The U.S. Department of State has announced that, as of November 12, 2014, the National Visa Center ceased collecting original civil documents – birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, etc. – from applicants for immigrant visas. From now on, applicants will submit only photocopies of these documents to the NVC and take the originals
Immigrant
USCIS Issues FAQs on Same-Sex Family-Based Petitions
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor, which invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, the USCIS has issued some helpful FAQs pertaining to family-based immigrant visa petitions. The State Department has not yet issued guidance on nonimmigrant visa applications by same-sex spouses. We will update this blog when that…
USCIS Begins Accepting Provisional Waivers from Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Starting today, March 4, 2013, USCIS will begin accepting applications for “provisional waiver” of unlawful presence from spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens on Form I-601A.
As we explained in more detail in a previous post, these “immediate relatives” who qualify for the provisional waiver may now apply while they are still in…
2014 Diversity Visa “Green Card” Lottery Underway
The State Department has announced the registration period for the Congressionally mandated 2014 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. The DV lottery allows nationals from certain countries to apply for immigrant visas (“green cards”) outside of the normal immigrant visa process. Individuals already being sponsored for immigrant visas by family members or employers may participate as well.…
CDC ends HPV requirement for immigration vaccinations effective 12/14/09
As of December 14, 2009, foreign nationals who apply for immigrant visas or adjustment of status are no longer required to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. CDC will continue to require vaccination for mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B. Others will be required only…