INTRODUCTION
August 2020 was a very active month and we posted numerous updates on Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter on these and other issues:
- Delay in issuing I-797 Receipt notices for I-751 petitions;
- USCIS Conducted Second Round of H-1B Registrations for FY 2021 CAP;
- US Consulates in India have started issuing F-1 Visas.
GLF periodically posts short updates on our Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages. We also periodically send out GLF Newsletters when the subject matter is extensive and relevant for a detailed analysis. Presented below is a consolidated summary of updates posted on Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter for August 2020.
Below is the link to our Google posts.
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=nScXW6yGKs7J5gLg4qPoDQ&q=gokare+law+firm&oq=gokare&gs/
DELAY IN ISSUING I-797 RECEIPT NOTICES FOR I-751 PETITIONS
There has been a reported delay of 30-60 days in receiving I-797 Receipt notices for I-751 Petitions (Removal of Conditions on Residence) submitted to the USCIS Lockbox in Arizona and Texas. The Office of the USCIS Ombudsman has reported that they are aware of this delay and this delay is apparently due to technical glitches which resulted in the failure to print some I-751 receipt notices. USCIS is checking on the issue in order to ensure that every petition receives a receipt notice. For those petitions for which a receipt notice has not been issued USCIS is sending out a receipt notice. If you have not received a receipt notice within 30 days of filing an application/petition with a USCIS Lockbox, you can write to lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov to inquire. For I-751s please include the permanent resident’s name, date of birth, and A-number. In case you did not receive a satisfactory response from Lock Box you can submit a Case Assistance Request to the Office of the CIS Ombudsman.
USCIS CONDUCTED SECOND ROUND OF H-1B REGISTRATIONS FOR FY 2021 CAP
USCIS conducted a second round of H-1B registrations for the FY 2021 H-1B Cap with a filing period from August 17 until November 16, 2020. The Initial Electronic registration period was from March 1st until March 20, 2020, with a filing window from April 01 to June 30, 2020. Due to the present pandemic situation, USCIS did not receive sufficient petitions for the FY 2021 H-1B numerical allocations. As suggested in the initial registration process, unused registrations that were in “Submitted” or “Not Selected” status in the USCIS online account were reconsidered for selection and selection notices were issued.
US CONSULATES IN INDIA HAVE STARTED ISSUING F-1 VISAS
US Embassy in New Delhi and other Consulates in India: Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai began processing F-1 visas and Exchange Visitor Visa applications from August 17, 2020, on a limited basis. Consulates have started processing emergency students, and exchange visitor appointment requests that were received prior to August 12 before taking any new public appointments. At present they have minimal appointment availability, and not all requests are being handled before the start of the Fall 2020 semester. All prospective Students and Exchange Visitors have been asked to schedule their appointment no more than three weeks prior to the program start date. Given the current backlog, appointment slots are likely to get filled quickly. Students have been asked to continually monitor appointment availability at https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
SIGN UP FOR GLF NEWSLETTER
At GLF will continue to follow further developments in this and other matters and we will provide updates through our Newsletter as and when they become available. GLF receives numerous emails and phone calls every day asking for comment on various proposed bills and media reports that are often inaccurate. It is our job to separate fact from fiction and advice clients on important updates that are relevant. The best way to receive accurate information is through GLF Newsletters.
We encourage you (and your employees) to sign up for GLF Newsletter. If you are not already signed up to receive our Newsletters, please do so by visiting www.gokarelaw.com and signing up under the Newsletter Tab. All we need is your name and email address and it takes very little time to sign up. You can also review all of our earlier GLF Newsletters on our website.