Guestbook Entry for MANOJ K. SHUKLA, United States
Name
MANOJ K. SHUKLA
Country
United States
State
MS
Search
Interim EAD experience at Detroit
I am currently in the last stage of getting my employment based Green Card (My I-485 has been filed for). I received an EAD valid for a year. I filed for an extension of the EAD some 120 days or so prior to its expiry. USCIS sent in a RFE (Request For Evidence) some 80 days after my filing. I sent in the requested evidence within 10 days of the RFE. When my current EAD expired, I went to the Detroit USCIS office to get an interim EAD. After waiting for over 3 hours, the USCIS rep. took less than 10 minutes to review all my documents and refused to issue me an interim EAD.
Interim EAD at Omaha, NE
I reached the office at 7.30 am on 12/11 (91st day after RD on I-765 notice) and found that I was the only one out there. Since it was 8 deg in the morning, this didnt come as a surprise to me 
The office opened at 8 and I was given a token when I entered. I was called in about 20 minutes.
I took the following documents with me:
1. Copy of I-765 notice
2. Copy of I-485 notice
3. Filled out new I-765 form
USCIS Launches Online Rescheduling of Biometrics Appointments
New tool provides option to reschedule a biometric services appointment online without calling the USCIS Contact Center
WASHINGTON—On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.
June 30, 2023, Rajiv in QnA on behalf of students and young professionals
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
Immigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney Rajiv Khanna
Blog: http://www.immigration.com/blogs
LinkedIn Community Audio Event - Immigration QnA with Rajiv, July 6, 2023
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
Immigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney Rajiv Khanna
Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment
After you file your application, petition, or request, if you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, or signature, USCIS will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS has the general authority to require and collect biometrics from any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual residing in the United States for any immigration and naturalization benefit. See 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(9).
USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131
Release Date
07/12/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that they are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Visa Bulletin For August 2023
Number 80
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Recording for July 13, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
FAQs: Legal options and factors for a future stay in the USA; not selected in H-1B lottery, Master's Degree, and passport renewal ||Transfer an approved H-1B selected in the lottery to a new employer before October 1
PERM Processing Times (as of 06/30/2023)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | September 2022 |
| Audit Review | May 2022 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | August 2022 |
Green Card
Immigration Law
AAO Processing Times (April - June 2023)
The AAO reports its processing times by form type, displaying the total number of completions for the quarter and the percentage completed within 180 days, which is our goal.
The administrative appeals process has two stages: initial field review and AAO appellate review.
Immigration Law
USCIS Updates Visa Availability Approach for Managing Form I-526 Petition Inventory
Release Date
07/18/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it would update its visa availability approach for managing the inventory of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, to promote greater efficiency.
USCIS To Publish Revised Form I-9
Release Date
07/21/2023
On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF, 899.28 KB). Among the improvements to the form is a checkbox employers enrolled in E-Verify can use to indicate they remotely examined identity and employment authorization documents under an alternative procedure authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described below.
Recording for July 27, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs: Can I omit a previous experience in PERM filing and I-140 transfer between companies? || Sponsoring Employment-Based immigration petition for Self-Employment: EB-2 or EB-1 I-140 || H-1B visa holder working remotely from India: Permissibility of working for an Indian company and also starting a business in India || Starting a new venture as an H-1B visa holder: Establishing an LLC/CCORP and Involvement as a Board Member and Founder
Invitations to be Issued for Family Reunification Parole Process
Release Date
07/28/2023
The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US H1B visa second round lottery next week likely: Nearly 25,000 petitioners to be selected
Published by: Live Mint: June 30, 2023
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-h1b-visa-second-round-lottery-ne…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
‘Second round lottery was expected’
Earlier this year, Rajiv S. Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com, the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC had forecasted that there would be a second round of H1B visa lottery.
H-1B 2nd Lottery Completed
Agency
Nonimmigrant Visas
USCIS Forms Update Notice
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
01/20/2025 09:15 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting July 3, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 04/01/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
New 5% remittance tax bill for non-US citizens: Will it pass and are non-citizens eligible for tax credit?
Question details
I am reasonably sure that many people would be interested in learning about the new 5% remittance bill for non-US citizens and non-nationals. It's part of the big beautiful bill, so does it have a chance of getting passed? Is there a component of tax credit back for non-citizens (It says it has a tax credit back for taxpayers, but does not specify if they have to be US citizens/nationals or not) - if so, what % of it is reimbursed?
This would affect all countries, but India and Nigeria would be the most impacted. The media in both countries are covering it, but they are not mentioning the tax credit. We request that you shed more light on this bill and assist us with the possibilities, dates, and details.
FAQ Transcript
Passage of the Bill: It's unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, despite passing the House. Such provisions often face significant opposition when bundled into larger bills, and there's limited political support for a tax specifically targeting non-citizens sending money home.
Tax Credit Eligibility: Generally, non-citizens are not eligible for most US tax credits, particularly those intended for citizens or permanent residents. While specific tax credit eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances and the credit itself, the expert notes that a tax credit component for non-immigrants would defeat the bill's apparent purpose.
Will admitting to an unsuccessful job search affect my B-2 visa extension approval?
Question details
While applying for a B2 extension for job search, if I mention that despite giving so many interviews, I have not been able to get a job offer, will it increase or reduce my chances of approval?
FAQ Transcript
Admitting to an unsuccessful job search on a B-2 visa extension application is unlikely to negatively affect approval, and honesty is always recommended. While not explicitly required, it's a logical and natural detail to include in your extension request, especially since your initial B-2 was likely for job searching.
When seeking an extension, you should:
- Detail your job search efforts, including specific companies you've interviewed with and the outcomes.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay without unauthorized employment.
Providing specific details about your job hunt adds credibility to your petition.
Can I stay in the U.S. on B-2 after H-1B employment ends and the grace period was previously used
Question details
Currently, I'm on H1-B with an employer. My last working day with them would be on May 31st, 2025. I've already completed my grace period in the past, which was Sep 1st, 2024 - Oct 31st, 2024. I went back to my country and came to the US with my current employer. Now, I'm still looking for a new employer, and I don't think I can find one within this week. Can I still file for a B1/B2 visa and stay in the country without an employer from next week, May 31st, 2025? Can I be unemployed during the process time? Will there be any consequences?
FAQ Transcript
No, you can potentially stay on a B-2 visa after H-1B employment ends, even if you've used a grace period before.
Here's why: The 60-day H-1B grace period renews with every new H-1B approval (extension, amendment, or transfer). Therefore, if you received a new H-1B approval with your current employer, you would have a fresh 60-day grace period.
During this grace period, you can file for a B-2 (visitor) visa to remain in the US. You are not considered unlawfully present until your B-2 application is denied. However, it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions Details
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions
Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
FULL TRAVEL BAN (12 Countries)
Complete suspension of entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants: