Immigration News & Updates
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eNewsletter POSTING DATE: JANUARY 18, 2016
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Immigration News & Updates eNewsletter © 2011 - 2016
For questions about U.S. Residency, Green Cards and Immigration Visas, Visit our Website at: www.ImmigrateToday.com or call our office at: (954) 382-5378
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Immigration
Questions & Answers
Question: Hi Caroly, more than two years ago I applied for green card under F4 category. At that time I had only one kid that I mentioned in I-130 form but as you know in this category there is long time to wait but by now I have one more child. So I want to know should I keep on updating my kids information or should I wait till my priority date becomes current and at the time all the kids will be eligible to get visa even if I did not update my fill. Please Advise.
Answer: Yes, you are in a long Immigrant Visa waiting line as the sibling of a U.S. Citizen. For most countries (except Mexico and the Philippines) it currently takes about 12+ years, so you have another 10+ years or more to wait. Lots of things can happen in 10 years, in fact you may have more children. Its best to wait until the National Visa Center begins processing your case near the time your priority date is becoming current in the future. At that time, copies of the marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for your children as well as other documents will be required in order to add your family members to your case so you can all immigrate to the U.S. at the same time together. I hope this is helpful to you.
This Week's Immigration News
Stop Putting It Off – Get Your U.S. Citizenship
Through Naturalization This Year!
What better way to ring in this 2016 New Year than to file for Naturalization to obtain your U.S. Citizenship. Those who have been procrastinating and putting off filing for Naturalization might want to finally take the important step of starting the process now to become a new U.S. Citizen this year.
Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen is especially important now, since this is a Presidential Election year! In most voting districts, to be eligible to vote, you will need to be fully Naturalized and registered to vote, at least 29 days prior to the General Election on November 8, 2016.
You can find out more about applying for Naturalization by calling our office at: 954-382-5378
USCIS Updates:
Immigration Tips You Can Use...
Generally, it takes 4-5 months to complete the Naturalization process and be Sworn In as a U.S. Citizen, however, to account for USCIS processing delays and other issues unique to your specific case, you might want to figure 6 months to complete the process. Given this timeframe, this is the perfect time to start! Note that U.S. Residents who have a criminal background (even if the case was dismissed), and those with IRS Tax, Child Support or other issues should seek the advice of a qualified Immigration attorney before proceeding to determine eligibility and ensure that Naturalization cases are properly filed and meet all the requirements.
Find Our More About Naturalization:
Find Out More About Voter Registration In Broward County:
Find Our More About Voter Registration In Miami Dade County:
Reminder - Send Only Copies of Documents With Immigration Applications – Not Originals!
The USCIS recently released a reminder for applicants to avoid sending any original documents with any application, petition, or request. The only time an original document should be sent to the USCIS is if the Form Instructions specifically require an original document (most do not) or in response to a specific request sent to you from the USCIS requesting that you send the original document.
USCIS Transfers Certain Cases From The Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center For Quicker Processing
The USCIS recently began transferring certain casework from the Vermont Service Center (VSC) to the California Service Center (CSC) to provide quicker, more efficient processing of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Due to long processing backlogs, the USCIS aims to shorten processing times and balance workloads. Customers who cases are transferred will receive a transfer notice, but the original receipt number will remain the same.
New Address Required For Appeals (I-290B) Of Denied Applications For Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) and N-600K
Beginning January 1, 2016, Immigrants filing Appeals on Form I-290B, Notice of Motion or Appeal, in response to a denial decision of their Applications For Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) or N-600K must mail the Appeal Form I-290B to the Chicago Lockbox and can no longer file these Appeals at local field offices. The new address for U.S. Postal Mail is: USCIS P.O. Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680-4120 and for Fed-Ex or other courier services: USCIS Attn: FBAS 131 S. Dearborn, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517.
Question: I am a 65 year old Citizen of Canada, tired of the cold and I would love to retire in Florida. I have a very generous pension from Canada to support me and my wife so we don’t need to work. We want to know what kind of visa would allow us to retire in the US legally?
Answer: Currently, the U.S. does not have a retirement visa. There have been Bills introduced in the Congress to create one, but no law has been passed thus far. For now, you can use your Canadian Visa Waiver to come visit the U.S. for 6 months per year. Just be careful and consult with a tax adviser, since U.S. taxation laws apply to any foreign national who stays in the U.S. for a certain number of days each calendar year.
One of the most common reasons for case rejection by the USCIS is for the wrong Filing Fees. You can see the current USCIS Filing Fees by clicking on the link below:
Avoid Case Rejection By Enclosing the Correct USCIS Filing Fee
Immigration How To:
How Do I know Whether It’s a Scam?
For every government benefit, there are an equal number of scams designed to take advantage of innocent victims who believe they are eligible for a benefit or fearful of a government penalty. Immigration is no exception and in fact, is one of the most often victimized groups, since Immigrants often do not understand the law and how the systems works - a fact that scammers take full advantage of.
Common Immigration Scams You Should Avoid Falling Victim To:
I commonly hear stories from many Immigrants who come to me after being scammed, and in almost every instance they tell me that in their heart, they knew something was wrong, but they simply did not listen! We can all learn from that.
Click on the links below to read some good information about common scams to avoid:
For every government benefit, there are an equal number of scams designed to take advantage of innocent victims who believe they are eligible for a benefit or fearful of a government penalty. Immigration is no exception and in fact, is one of the most often victimized groups, since Immigrants often do not understand the law and how the systems works - a fact that scammers take full advantage of.
My best advice is always to follow the wisdom our parents told us: “if it sounds too good to be true – it is”. Another important thing to remember is to follow your instincts. Whether threatened with extortion for money from a fake government employee or promised a Green Card or other immigration benefits for a large fee - which you have been advised you were not entitled to, stop and think, do your research, don’t get caught up in the excitement and become a victim.
