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DV 2019 Green Card Lottery: Registration Period Will Restart From Oct 18 to Nov 22, 2017

10/16/2017

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Due to technical issues, the registration period for DV-2019 is being restarted, and all entries made prior to October 18, 2017, will need to be resubmitted for the entrant to be considered.

The new registration period for DV-2019 opens for electronic entries at 11:00am, Wednesday, October 18, 2017, and closes at 11:00am, Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

If you entered before Wednesday, October 18, 2017, that entry will not be considered, and you will need to submit another entry during the new registration period. You may submit one new entry without being disqualified for submitting multiple entries. Individuals who submit more than one entry during the new registration period will be disqualified.

Applicants can access the electronic DV entry form (E-DV) at the official E-DV website, dvlottery.state.gov, during the registration period. DV instructions also are available on the Department of State’s public webpage at usvisas.state.gov/dv/instructions.

All other eligibility requirements remain the same.
Q: How many DV entries does the Department expect for DV-2019?
In DV-2018, the last year for which numbers are available, we received more than 14 million entries from principal applicants.
Q: How will the Department notify applicants whose entries are not valid?
The Department will send an automated email notification to each Diversity Visa entrant from whom an entry was received before October 18, 2017, using the email address provided on the lottery entry form, directing the entrant to check the website dvlottery.state.gov for an important announcement.

​Beginning May 15, 2018, DV-2019 entrants will be able to use their unique confirmation number provided at registration to check the online Entrant Status Check at dvlottery.state.gov to see if their entry was selected. Entrant Status Check will inform successful entrants how to apply for DVs for themselves and their eligible family members. The Department also will confirm visa interview appointments through the Entrant Status Check.

​Announcement and FAQs are here.

As of today, the electronic Diversity Visa Lottery website is "under maintenance".

Briefly in Russian:

Из-за технических трудностей с регистрацией страны заявителей, Госдеп США аннулировал все заявки на Лотерею Грин Карт, поданные до 18 октября 2017, и объявил новый период регистрации на Лотерею грин карт на 2019 -- с 18 октября по 22 ноября 2017.

Всем заявителям обещают прислать емейл с инструкциями.

В настоящее время вебсайт Госдепа США, где осуществяется прием заявок, не работает, и откроется только 18 октября.

Это значит, что вам нужно будет подать новую заявку после 18 октября 2017, чтобы получить шанс на участие в лотерее на 2019 год. Удачи!

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Pentagon Announced Its Decision to Save MAVNI Program

10/15/2017

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Finally, on Friday, October 13 2017, Pentagon and the U.S. Department of Defense announced their intent to try to save MAVNI foreign military recruitment program.

"We are taking the steps obviously to save the program, if it can be saved,” Mattis told reporters on Friday.

Since 2009, more than 10,000 recruits have entered the military through the MAVNI program. MAVI program allows eligible foreign recruits to apply for U.S. citizenship and to become U.S. citizens.

Briefly, in Russian:

В пятницу 13 октября Пентагон объявил, что они попытаются сохранить программу для иностранных рекрутов в военные силы США, MAVNI program. С 2009 года эта программа позволила более, чем 10 тысяч иностранных рекрутов поступить на военную службу во всех отделениях ВВС США.

#MAVNI 

Read more here.
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White House New Immigration Policy Priorities

10/13/2017

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On October 8, 2017, the White House released a list of immigration priorities addressing border security, interior enforcement, and a merit-based immigration system. 

The priority list calls for the hiring of 10,000 ICE agents, 300 federal prosecutors, 370 immigration judges and 1,000 ICE attorneys.  

The Department of Homeland Security would be authorized to raise and collect fees from visa services and border crossings to fund border security and enforcement activities. 

The border security measures include funding the southern border wall, ending the abuse of the asylum system, discouraging illegal re-entry by enhancing penalties and expanding categories of inadmissibility, and improving expedited removal of undocumented immigrants.

Making E-Verify mandatory, putting an end to sanctuary cities by authorizing and incentivizing states and localities to help enforce federal immigration laws, and improving visa security (which was recently declared unconstitutional by a federal judge).

With regards to the merit-based immigration system, the White House's priority list reiterates what was previously announced on August 2, 2017, when President Trump unveiled the revised RAISE Act (Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment). This law would reduce the number of eligible family-based green cards and create a new point-based system for awarding green cards. 

Specifically, the RAISE Act would establish a 30-point threshold for green cards, awarding an applicant higher point totals for higher-salaried jobs, professional degrees, English-speaking ability, younger applicant age, higher future salary, extraordinary achievements, and an applicant’s investing $1.35 million or more in the United States.

Some of these new immigration priorities were previously announced in the form of President's executive orders, proclamations and memos:
  • January 23, 2017 EO: Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity of Foreign Worker Visa Programs
  • January 25, 2017 executive orders: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States and the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements
  • February 20, 2017 memo: Implementing the President's Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvement Policies
  • March 6, 2017 EO:  Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
  • March 6, 2017 Memo: Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring Enforcement of All Laws for Entry into the United States, and Increasing Transparency Among Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and for the American People
  • April 18, 2017 EO: Buy American and Hire American
  • September 24, 2017 presidential proclamation:  Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats

​If these priorities/proposals will become law, what does this mean for employers/employees? 

Employers will face higher costs in sponsoring foreign workers for visas, and for the employees it will become increasingly difficult to meet a high point-based system threshold in order to obtain a green card.
There will be additional delays in visa issuance due to the additional screening required. There will be litigation, and not all of the priorities will become the law.

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California Became a First Sanctuary State: Offered Protection to Undocumented Immigrants

10/10/2017

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On October 5, 2017, California officially became a first sanctuary state in the nation.

California Governor signed into law nearly several immigration bills, which prohibits California employers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in the absence of a judicial warrant or court order.

For example:
  • Prohibits employers from voluntarily consenting to an immigration enforcement agent’s entering nonpublic areas of the workplace without a warrant;
  • Prohibits employers from voluntarily consenting to an immigration enforcement agent’s accessing, reviewing or obtaining employment records without a subpoena or court order;
  • Prohibits employers from reverifying the employment eligibility of a current employee at a time or in a manner not required by federal law; and
  • Requires employers to provide notice to current employees of an inspection of I-9 forms and other employment records by an immigration agency within 72 hours of receiving the federal notice of inspection.
Penalties for failure to comply with the new law range from $2,000 to $10,000 per violation.

​AB 450 can be found here.


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Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Interviews: New Interview Requirement Effective October 2, 2017

10/10/2017

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​On September 28, 2017, the USCIS Office of the Ombudsman hosted a teleconference call that offered more details about the new personal interview requirements for employment-based adjustment of status applicants.

USCIS confirmed that only cases filed before March 6, 2017 will be adjudicated by the USCIS Service Centers (not local offices) under prior procedures without requiring an interview.

The new interview requirement is being rolled out nationwide, with interviews starting on October 2, 2017 due to President's March 6th 2017 Executive Order.

Each family member, including children, will be asked to appear at a USCIS local office for an interview. 

USCIS indicated it might consider waiving appearances for children under age 14. Each applicant must appear for screening and questioning concerning the underlying immigrant petition (I-140 Petition), which  would have adjudicated prior to forwarding to the local offices for adjustment of status interviews.

USCIS said that adjudicating officers may still question the bona fides and validity of the underlying I-140 petition, even if approved, maintenance of lawful status in the U.S, job portability issues, in addition to newly implemented security features.

In Russian:

Как следует из Указа Президента от 6 марта 2017 г, USCIS Иммиграционная Служба США уже 2 октября 2017 начала назначать интервью на грин карту для тех категорий заявителей, которые ранее не вызывались на интервью, а именно, в области рабочей иммиграции (или иммиграции через работодателя).

В ходе телеконференции 28 сентября, сотрудники USCIS объяснили некоторые детали:

- заявления поданные ДО 6 марта 2017 будут утверждены БЕЗ интервью.
- заявлениа поданные ПОСЛЕ 6 марта 2017 будут требовать интервью.
- дети тоже будут приглашаться на интервью
- USCIS оставляет за собой право не вызывать на интервью детей младше 14 лет
- по новой процедуре петиция работодателя, I-140, будет утверждаться в Service Center, и только заявление на грин карту, I-485, будет рассматриваться офицером в местном офисе, НО этот офицер будет иметь право задавать вопросы по уже утвержденной петиции, в том числе, касающиеся таких моментов как предложение от работодателя о постоянном трудоустройстве, все предыдущие смены работодателя, поддержание легального статуса всеми членами семьи и отсутствие нарушений иммиграционного законодательства (например, работа без разрешения), а также новые требования к национальной безопасности.

​USCIS August 28th announcement.

​

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Change to INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i), Fraud and Misrepresentation: 90 Day Rule

10/5/2017

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US Department of State 09/16/2017 cable provides guidance to U.S. consular posts, embassies and consulates abroad, on applying the new “90 day rule,” introduced on September 1, 2017. 

This new rule presumes that individuals have made a material misrepresentation on prior visa applications or in their applications for admission to the U.S. if they violate or engage in conduct inconsistent with their nonimmigrant status within the first 90 days of entry into the U.S.

SUMMARY: This cable advises posts on the application of INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) as it pertains to revised guidance at 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3)(g-h) regarding the 90 day rule, formerly known as the “30/60 day rule.” Interagency working groups agreed to a change in policy and expanded the 30/60 day timeframe to 90 days for aliens who enter the United States and engage in activity inconsistent with their nonimmigrant status before procuring a change or adjustment of status. 

The 90 day rule

The following revised guidance replaces the 30/60 day rule and applies to all adjudications that occur after September 1, 2017.

The guidance should not be applied retroactively.

As detailed in the revisions to 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3)(g-h), aliens who violate or engage in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status within 90 days of entry into the United States by:
1) engaging in unauthorized employment;
2) enrolling in a course of unauthorized academic study;
3) marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and taking up residence in the United States while in a nonimmigrant visa classification that prohibits immigrant intent; or
4) undertaking any other activity for which a change of status or adjustment of status would be required prior to obtaining such change or adjustment, may be presumed to have made a material misrepresentation.

You must give the alien the opportunity to present evidence to rebut the presumption that he or she made a willful misrepresentation on prior visa applications or in their applications for admission to the United States before you can find the applicant ineligible under 212(a)(6)(C)(i).

If the applicant is unable to overcome the presumption that he or she engaged in a willful misrepresentation, post must request an Advisory Opinion (AO) from the Visa Office of Advisory Opinions (CA/VO/L/A) per 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3)(h)(2)(b).

If an alien violates or engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status after 90 days of entry into the United States, there generally is no presumption of willful misrepresentation. However, if facts in the case give you a reason to believe that the alien misrepresented his or her purpose of travel at the time of the visa application or application for admission, you must request an AO from CA/VO/L/A.

You can see the text of the DoS cable here. Or download a pdf file here.
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New Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization EAD: Can Request SSN Simultaneously

10/2/2017

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Today, on October 2, 2017, USCIS made an announcement of a new revised form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (work permit).

If you file a new revised form I-765, edition date 07-17-2017, you can request the SSA to issue you a SSN. Applicants who receive their approved EAD (work permit) from USCIS should receive their Social Security card from SSA within the following two weeks, which would help to save time. Filing fee remains the same.

The revised USCIS form includes additional questions that allow applicants to apply for an SSN or replacement card without visiting a Social Security office. Starting today, USCIS will transmit the additional data collected on the form to the SSA for processing.

​New form I-765 is here.
​USCIS announcement is here. 

In Russian:

Сегодня, 2 октября 2017, Иммиграционная служба USCIS опубликовала обновленную форму, заявление на разрешение на работу, Form I-765. Дата новой формы 07-17-2017.

Старая форма будет приниматься до 4 декабря. После 4 декабря 2017 только новая форма будет приниматься USCIS.

Преимущество новой формы, которую сегодня уже поместили на вебсайте, заключается в том, что заявитель одновременно подает также заявление на карточку соцстрахования, SSN, и через две недели после утверждения разрешения на работу, заявителю пришлют карточку соцстрахования, что поможет получить карточку и начать работать намного быстрее.

​Объявление можно почитать тут.

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Travel Ban 3.0 or Muslim Ban Revised: Presidential Proclamation September 24 2017

9/28/2017

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On September 24, 2017, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation which replaced expiring portions of the President's March 6, 2017 Executive Order, Travel Ban 2.0, and expanded the list of the banned countries to eight. 

The following eight countries are now subject to travel restrictions (travel ban): Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia.

There was no clear explanation why the U.S. ally in Africa, Chad, was added to the list of the banned countries. 

Iraq and Sudan were removed from the travel ban list, but the Proclamation Travel Ban recommends “additional scrutiny” for nationals of Iraq and Sudan.

This travel ban applies differently to citizens of different banned countries:

** Citizens of North Korea are barred from all types of immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States;

** Citizens of Chad are only barred from entering on immigrant visas and on non-immigrant business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas; and

** Citizens of Iran are barred in all immigrant and nonimmigrant categories except for student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas. Therefore, it is expected that visa issuance and entry in categories not subject to the ban will continue uninterrupted.

The Proclamation Travel Ban goes into effect on different dates for different countries.  

For foreign nationals already subject to the Travel Ban 2.0 and who do not have a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the US, the restrictions in the Proclamation Travel Ban went into effect immediately on September 24, 2017. For all nationals of the recently added countries, travel ban will apply on October 18, 2017.

Effective October 18, 2017, the proclamation appears to get rid of the “bona fide relationship” protection implemented by the Supreme Court under its temporary ruling on the EO Travel Ban 2.0, which exempted travelers with certain qualifying family and employment relationships in the US. Most likely, this issue will be litigated again.

Contrary to the Travel Ban 2.0, the new Proclamation Travel Ban has no expiration date.  Government agencies will be presenting reports every 180 days, and the Travel Ban 3.0 can be revised based on the reports and recommendations.

Additional countries may be added in the future. 

Countries may be removed if they are recommended for removal by the DHS, in consultation with US Department of State and other relevant US agencies.

The new Proclamation Travel Ban 3.0 does not apply to certain categories of travelers:
  • Lawful permanent residents..
  • Travelers who already hold a valid US visa.
  • Dual citizens of the designated (banned) countries who are traveling on the passport of a non-designated country.
  • People already granted asylum in the US or admitted to the US in refugee status, and those already granted withholding of removal, advance parole, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
  • People traveling with a document other than a visa valid on the effective date (for example, an advance parole document) that permits them to travel to the USA .
  • Holders of diplomatic visas, NATA visas, UN C-2 visas, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas;

​A case-by-case waiver may be issued by consular and border officers when determined to be appropriate. The waiver grant guidance is expected to be released soon by the US Department of State. The waiver guidance will consider the US national interest and potential security risks for each individual, among other categories.

Full test of the Presidential Proclamation is here.

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Can a permanent resident naturalize if she is unable to read, write or speak English?

9/27/2017

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Answer: Yes, an illiterate person can naturalize and become a U.S. citizen, but only if she is over 50 and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or she is over 55 and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or her inability to read or write stems from a disability.

The law provides three exemptions from the English language requirement for naturalization. The exemptions are for applicants at least age 50 who have been permanent residents for at least twenty years, those at least age 55 with at least 15 years permanent residence and for those who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from learning English. If the applicant is exempt under any of these rules, she qualifies even if she is illiterate. She can naturalize even if she cannot read or write another language.
If the disability prevents applicants from learning U.S. history and government (Civics part of the naturalization test), they are exempt from answering civic knowledge questions as well. Otherwise, they must answer the Civics questions in their own language.

Permanent residents at least age 65 who have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years take an easier test of U.S. history and government.
If the applicant is claiming an exemption based on a disability, she needs to file USCIS form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions with your from N-400. A medical doctor or licensed clinical psychologist must sign the certification. An identifiable mental or physical disease must cause the disability. If the doctor says something like, “he’s too old to learn English,” the USCIS will deny the waiver request.
If a person is so disabled that he or she is unable to understand or agree to the citizenship oath, a legal guardian may file the application and the applicant may get U.S. citizenship.

English Language Exemptions 

You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:
  • Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years   (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
    OR
  • Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).
Note:
  • Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
  • You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
  • If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
  • Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
  • If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Information about Naturalization Test is here.
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DHS Starts Collecting Social Media Accounts of Immigrants and US Citizens: Privacy Rights and Freedom of Speech

9/26/2017

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Alarming news for privacy rights and freedom of speech: DHS is planning to collect social media information on all immigrants, including permanent residents and naturalized citizens, who are American citizens, by the way. This would also affect many US citizens who communicate with immigrants ( e.g. attorneys, immigration lawyers, translators, certain law enforcement officials, civil surgeons, etc).

The new rule takes effect October 18, 2017. 

This is a part of a larger process of high-tech surveillance of immigrants and people being subjected to social media screening. This is a growing trend at the DHS, which is viewed by many as an invasion of privacy and freedom of speech deterrent.

The rule was published in Federal Register and takes effect on October 18, 2017.

Additional categories of people whose social media accounts will be collected by DHS are: 

--Civil Surgeons who are required to conduct and certify medical examinations for immigration benefits; and 
--Law enforcement officers who certify a benefit requestor's cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity (for U visa);
--Preparers assisting an individual seeking an immigration benefit or agency action under the INA;
--Interpreters assisting an individual seeking an immigration benefit or agency action under the INA;
--Attorneys, lawyers or representatives recognized by USCIS or accredited by the BIA; or
--Law enforcement officers who certify a benefit requestor's cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity.

​See rule here, and read more here.
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DV Lottery 2019 Green Card Lottery Registration: October 3, 2017 to November 7, 2017

9/16/2017

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Registration for DV 2019 or Green Card Lottery Program for 2019 year will be open from October 3, 2017 until November 7, 2017.

Applicants must submit entries for the DV-2019 DV program electronically at dvlottery.state.gov between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Tuesday, October 3, 2017, and noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

Do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter, as heavy demand may result in website delays. No late entries or paper entries will be accepted.

The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. Individuals with more than one entry will be disqualified. 

For DV-2019, natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply:

Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.

There are no changes in eligibility this year. 

After you submit a complete entry, you will see a confirmation screen that contains your name and a unique confirmation number. Print this confirmation screen for your records. It is extremely important that you retain your confirmation page and unique confirmation number. Without this information, you will not be able to access the online system that will inform you of the status of your entry.

You also should retain access to the email account listed in the E-DV.

Starting May 1, 2018, you will be able to check the status of your entry by returning to dvlottery.state.gov, clicking on Entrant Status Check, and entering your unique confirmation number and personal information. Entrant Status Check will be the sole means of informing you of your selection for DV-2019, providing instructions on how to proceed with your application, and notifying you of your appointment for your immigrant visa interview. 

​The rules are here.

Briefly in-Russian:

Период подачи заявок на Лотерею грин карт на 2019 год открывается 3 октября и продлится до 7 ноября 2017.

Заявки могут быть поданы только онлайн на вебсайте Госдепа США: dvlottery.state.gov .

Не разрешено подавать более одной заявки на человека, за это дисквалифицируют.

После 1 мая 2018 можно будет проверить статус своей заявки онлайн на том же вебсайте Госдепа США. Поэтому крайне важно сохранить ваш конфирмационный номер и иметь доступ к адресу электронной почты, который вы указали в своей заявке.

Помните, что никто вам не будет присылать ни писем по почте, ни по электронной почте, с сообщением о выигрыше (если вы такие письма получите, это мошенничество). Единственный способ убедиться в том, что вы победитель, это проверить свой конфирмационнй номер онлайн.

Если вам будет нужна помощь, мы будем рады помочь! Каждый год мы оказываем помощь с правильной подачей заявок в лотерею, и также победителям лотереи грин карт в получении вида на жительство в США.

Тут опубликованы правила лотереи на 2019.
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Fraud and Misrepresentation Inadmissibility Ground Update 90-Day Rule

9/9/2017

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On September 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published an updated policy guidance on inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(6)(c)(i) (“Misrepresentation”).

9 FAM 302.9 was updated and effective September 1, 2017, new "90-day rule" replaced old "30-60 day rule".

In the new guidance, 9 FAM 302.9, entitled “Inconsistent Conduct Within 90 Days of Entry” Consular Officers are advised:

“…if an alien violates or engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status within 90 days of entry…you may presume that the applicant's representations about engaging in only status-compliant activity were willful misrepresentations of his or her intention in seeking a visa or entry.

For purposes of applying the 90-day rule, conduct that violates or is otherwise inconsistent with an alien’s nonimmigrant status includes, but is not limited to:

1. Engaging in unauthorized employment;
2. Enrolling in a course of academic study, if such study is not authorized for that nonimmigrant classification (e.g. B status);
3. A nonimmigrant in B or F status, or any other status prohibiting immigrant intent, marrying a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident and taking up residence in the United States; or
4. Undertaking any other activity for which a change of status or an adjustment of status would be required, without the benefit of such a change or adjustment.”

Effective September 1, 2017, this new 90-day rule applies to the U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.
It's possible that the DHS and USCIS will adopt this more strict interpretation instead of the current 30-60 day rule
--------------------------------------
*** 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3)  (U) Interpretation of the Term Misrepresentation
g. (U) Activities that Indicate Violation of Status or Conduct Inconsistent with Status
(1)  (U) In General:
(a)  (U) In determining whether a misrepresentation has been made, some of the most difficult questions arise from cases involving aliens in the United States who conduct themselves in a manner inconsistent with representations they made to consular officers concerning their intentions at the time of visa application or to DHS when applying for admission or for an immigration benefit.  Such cases occur most frequently with respect to aliens who, after having obtained visas as nonimmigrants and been admitted to the United States, either:
(i)     (U) Apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident; or
(ii)    (U) Fail to maintain their nonimmigrant status (for example, by engaging in unauthorized study or employment).
(b)  (U) Applications for adjustment or change of status in the United States are adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), other than in those cases where the application is made before an Immigration Judge.  If you become aware of derogatory information indicating that an alien in the United States who has a valid visa, may have misrepresented his or her intentions to you at the time of visa application, or to DHS at the port of entry or in a filing for an immigration benefit, you may bring the derogatory information to the attention of the Department for potential revocation.  See 9 FAM 403.11-5.  If you become aware of derogatory information indicating that an alien in the United States without a valid visa but who is not a Lawful Permanent Resident may have misrepresented his or her intentions to you at the time of visa application, or to DHS at the port of entry or in a filing for an immigration benefit, then you may enter a P6C1 lookout in CLASS with the appropriate information.  See 9 FAM 403.10-3(C)(1).  Do not request an advisory opinion from the Advisory Opinions Division (CA/VO/L/A) in these cases, because it would not be binding on USCIS.
(c)  (U) With respect to the second category referred to above in subparagraph g(1)(a)(ii), nonimmigrant visa holders who fail to maintain their nonimmigrant status, the fact that an alien's subsequent actions are inconsistent with those stated at the time of visa application or admission or in a filing for an immigrant benefit does not necessarily prove that the alien's intentions were misrepresented at the time of application or entry.  You should consider carefully the precise circumstances of the change in activities when determining whether the applicant made a knowing and willful misrepresentation.  To conclude there was a misrepresentation, you must have direct or circumstantial evidence sufficient to meet the "reason to believe” standard, which requires more than mere suspicion but less than a preponderance of the evidence.
(2)  (U) Inconsistent Conduct Within 90 Days of Entry:
(a)  (U) However, if an alien violates or engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status within 90 days of entry, as described in subparagraph (2)(b) below, you may presume that the applicant's representations about engaging in only status-compliant activity were willful misrepresentations of his or her intention in seeking a visa or entry.  To make a finding of inadmissibility for misrepresentation based on conduct inconsistent with status within 90 days of entry, you must request an AO from CA/VO/L/A. As with other grounds that do not require a formal AO, the AO may be informal.  See 9 FAM 304.3-2.
(b)  (U) For purposes of applying the 90-day rule, conduct that violates or is otherwise inconsistent with an alien’s nonimmigrant status includes, but is not limited to:
(i)     (U) Engaging in unauthorized employment;
(ii      (U) Enrolling in a course of academic study, if such study is not authorized for that nonimmigrant classification (e.g. B status);
(iii)    (U) A nonimmigrant in B or F status, or any other status prohibiting immigrant intent, marrying a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident and taking up residence in the United States; or
(iv)    (U) Undertaking any other activity for which a change of status or an adjustment of status would be required, without the benefit of such a change or adjustment.
(3)  (U) After 90 Days:  If an alien violates or engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status more than 90 days after entry into the United States, no presumption of willful misrepresentation arises.  However, if the facts in the case give you reasonable belief that the alien misrepresented his or her purpose of travel at the time of the visa application or application for admission, you must request an AO from CA/VO/L/A.  (See 9 FAM 302.9-4(C)(2)).  

9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3)(g)(2) link is here.
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In Russian:

Если в течение первых 90 дней после вашего въезда в США, вы подадите заявление на смену статуса, выйдите замуж, или совершите другие действия, не совместимые с вашим неиммиграционным статусом -- то Госдеп США, посольства, консульства, пограничные и иммиграционные службы теперь будут рассматривать это как обманное действие (мошенничество), что может повлечь пожизненный запрет на въезд в США.

1 сентября 2017 года Государственный департамент США обновил правило в Кодексе для Консульских Сотрудников, под номером 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(3). Эта статья описывает “несогласования” между типом визы, полученной неиммигрантом, и его действиями по приезде в США.

Новая статья содержит раздел под названием "Непоследовательное поведение в течение 90 дней после въезда", в котором говорится: 

“Если иностранец предпринимает действия, несовместимые с полученным им или ею неиммиграционным статусом, в течение 90 дней после въезда США, стоит понимать, что указанные им данные для получения визы или статуса были умышленно искаженными с намерением получить возможность въехать в США”.
В случае, если иммиграционный офицер "установит, что иностранец, находящийся в Соединенных Штатах по действительной визе, исказил свои намерения в момент подачи заявления на визу, в порту въезда в страну или при подаче заявки об иммиграции", он обязан “предоставить эту информацию Департаменту внутренней безопасности (DHS) для возможного отзыва визы”.
В статье Иммиграционного Кодекса 212 (a) (6) (C) говорится, что любому иностранцу, который путем преднамеренного искажения существенного факта пытался получить визу, другие документы при въезде в США или любые иммиграционные привилегии, может быть пожизненно запрещен въезд в США.
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1. Несогласованное поведение (не соответствует визе или заявлениям сделанным в посольстве)
Поведение, которое нарушает или противоречит неиммиграционному статусу иностранцев, включает в себя:
  • Трудовая деятельность без соответствующего разрешения;
  • Регистрация на курсы или другие виды обучения в США, если это не разрешено полученной визой;
  • Заключение брака с гражданином или постоянным резидентом США и подача заявки на проживание в стране, если въезд в страну осуществлялся по туристической, студенческой или любой другой визе, не предусматривающей дальнейшее получение иммиграционного статуса;
  • Выполнение любых других видов деятельности, для которых потребуется изменение или корректировка статуса даже в случае, если заявка на эти изменения не была подана.
2. Презумпция умышленного искажения основывается на сроке 90 дней после въезда в США.
Новая статья в FAM устанавливает презумпцию преднамеренного искажения данных при подаче на визу, если деятельность иностранца противоречит полученному статусу в течение 90 дней после въезда в США. В таком случае бремя доказывания невиновности ложится на иностранца, который должен доказать, что его поведение и действия в этот 90-дневный срок были допустимы в соответствии с полученным им неиммиграционным статусом.
Консульские должностные лица должны предоставить иностранцу «возможность опровергнуть презумпцию преднамеренного искажения информации путем представления доказательств для ее опровержения».
3. Что случилось со старым правилом “30-60”, и может ли новое руководство FAM иметь обратное действие?
Обновленное правило по сути дело заменило старое правило "30-60 дней" в отношении изменения неиммиграционного статуса после въезда в США.
Правило 30-60 дней действовало так:
  • Иностранец, который подал заявку на смену статуса в течение 30 дней после въезда, автоматически сталкивается с презумпцией преднамеренного искажения информации и намерений при подаче заявки на визу. В результате чего лицо могло быть выдворено из страны с пожизненным запретом на въезд в США.
  • Если заявка на смену статуса подавалась в период от 30 до 60 дней после въезда, презумпция намеренного искажения информации не возникала. Однако, если чиновники имели логические доводы и факты, доказывающие возможное искажение, тогда иностранец должен был представить встречные доказательства.
  • Если заявка на смену  статуса происходила более чем через 60 дней после въезда в США, как правило, должностные лица считали, что оснований для подозрений в преднамеренном искажении информации при въезде нет.
На вебсайте USCIS правило “30-60” пока не было заменено, но это может произойти в ближайшем будущем.

9 FAM 302.9 не упоминает о ретроспективном применении нового руководства, но указывает, что оно вступило в силу с 1 сентября 2017 года. 

4. Будьте внимательны, подавая заявку на смену статуса
Новое правило предполагает, что Госдепартамент США проверит иностранцев, которые въехали в США по программе Visa Waiver (она разрешает поездки в США гражданам некоторых стран для туризма или бизнеса на срок до 90 дней без предварительного получения визы), а также тех, кто въехал по визе B-1/B-2, и подали заявки на получение статуса постоянного резидента.

Даже если заявление на смену статуса подается по истечении 90 дней после въезда, от иностранца могут потребовать доказательств того, что произошло конкретное событие, на которое он не рассчитывал и которого не планировал, требующее изменения его иммиграционного статуса.

5. Является ли подача заявки на иммиграционную визу и получение визы (грин карты) через посольство или консульство лучшим вариантом?

Несмотря на то что USCIS пока не ввела новое руководство DOS в действие, и пока не ясно, намерена ли USCIS это делать, становится все более безопасным получение статуса постоянного резидента США через консульские учреждения за рубежом (consular processing), чем подача заявки на изменение статуса, находясь на территории США (adjustment of status). 

Всегда лучше проконсультироваться с компетентным иммиграционным адвокатом перед тем, как начинать какой-то иммиграционный процесс, например, по смене статуса, или если вы планируете боак и подать заявление на грин карту, не выезжая из страны.

​Если вам нужна помощь или совет, вы можете связаться с нами по электронной почте.

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DACA and Employment Guidance

9/7/2017

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In light of September 5th 2017 announcement rescinding DACA program, the National Immigration Law Center and United We Dream have published a new updated FAQ about DACA and Employment which can be found here. (5-page pdf file).

These guidance specifically addresses many questions about DACA recipient's employment authorization.

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Rescission of DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Immigration Program: Sep 5 2017

9/5/2017

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On September 5, 2017, on behalf of the President and current White House administration, the U.S. Attorney General formally announced the end by rescission of the 2012 immigration deferred action program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA").

DACA did not confer any legal immigration status nor it was a path to the U.S. citizenship. DACA provided protection from deportation and work permits and advance parole/travel documents to approximately 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and provided them with legal work authorization. his is disheartening to youth who have contributed so much both economically and culturally.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") and USCIS will stop processing any initial DACA accepted at the USCIS office after September 5, 2017.

Any applications already accepted by this date will be processed. DHS/USCIS indicated that current beneficiaries of DACA will not be impacted before March 5, 2018, so "Congress can have time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions."

DHS has also announced that it plans to continue to accept DACA renewal applications for any DACA beneficiary whose status expires between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, so long as these applications are accepted by October 5, 2017. Any applications received after October 5 will be rejected. 

Note: if your DACA work permit expires after March 5th 2018, you will not be able to renew it for additional two years, as those who can apply to renew IF their work permit expires before March 5th 2018.

In addition, DACA recipients whose valid employment authorization document is lost, stolen or destroyed may still request a replacement through the normal process.

Important: USCIS will no longer adjudicate advance parole request associated with DACA, any applications for advance parole that are currently pending will be administratively closed and filing fees refunded.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services says that information provided in support of the application will not be proactively provided to Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) or to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the requestor meets the criteria for the issuance of a Notice to Appear or a referral to ICE. However, a DHS spokesman stated that if Congress does not act, then DACA beneficiaries would be treated as any other person who is in the country illegally, and therefore, subject to deportation or removal.

Additionally, all of the information provided to the government by DACA applicants will remain in the DHS system.

DHS has provided a Frequency Asked Questions webpage .

Briefly in Russian:

5 сентября 2017 Генеральный прокурор США заявил об окончании федеральной программы ДАКА, которая вступила в силу в 2012 году во время предыдущей администрации. По этой программе около 800,000 молодых людей получили разрешение на работу, поездки за границу и временную защиту от депортации.

ДАКА заявления поданные до 5 сентября 2017 будут рассмотрены, и утверждены, если соответствуют требованиям программы.

Заявления на продление разрешения на работу, находящиеся на рассмотрении на 5 сентября 2017, также будут рассмотрены.

Заявления на продление разрешения на работу, которое истекает между 5 сентября 2017 и 5 марта 2018, будут приняты и рассмотрены, если заявление на продление получено в иммиграционной службе ДО 5 октября 2017. То есть остался только месяц!

Помните, что если ваше разрешение на работу истекает после 5 марта 2018, вы уже не сможете его продлить на два года, как те, у кого они истекает до 5 марта 2018.

Заявления на разрешение на поездки за границу (advance parole) рассматриваться и утверждаться не будет.

Правительство заявило, что информация о молодых людях, подавших заявление ДАКА, не будет передаваться в соответствующие органы на депортацию (пока), но в будущем, если Конгресс не примет нового закона о защите иммигрантской молодежи, иммиграционная служба будет рекомендовать их на депортацию, так же как и всех других категорий лиц, проживающих в США нелегально.

Вопросы и ответы можно почитать тут.

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Houston Texas ASC and USCIS Office Post-Hurricane Schedule

9/1/2017

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,​All Houston Application Support Centers (ASCs) will resume operations Sept. 5 2017 at 8 a.m. (Central) for basic services, such as collection of fingerprints, photos, and signatures. However, the ASCs will not be fully staffed. This means customers requiring additional services (such as looking up case information or issuing extension stickers) may need to return to the ASC after all USCIS staff have been able to return to duty.

Many Houston-area applicants are unable to travel to their scheduled ASC appointments. If you cannot attend your biometrics appointment between Aug. 25 and Sept. 22:
  • USCIS will automatically reschedule your appointment.
  • You will receive a new appointment notice by mail approximately 4 weeks from your original appointment date. 
 If you do not receive a new appointment by mail, you can contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 800-375-5283.

If you have an emergency and cannot wait for a new appointment notice by mail, please call the NCSC or visit an ASC as a walk-in customer. 
If you cannot receive mail at your location and wish to be processed at a different location, please call the NCSC or take your current appointment notice to another ASC. If you do not have a copy of your current appointment notice, any ASC can print one for you.
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Please check USCIS Office Closings page to get the latest updates before coming to an appointment.

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In Response to Russian Sanctions US Dept of State Will Close Down Russian Consulate in San Francisco

8/31/2017

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On August 31, 2017, the US Department of State announced it will close down the Russian consulate in San Francisco, CA, as well as annexes in Washington, DC and New York, NY in response to mandated 755 staff cuts at the US mission in Russia in July 2017

The move comes one day before September 1st Moscow's deadline for US personnel to leave their positions and will take effect Saturday.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that the decision to close the Russian diplomatic facilities was made directly by President.

In late 2016, President Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats, and the seizure of two Russian government compounds in response to alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Earlier in August 2017, the U.S, Consulates in Russia stopped issuing nonimmigrant visas to Russian citizens in response to Russian sanctions announced in July 2017.

Briefly in Russian:

Госдеп США объявил сегодня о закрытии Российского Консульства в Сан Франциско, Калифорнии, и двух консульских отделов в Вашингтоне и Нью-Йорке.

По словам пресс секретяря Белого Дома, это решение было принято лично президентом.

Напомню, что еще в 2016 президент Обама выдворил из США 35 российских дипломатов и конфисковал два объекта недвижимости за подозрение во вмешательстве в выборы президента США.

Read here.

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USCIS Alerts: Immigration Services Available to People Affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX

8/30/2017

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USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:
  • Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
  • Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
  • Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
  • Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
  • Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
  • Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
  • Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
  • Assistance if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
  • Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); and
  • Rescheduling a biometrics appointment.
Note: When making a request, please explain how the impact of Hurricane Harvey created a need for the requested relief.

To learn how to request these measures or determine if an office is open, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283.

If you require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office at email.
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What do you need to know if DACA program ends?

8/29/2017

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What do you need to know if DACA deferred action program ends? Will you be able to continue to use your EAD, work permit, SSN, driver's license, return to the U.S. from abroad on an advance parole/travel document?

ILRC had published a brief Advisory in English here.
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In Russian:

Что произойдет, когда программа ДАКА будет закрыта? Сможете ли вы по прежнему пользоваться своим разрешением на работу, карточкой соц страхования, водительскими правами? Сможете ли вы вернуться в США по документу адванс пароль? Краткое описание на английском тут.

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Starting October 1 2017, USCIS to conduct green card interviews in EB and I-730 cases

8/28/2017

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin conducting in-person "green card" interviews for new categories of the applicants, who were approved without an interview in the past.

This change complies with Executive Order 13780, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” and is part of the strategy to improve the detection and prevention of fraud and enhance the integrity of the immigration system.
 
Effective October 1, 2017, USCIS will begin to phase-in interviews for the following:
 
• Adjustment of status applications based on employment, EB categories (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
 
• Refugee/asylee relative petitions (Form I-730) for beneficiaries who are in the United States and are petitioning to join a principal asylee/refugee applicant.
 
Previously, applicants in these categories did not require an in-person interview with USCIS officers in order for their application for permanent residency to be adjudicated.

Beyond these categories, USCIS is planning an incremental expansion of interviews to other benefit types. 

As a practical matter, this new rule may result in severe backlogs now in the USCIS system, and "green card" interview wait times going up to over a year or more in some field offices. 

Read more here.

Briefly in Russian:

Начиная с 1 октября 2017, USCIS вводит интервью на грин карту по всем рабочим категориям, а также для родственников тех, кто получил статус политическое убежище или статус беженца, и находится в США.

Ранее эти категорий заявителей на интервью не вызывали.

Также USCIS намекает, не вдаваясь в детали, что в будущем они введут обязательные интервью и для других категорий дел (не только грин карты).

На практике это приведет к задержкам по рассмотрению заявлений на грин карты. Если на сегодняшний день в некоторых городах и штатах США ожидание интервью на грин карту занимает 8-12 месяцев, то эти сроки могут увеличится вдвое. 
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New USCIS Advance Parole Travel Document Policy

8/25/2017

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Warning for travelers on advance parole with I-485 pending: in an abrupt divergence from previous practice, the USCIS has begun denying I-131 Applications for Advance Parole if the Applicant had departed the U.S. while the application was pending.

When denying I-131 advance parole applications, USCIS is citing the I-131 *Form instructions*, "[i]f you depart the United States before the Advance Parole Document is issued, your application for an Advance Parole Document will be considered abandoned" .

Please don't depart the U.S. until after your advance parole or travel document was approved!

Предупреждение для тех, кто планирует путешествовать за пределы США по документу advance parole, пока ваше заявление на грин карту находится на рассмотрении (I-485 pending). USCIS изменило многолетнюю практику, когда требовалось только физическое присутствие заявителя в США во время подачи заявления.

​Теперь требуется нахождение заявителя в США на протяжении всего времени, пока заявление находится на рассмотрении (3-4 месяца). В случае выезда за пределы США до утверждения advance parole, заявление будет отклонено, и заявление на грин карту также может пострадать (может быть закрыто).
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#advanceparole #traveldocument #I131 #I485
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I-864 Affidavit of Support Creates Enforceable Contract Between Sponsor and Immigrant: Effect of Divorce

8/21/2017

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On July 28, 2017, the California Court of Appeal, ruled that the USCIS form I-864, Affidavit of Support, creates an enforceable CONTRACT between the sponsor and an immigrant. 

In Re Kumar case, an immigrant spouse asked court to enforce her right for support from her US citizen sponsor (spouse), based on the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”) that her U.S. spouse submitted to the U.S. federal government in connection with the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative he filed on her behalf. 

The court held: "We hold that an immigrant spouse has standing to enforce the support obligation created by an I–864 affidavit in state court. We further hold that an immigrant spouse bringing such a claim has no duty to mitigate damages. Because the trial court's ruling in this matter conflicts with our holdings, we reverse. We remand to the trial court to consider the immigrant spouse's contract claim in accordance with this decision."

Facts: US citizen spouse filed a form I–130 immigration visa petition for alien relative on behalf of his foreign wife, and the petition was approved. In connection with bringing his new wife to the United States, he signed a form I–864 affidavit of support (I–864 affidavit) and submitted it to the federal government. The purpose of an I–864 affidavit is “to ensure that an immigrant does not become a public charge.” (Younis v. Farooqi (D.Md. 2009) 597 F.Supp.2d 552, 557, fn. 5.)

”Under the heading “Part 8. Sponsor's Contract,” the I–864 affidavit signed by the sponsor gave the following warning: “Please note that, by signing this Form I–864, you agree to assume certain specific obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and other Federal laws.” On the same page, the affidavit explained that, by signing the affidavit, the sponsor agreed to “provide the intending immigrant any support necessary to maintain him or her at an income that is at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her household size ․” The affidavit further stated, “If you do not provide sufficient support to the person who becomes a permanent resident based on the Form I–864 that you signed, that person may sue you for this support.”

This continues recent court rulings which have expanded the scope of liability for family-based immigration sponsors through the Form I-864, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit did in June 2017. 

The purpose of a Form I-864 is to ensure that an immigrant does not become a “public charge” and receive certain publicly funded benefits that would render that immigrant inadmissible under INA § 212(a)(4). 

​A Form I-864 is required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants to show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to rely on the U.S. government for financial support.  A sponsor must show on a Form I-864 that he/she has income and/or assets to maintain the intending immigrant(s) and the rest of his/her household at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

As indicated in the instructions of the Form I-864, the affidavit of support is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. Government.  However, Part 8 of the Form I-864 states that “if an intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed, then, until your obligations under Form I-864 terminate, you must [p]provide the intending immigrant any support necessary to maintain him or her at an income that is at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her household size.”

In Re Kumar case, the California Court of Appeal looked to the statute, applicable regulations, the actual Form I-864 signed by the U.S. citizen, and federal and other state’s court’s opinions to guide its ruling.  In particular, the court cited 8 C.F.R. § 213a.2(c)(2)(i)(C)(2), a federal regulation which provides that
“The intending immigrants and any Federal, state, or local agency or private entity that provides a means-tested public benefit to an intending immigrant are third party beneficiaries of the contract between the sponsor and the other individual or individuals on whose income the sponsor relies and may bring an action to enforce the contract in the same manner as third party beneficiaries of other contracts.”

Additionally, the court ruled that an immigrant spouse seeking to enforce the support obligation of Form I-864 has no duty to seek employment to mitigate damages.  The court used the plain language at 8 U.S.C. § 1183a(a) and the rationale included in the case Liu v. Mund, 686 F.3d 418 (7th Cir. 2012) to rule that “an alien’s failing to seek work or otherwise failing to mitigate his or her damages” is not an “excusing condition” of the sponsor’s obligations under the Form I-864.

In response to this case, it is important that U.S. sponsors or immigrants speak with experienced U.S. immigration attorney about the affidavit of support issue before signing any divorce documents. It is important to remember that:
*** the Affidavit of Support obligations don't end with divorce. 
***Joint sponsor's obligations don't end with divorce, as well.
***An immigrant doesn't have to work or seek employment in order to mitigate sponsor's obligation of support.
***Sponsor's obligations end, for example, when an immigrant becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen, so it might be in sponsor's interests to ensure that a former spouse becomes a US citizen in order to end his or her financial support.
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US Embassy in Russia Suspended Issuance of Nonimmigrant Visitor Visas

8/21/2017

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Effective August 23, 2017, the U.S. Embassy suspended issuing nonimmigrant visas for eight days until September 1, 2017 in response to the Russian decision to cut embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755, or by two-thirds.

The embassy would resume issuing visas in Moscow consulate only on September 1 2017, but will no longer issue any visas at the U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok indefinitely.

It's expected that visitor visa appointment wait time could be as long as six months!

Nearly a quarter of a million Russian tourists visited the U.S. last year, according to Russian tourism officials.

In August 2017, Russia ordered the U.S. to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755. Congress approved sanctions against Russia for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and for its aggression in Ukraine and Syria.

Read more here.

Briefly in Russian:

С 23 августа по 1 сенбября 2017 США временно приостановили выдачу гостевых и других неиммиграционных виз в России.

После 1 сентября 2017 только консульство США в Москве будет выдавать визы. Три оставшиеся консульства прекратят выдачу виз на неопределенное время.

Ожидается, что сроки выдачи виз затянулся до 6 месяцев. Эта мера - последствие августовских санкций и выдворения 755 сотрудников американского посольства из России.
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MAVNI: Foreign Nationals Soldiers Sue Pentagon and DHS

8/3/2017

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Soldiers in the U.S. Army Reserve are suing the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security for stalling their citizenship applications after they joined the military through MAVNI, a program that promised them fast-track naturalization for their service.

“Each plaintiff-soldier has kept his/her end of the bargain,” their lawsuit states. The immigrant recruits did their part by enlisting, training in drills with their unit, and subjecting themselves to deployment. The U.S. Army certified their service, and the military is supposed to provide citizenship as soon as they complete basic training or attend drills.

But at the Pentagon’s request, the Homeland Security Department is not processing their applications, as required.

Pentagon and Homeland Security officials now say they are considering going back and changing who is eligible to receive a certification of military service, possibly even revoking the certifications for those soldiers not in active-duty service. 

Although the soldiers named in this suit received their certifications, they “could be considered signed in error and may be decertified,” said Director of Military Accession Policy at the Pentagon, citing the program’s guidance.
The delay has put some soldiers at risk of deportation, the lawsuit states. These soldiers are “suffering irreparable harm” and financial strain as they face uncertainty about their status, unable to get a job, a drivers license, or a passport to visit sick family members, their attorneys say.
The 10 reservists who brought the suit were recruited through the Pentagon’s Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, known as MAVNI, which gives expedited citizenship to legal immigrants who enlist with critical language skills or medical training.
Nearly 10,000 immigrants are in the MAVNI program, most of them serving in the Army. The popular program was allowed to accept 5,000 recruits in 2016, but was frozen last fall after security concerns about the vetting of recruits.

Now the Pentagon is considering scrapping it altogether, according to an internal memo included in the suit. This would leave roughly 1,000 non-citizen recruits at risk of deportation despite being enlisted in the U.S. military.
​Read the full article here.

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The 180-Day Rule for Canadian Visitors to USA

8/1/2017

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We often get inquiries from Canadian citizens who make frequent or lengthy trips to the United States annually. They have heard about a so-called “180-day rule” that allows a Canadian visitor to visit the U.S. for the maximum period of 180 days.  

Although many Canadians citizens do not get a passport stamp or entry document that authorizes entry for a specific term, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes the position that Canadians citizens are deemed to be admitted for a maximum of six months. However, CBP may stamp a passport allowing a much shorter period of admission (only 5 days, two months, etc), in the situation where a Canadian citizen travels often to the U.S. which raises questions that he or she is not merely a visitor.

A person is in violation of the immigration laws if he or she does not depart the United States within the six-month limit (or whatever period is allowed by CBP), thereby becoming deportable and ineligible for other immigration benefits. Longer periods of overstay and unlawful presence of over a year can lead to a ban for 10 years.
​
But that rule has nothing to do with the person who makes frequent short visits that aggregate 180 days or more during the year. A Canadian citizen could theoretically come across (and depart) as a visitor every day and accumulate 365 days of presence in the United States without raising any concerns about overstay or unlawful presence. Such a pattern could certainly lead to more CBP scrutiny at the border as to the nature of the visits, to rule out the possibility that the person is working or living illegally in the United States.

Immigration rule summary: A Canadian citizen should not remain in the United States continuously for more than six months as a visitor (or longer than the admission period allowed by the CBP, if CBP allowed a shorter period of admission to USA). Aggregate time frames in excess of six months do not violate any immigration law, but they might create more CBP scrutiny at the border, requiring the person to prove how he or she qualifies as  visitor, to prove that they do not work in the United States. For the business visitor, this might require some advance planning and the implementation of record-keeping techniques that easily and credibly explain the number, nature, and duration of prior trips.

The second part of the “180-day rule” relates to U.S. tax issues. If you spend too much time in the United States you can be deemed a resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes, requiring to file a U.S. income tax return and report all worldwide income even if there is no earned income in the United States or any other activity that would require a U.S. tax filing.

The IRS uses a “substantial presence” test to determine if someone is a resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a given calendar year.  The “substantial presence” test is a mechanical formula based solely on the number of days on which an individual is present in the United States. The formula is applied to make a determination each calendar year. To be classified as a U.S. resident under the substantial presence test for a particular year, an individual must be physically present in the United States on at least 31 days of the current calendar year, and the sum of the following must equal 183 or more days: 1) all days in the United States in the current year, plus 2) one-third of the days in the immediately preceding year, plus 3) one-sixth of the days in the second preceding year.
​
The general rule of thumb is to keep presence in the United States under 120 days each year. (The designation “resident” for federal income tax purposes has nothing to do with immigration status or actual place of domicile; it just means that the person must file a U.S. resident return and report his or her worldwide income.)

Thus, someone who consistently visits the United States for around 180 days a year is going to satisfy the substantial presence test and be deemed a U.S. resident for federal income tax purposes. That isn’t the end of the analysis, however, because there are exceptions, including the “closer connection” and “tie-breaker” rules under the Internal Revenue Code and U.S.-Canada Tax Treaty that may allow the person to avoid being subject to U.S. tax on their worldwide income even if the actual number of days creates substantial presence.

The closer connection exception is only available if the individual is present less than 183 days in the current year. In order to claim the application of one of these exceptions, the individual is required to affirmatively file a tax return or other information statement with the IRS. The closer connection exception is generally preferred because it does not require additional information filings with the IRS as does the treaty exception. 

Tax rule summary. A person will not be considered a resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes if he or she keeps the number of days in the United States to under 120 days on a consistent basis. Individuals who do satisfy the substantial presence test may nevertheless still avoid residency status under the closer connection or treaty tie-breaker rules (though they do not avoid U.S. tax filings altogether).

It is a good rule of thumb to keep visits to USA to less than 120 days annually. If that is not possible, the Canadian visitor should keep presence under 183 days so that he or she can elect the closer connection exception if otherwise applicable to the Canadian’s situation. An over-simplistic approach might lead to unintended consequences or lost opportunities.

Please note that this overview is provided for general information purposes only, and should not be considered legal advice. To receive advice regarding your tax liability you should consult a professional who specializes in taxation. Our firm only deals with immigration matters.

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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New Updated Form I-9 Must Be Used After September 17, 2017

8/1/2017

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United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, that employers must use to verify identity and employment authorization of all new hires, edition date July 17, 2017. 
​
While there are no substantive changes to the current I-9 Form (because it was recently updated in November 2016), employers are urged to use the new Form I-9 as an opportunity to offer I-9, E-Verify and anti-discrimination training and for the purpose of assessing their state of immigration compliance.
The current (previous) I-9 form may be used until September 17 2017. As of September 18, the only acceptable I-9 form is the one with the revision date of 7/17/17. 
​
The new form updates:
  • Updated name of the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) to Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER).
  • Form I-9 clarification regarding the timing by which individuals hired must present a completed I-9 form from "by the end of the first day of employment" to "by the first day of employment." Employers may therefore wish to revisit their own I-9 policies and procedures to ensure that section 1 of the I-9 Form is completed no later than when the employee starts work for pay.
  • List C acceptable documents have been revised to include Form FS-240, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, which is issued by the Department of State to certain individuals born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent. Although this form had previously been in use, the revision should assist employers who were previously told it was not an acceptable document to establish employment authorization. Further, USCIS combined all forms issued by the Department of State that report a birth into one section.
  • USCIS has updated the M-274 I-9 Handbook to reflect the Form I-9 updates. Further, USCIS has issued a handbook in a new online format in addition to their PDF version. The online format also provides a selectable table of contents allowing the reader to select a chapter or subsection, including a 'Table of Changes" section.
See the new revised Form I-9 and instructions here.
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