Change in Delivery of Secure Documents
In an effort to increase the “security, integrity, and efficiency of document delivery,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced that beginning April 30, 2018, it would utilize a new delivery method for “green cards,” employment authorization documents (EADs), and travel documents (e.g. re-entry permits). The new method requires beneficiaries to present identification to confirm identity and sign for their documents in order to receive delivery.
In the alternative, a beneficiary may designate an agent to sign on her behalf by completing a U.S. Postal Service Form 3801, or by registering for Informed Deliverythrough USPS. Informed delivery allows individuals to receive daily images of all mail in transit. The system also provides the option to arrange for pickup at a post office at a convenient date and time by going to the USPS website and selecting “hold for pickup.”
We encourage applicants to make arrangements now, so as not to delay delivery of long-awaited documents.
FY 2019 H-1B Lottery Petitions
On April 11, USCIS announced that it had completed its random selection process for Fiscal Year 2019 H-1B cap filings. The Service received 190,098 H-1B petitions during this year’s filing period. As of May 15, USCIS had completed initial data entry for those petitions that were selected in the lottery. Although we have not yet received any rejected filings, if you have not yet received a receipt notice for a cap-subject H-1B petition, it is safe to assume that the petition was not selected in this year’s lottery.
I-751 Removal of Conditions Extension
USCIS will now issue I-797 Receipt Notices for I-751, Petitions to Remove Conditions that extend the applicant’s lawful permanent residence for 18 months beyond the green card expiration, rather than the 12 months previously granted. These new receipt notices will be issued to all I-751 applications pending as of June 11, 2018. The change was made due to increased USCIS processing times, in order to ensure that I-751 applicants have the evidence of their lawful permanent residence needed for employment and travel.
Follow Our Latest Updates Via LinkedIn
In between newsletters, Kate and Miroslava post immigration-related updates on LinkedIn. We encourage you to follow them both – as well as our Firm’s LinkedIn page for more general news.
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