entries. A large number of these visa lottery entries were from residents of Asian and African countries.
In order for one to be eligible for the visa lottery, he or she should have at least a high school diploma, including two years of experience in a field of work that involves about two years of training at the minimum. To be able to control the number of applicants, there is a list of 20 nations which are not allowed to join the 2009 visa lottery. Some of these countries are Russia, China, India, and Mexico. Analysts further stress how susceptible the visa lottery is to fraud, and the minimum requirements may make it easier for a lot of people to falsify their documents.
At present, the US House of Representatives is creating bills that are to stop the funds for the 2009 Diversity Visa lottery, possibly for reasons concerning national security, among others. There was even a 2005 bill which hoped to totally abolish the visa lottery, however it was not passed by the Senate, though the House did. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) diversity visas that are obtained through the lottery make up only 3.5% of over 1 million green cards that are issued in the year 2006.
Aside from joining the diversity visa lottery, many foreign nationals have obtained permanent residency status in the United States by means of employment petitions, refugee status, or from family members such as parents and spouses.
In the early 90’s the idea for the visa lottery stemmed from the desire of the US government in wanting to attract more foreigners to come into the United States. The US government wanted to create diversity among the people by inviting foreign nationals to the country. At present, the visa lottery has attached controversies to it, along with comments of analysts who do not believe that this is entirely a good idea. As presented by the data from the State Department, the 2006 visa lottery actually had more than 6.4 million entries. A large number of these visa lottery entries were from residents of Asian and African countries.
In order for one to be eligible for the visa lottery, he or she should have at least a high school diploma, including two years of experience in a field of work that involves about two years of training at the minimum. To be able to control the number of applicants, there is a list of 20 nations which are not allowed to join the 2009 visa lottery. Some of these countries are Russia, China, India, and Mexico. Analysts further stress how susceptible the visa lottery is to fraud, and the minimum requirements may make it easier for a lot of people to falsify their documents.
At present, the US House of Representatives is creating bills that are to stop the funds for the 2009 Diversity Visa lottery, possibly for reasons concerning national security, among others. There was even a 2005 bill which hoped to totally abolish the visa lottery, however it was not passed by the Senate, though the House did. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) diversity visas that are obtained through the lottery make up only 3.5% of over 1 million green cards that are issued in the year 2006.
Aside from joining the diversity visa lottery, many foreign nationals have obtained permanent residency status in the United States by means of employment petitions, refugee status, or from family members such as parents and spouses.
H-2A Applications for Temporary or Seasonal Agricultural Workers
In the agriculture industry of the United States, there are situations by which there are very few agricultural workers that are readily available. Even if such agricultural companies have exhausted efforts in advertising for job openings and hiring opportunities, there is still a need to hire workers from elsewhere, such as outside of the United States. In this regard, the H-2A classification of visa includes temporary or seasonal workers that are hired by American agricultural companies because of the shortage of employees.
With regards to the applications for H-2A workers, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is attempting to centralize the receiving of all applications to the California Service Center. Applications that arrived in other service centers after the announced date of centralization will be returned to the sender, so they have to mail it again to the new specified address by the USCIS.
The following address should be used for filing of applications via mail: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, PO Box 10140, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1040. Private couriers like FedEx or UPS, or those who deliver via other non-United States Postal Service (USPS) modes should address their applications to: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, 24000 Avila Road, Room 2312, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. If the employers wish to receive a mailed -notice of the USCIS decision on the petition, a self-addressed and stamped envelope can be included with the application.
Individual proprietorship, or a partnership or corporation, are the types of agricultural business entities that may petition for temporary or seasonal non-immigrant workers then the need arises. There are also authorized agents like attorneys or other associations which can also file the H-2A petition as a representative of the business entity or employer. It is very crucial that the agricultural business intends to hire foreign or non-immigrant seasonal workers on a short-term and temporary basis. This can be with regards to the types of crops that are to be grown at a given season.
There are also additional requirements as stated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for H-2A certification: as mentioned earlier the employer or business should have proof that they have advertised for the job openings, but there were no takers. On comparing the pay rate of regular US agricultural workers with temporary or seasonal agricultural workers, the employer is required to offer them the same rate.
With regards to the applications for H-2A workers, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is attempting to centralize the receiving of all applications to the California Service Center. Applications that arrived in other service centers after the announced date of centralization will be returned to the sender, so they have to mail it again to the new specified address by the USCIS.
The following address should be used for filing of applications via mail: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, PO Box 10140, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1040. Private couriers like FedEx or UPS, or those who deliver via other non-United States Postal Service (USPS) modes should address their applications to: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, 24000 Avila Road, Room 2312, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. If the employers wish to receive a mailed -notice of the USCIS decision on the petition, a self-addressed and stamped envelope can be included with the application.
Individual proprietorship, or a partnership or corporation, are the types of agricultural business entities that may petition for temporary or seasonal non-immigrant workers then the need arises. There are also authorized agents like attorneys or other associations which can also file the H-2A petition as a representative of the business entity or employer. It is very crucial that the agricultural business intends to hire foreign or non-immigrant seasonal workers on a short-term and temporary basis. This can be with regards to the types of crops that are to be grown at a given season.
There are also additional requirements as stated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for H-2A certification: as mentioned earlier the employer or business should have proof that they have advertised for the job openings, but there were no takers. On comparing the pay rate of regular US agricultural workers with temporary or seasonal agricultural workers, the employer is required to offer them the same rate.
Streamlining of Readmission for H and L Non-immigrants by the USCIS
H and L non-immigrant applications for permanent residency or adjustment of status have been streamlined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as of the last quarter of 2007. From this new policy, H and L non-immigrants have no need to present their Form I-797 or Notice of Action whenever they are returning to the US after coming from abroad. As per the current policy, H and L non-immigrants are required to get an Advance Parole or Application for Travel Document when they are leaving the United States. This streamlining removes the excess burden of presenting the Form I-797 when they come back to the US, since the receipt for requesting permission to travel abroad is already in the USCIS database when they left.
As explained by the USCIS, H non-immigrants that are included in this new streamlining are from H1B and H1C classifications of visa. H1B classes are also termed as special workers, while H1C classes include registered nurses. On the other hand, for the L non-immigrants, those that do not need to present their Notice of Action are under the L1A classification and L1B classification. Workers under the L1A class are those who transferees from companies with offices abroad, such as executives or managers. Specialized knowledge workers are those who are included under L1B classification.
However, for those H1 and L1 non-immigrants who have pending adjustment of status to permanent residency, all other requirements and regulations by the USCIS should still be followed. These non-immigrants, upon entry to the United States, should present evidence to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector. They should be able to show proof that they are currently eligible for either H1 or L1 status, they are returning as employees of the same company that they are known to be employed in prior to leaving, and that they have a valid H1 or L1 visa. At this point, they do not need to show the Form I-797, or the Notice of Action, as it was the previous norm.
H4 or L2 dependents, such as children and spouses of H4 or L2 visa holders, must have their spouse or parents complete the requirements as mentioned earlier, and they should also show evidence that they are still eligible to be admitted into the United States under the L2 or H4 classification. The abovementioned policies and procedures by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services were published in a November 1, 2007 issue of the Federal Register, Volume 72, number 211.
As explained by the USCIS, H non-immigrants that are included in this new streamlining are from H1B and H1C classifications of visa. H1B classes are also termed as special workers, while H1C classes include registered nurses. On the other hand, for the L non-immigrants, those that do not need to present their Notice of Action are under the L1A classification and L1B classification. Workers under the L1A class are those who transferees from companies with offices abroad, such as executives or managers. Specialized knowledge workers are those who are included under L1B classification.
However, for those H1 and L1 non-immigrants who have pending adjustment of status to permanent residency, all other requirements and regulations by the USCIS should still be followed. These non-immigrants, upon entry to the United States, should present evidence to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector. They should be able to show proof that they are currently eligible for either H1 or L1 status, they are returning as employees of the same company that they are known to be employed in prior to leaving, and that they have a valid H1 or L1 visa. At this point, they do not need to show the Form I-797, or the Notice of Action, as it was the previous norm.
H4 or L2 dependents, such as children and spouses of H4 or L2 visa holders, must have their spouse or parents complete the requirements as mentioned earlier, and they should also show evidence that they are still eligible to be admitted into the United States under the L2 or H4 classification. The abovementioned policies and procedures by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services were published in a November 1, 2007 issue of the Federal Register, Volume 72, number 211.
Religious Worker Visa Classifications Revised
It has been recently been brought to the attention of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that religious worker visa applications have been approved for fraudulent individuals. These people have been reported as not actual religious workers, with varying years of association with the said religion, and who have given false statements regarding the religious job they are to be employed in. As of November 16, 2007, the USCIS opened a comment for the general public regarding the revisions on the ruling for the R-1 or religious worker visa, pursuant to the publication on the Federal Register.
The reason for the USCIS revision on such application policies was based on a report by the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) which stated that about a third of the approved religious visas were of a fraudulent nature. This meant that a significant number of those who have religious visas for use of entry into the United States are not exactly religious workers. Prior to this, there was no imposed method for the verification of a job offer in the US for religious workers.
The revisions on the classifications of religious worker visa applications by the USCIS were proposed in April 25, 2007. The USCIS is authorized to inspect the sites or offices of the religious organizations that are petitioning for religious workers, whether special immigrant or non-immigrant workers. These on-site inspections are done to ensure that fraud can be avoided as necessary. The definitions of religious jobs are clearly specified as well.
Aside from this, a more complete background check of the religious worker visa applicant is to be done. Prior work or job experience is to be noted, whether it is related to the religious position to be applied for or not. If a religious worker is to be granted a religious worker visa, his initial admission period in the United States is reduced to one year, instead of the previously specified three years.
From the abovementioned date, all interested parties who have any inquiries can forward their comments on the policy changes by the USCIS electronically or by mail. The website http://www.regulations.gov has a Federal eRulemaking Portal for any comments to be submitted via the internet. On the other hand, the mailing address is: Director, Regulatory Management Division, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529.
The reason for the USCIS revision on such application policies was based on a report by the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) which stated that about a third of the approved religious visas were of a fraudulent nature. This meant that a significant number of those who have religious visas for use of entry into the United States are not exactly religious workers. Prior to this, there was no imposed method for the verification of a job offer in the US for religious workers.
The revisions on the classifications of religious worker visa applications by the USCIS were proposed in April 25, 2007. The USCIS is authorized to inspect the sites or offices of the religious organizations that are petitioning for religious workers, whether special immigrant or non-immigrant workers. These on-site inspections are done to ensure that fraud can be avoided as necessary. The definitions of religious jobs are clearly specified as well.
Aside from this, a more complete background check of the religious worker visa applicant is to be done. Prior work or job experience is to be noted, whether it is related to the religious position to be applied for or not. If a religious worker is to be granted a religious worker visa, his initial admission period in the United States is reduced to one year, instead of the previously specified three years.
From the abovementioned date, all interested parties who have any inquiries can forward their comments on the policy changes by the USCIS electronically or by mail. The website http://www.regulations.gov has a Federal eRulemaking Portal for any comments to be submitted via the internet. On the other hand, the mailing address is: Director, Regulatory Management Division, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529.
Illegal Migrants Are Easily Detected Thanks to Biometrics
The issue on illegal migrants has always been a huge concern of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Because of constant threats by terrorism and many other scenarios, there has been a need to actively control the migration of foreigners on American soil. From 2006 to 2007, the DHS performed a collection of biometrics data from over 1,300 migrants. Of this number, 90 of them have been prosecuted because of illegal migration. The DHS proudly announced that the biometrics system has been effective and has helped reduce illegal migration in areas of the country near the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
The biometrics program basically involves the management fingerprint database collected from migrants. This was a joint effort of the US Coast Guard, who secures the country’s coastline as a preventive measure against illegal migration, and the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT), which collects and keeps the biometric data. In this regard, whenever the US Coast Guard apprehends suspected illegal migrants, they can immediately determine the status of such migrants, whether they are illegal or have any criminal records.
How are they able to do this? Once the suspected illegal migrants are in custody, the US Coast Guard gathers their fingerprints and compares them with existing database entries from US-VISIT. They can then immediately identify any violators of immigration laws, wanted criminals, or those migrants who have been already tagged by the authorities, due to previous offenses. This project is said to be a milestone for the Coast Guard, since this will be the first time they will be technologically equipped and given access to information that can easily identify illegal migrants.
The Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and US-VISIT were not alone in undertaking this project. The results of this successful program were made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of other agencies such as the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the US Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Customs and Border Protection, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This effort spearheaded by the DHS is only one of many that have been established to better secure the nation and protect it from threats of terrorism. As of 2007, the DHS also boasts how the biometrics program has reduced the number of illegal migrants to almost half, in the most closely monitored regions in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The biometrics program basically involves the management fingerprint database collected from migrants. This was a joint effort of the US Coast Guard, who secures the country’s coastline as a preventive measure against illegal migration, and the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT), which collects and keeps the biometric data. In this regard, whenever the US Coast Guard apprehends suspected illegal migrants, they can immediately determine the status of such migrants, whether they are illegal or have any criminal records.
How are they able to do this? Once the suspected illegal migrants are in custody, the US Coast Guard gathers their fingerprints and compares them with existing database entries from US-VISIT. They can then immediately identify any violators of immigration laws, wanted criminals, or those migrants who have been already tagged by the authorities, due to previous offenses. This project is said to be a milestone for the Coast Guard, since this will be the first time they will be technologically equipped and given access to information that can easily identify illegal migrants.
The Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and US-VISIT were not alone in undertaking this project. The results of this successful program were made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of other agencies such as the US Attorney’s Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the US Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Customs and Border Protection, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This effort spearheaded by the DHS is only one of many that have been established to better secure the nation and protect it from threats of terrorism. As of 2007, the DHS also boasts how the biometrics program has reduced the number of illegal migrants to almost half, in the most closely monitored regions in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Filing for H-2A Petitions Now Centralized by the USCIS
As of December 10, 2007, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will only be accepting H-2A petitions for temporary or seasonal agricultural workers if they are to be mailed to the USCIS California Service Center. These instructions were as stated in a Federal Register notice Volume 72, Number 217, dated on November 9, 2007. It was previously set that both the California and Vermont Service Centers can accept H-2A petitions, however, in this case, the USCIS decides to centralize the processing.
Direct mail should be sent to the following address: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, PO Box 10140, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1040. However, for private couriers or those who deliver via non-United States Postal Service (USPS) modes should address their petitions to: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, 24000 Avila Road, Room 2312, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.
There are other options, too, according to the Federal Register notice. The H-2A petition may also be filed over the internet. The Form I-129 can be applied for electronically by checking out the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov. Furthermore, the USCIS stresses that any H-2A petition that is received elsewhere outside of the California Service Center on or after the abovementioned date of December 10, 2007, will be returned to the sender. After which, he or she should mail the petition again, following the addresses mentioned.
A little background information on the H-2A Certification: this program is for agricultural employers to be able to hire foreign agricultural workers on a temporary or seasonal basis. This can be done in instances when the employer has a shortage of domestic laborers, which is why getting foreign workers to do the job can be allowed, but for a specified time or season, such as the periods covering the growth and harvest of specific crops.
Employers who are allowed or qualified to file for H-2A petition are those who have individual proprietorship of their agricultural business, or a partnership or corporation. Authorized agents such as attorneys or an association may also file the H-2A petition as a representative of the employer. Also, the said employer should be able to establish that he or she will only be hiring the foreign agricultural workers on a temporary basis.
Additional requirements for H-2A certification: the employer should have adequately advertised for job opening for US workers. Aside from that, the pay per hour basis of H-2A workers should be equal to that of regular workers.
Direct mail should be sent to the following address: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, PO Box 10140, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1040. However, for private couriers or those who deliver via non-United States Postal Service (USPS) modes should address their petitions to: US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California Service Center, ATTN: H-2A Processing Unit, 24000 Avila Road, Room 2312, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.
There are other options, too, according to the Federal Register notice. The H-2A petition may also be filed over the internet. The Form I-129 can be applied for electronically by checking out the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov. Furthermore, the USCIS stresses that any H-2A petition that is received elsewhere outside of the California Service Center on or after the abovementioned date of December 10, 2007, will be returned to the sender. After which, he or she should mail the petition again, following the addresses mentioned.
A little background information on the H-2A Certification: this program is for agricultural employers to be able to hire foreign agricultural workers on a temporary or seasonal basis. This can be done in instances when the employer has a shortage of domestic laborers, which is why getting foreign workers to do the job can be allowed, but for a specified time or season, such as the periods covering the growth and harvest of specific crops.
Employers who are allowed or qualified to file for H-2A petition are those who have individual proprietorship of their agricultural business, or a partnership or corporation. Authorized agents such as attorneys or an association may also file the H-2A petition as a representative of the employer. Also, the said employer should be able to establish that he or she will only be hiring the foreign agricultural workers on a temporary basis.
Additional requirements for H-2A certification: the employer should have adequately advertised for job opening for US workers. Aside from that, the pay per hour basis of H-2A workers should be equal to that of regular workers.
More and More American Students Study Overseas
A record number of American exchange students has been reported by the United States Institute of International Education (IIE) in 2007. This number is said to have increased 150% over the last ten years. It has always been the goal of the United States government to open up opportunities for young United States citizens to have their education abroad. According to the IIE, around 223,000 college students from the US took credits abroad in the academic year 2005-2006. Compared to the 1995-1996 statistics of about 90,000 exchange students, there is indeed a very significant trend observed.
The United States Department of State sponsors various activities which allow American students to have learning opportunities in other countries, according to Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Some examples of these government-sponsored activities are the National Security Language Initiative, the Fulbright US Student Program, and the Gilman Scholarships.
Under Secretary Hughes explains that the Gilman Scholarships, was established in memory of Benjamin A. Gilman, former House International Relations Committee Chairman. These international scholarship opportunities allow undergraduates, especially from minority communities, to experience studying and learning abroad. This means that the chance to study abroad does not exempt students from low-income groups from gaining benefits from an international education.
Another example, as mentioned earlier, was the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) which was established by President George Bush in 2006. The program was launched to focus on the growing need for knowledge in critical languages such as Chinese, Russian, Persian, Hindi, and Arabic, among others. Hughes further stresses that one of the goals of the NSLI is to broaden the cultural perspective of US students, as well as build important language skills that can be used in the future. The NSLI covers special curricula which are included in levels as early as kindergarten and well into college.
The Institute for International Education (IIE) reported in 2007 that the most popular places where American students decide to go for their education are in nations from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The highest increase was noted in the Middle East, which rose to up to 31% as compared to the previous year. Visits of US students to Asia and Africa increased by 26% and 19% respectively. And a 14% increase of US students was seen in Latin American Nations.
As stated by the same report by the IIE, most of the American students who opt to study abroad take majors in business management, the humanities, and the social sciences. Most of these students take part in eight-week programs of shorter, while there are others who stay for a whole semester up to a full academic year or more.
The United States Department of State sponsors various activities which allow American students to have learning opportunities in other countries, according to Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Some examples of these government-sponsored activities are the National Security Language Initiative, the Fulbright US Student Program, and the Gilman Scholarships.
Under Secretary Hughes explains that the Gilman Scholarships, was established in memory of Benjamin A. Gilman, former House International Relations Committee Chairman. These international scholarship opportunities allow undergraduates, especially from minority communities, to experience studying and learning abroad. This means that the chance to study abroad does not exempt students from low-income groups from gaining benefits from an international education.
Another example, as mentioned earlier, was the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) which was established by President George Bush in 2006. The program was launched to focus on the growing need for knowledge in critical languages such as Chinese, Russian, Persian, Hindi, and Arabic, among others. Hughes further stresses that one of the goals of the NSLI is to broaden the cultural perspective of US students, as well as build important language skills that can be used in the future. The NSLI covers special curricula which are included in levels as early as kindergarten and well into college.
The Institute for International Education (IIE) reported in 2007 that the most popular places where American students decide to go for their education are in nations from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The highest increase was noted in the Middle East, which rose to up to 31% as compared to the previous year. Visits of US students to Asia and Africa increased by 26% and 19% respectively. And a 14% increase of US students was seen in Latin American Nations.
As stated by the same report by the IIE, most of the American students who opt to study abroad take majors in business management, the humanities, and the social sciences. Most of these students take part in eight-week programs of shorter, while there are others who stay for a whole semester up to a full academic year or more.
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