LATEST IMMIGRATION NEWS

Last updated: Monday, December 31, 2001

Presentation © Copyright 1998-2002. VIKRAM BADRINATH, P.C. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 2001

• Indian Applicants Required to Obtain Police-Certificate [12/21/01]
  Appears that U.S. Consulates in India (including New Delhi) will insist that Mumbai and Chennai standardize their policies to match New Delhi's, meaning that Mumbai's and Chennai's rules will now be much more stringent. All applicants must present a valid Police-Certificate for visa issuance purposes.

• Use of Old OF-156 and New DS-156 [12/21/01]
  Cable announces introduction of Updated Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156) to replace the expired OF-156. Posts are asked to begin using new form as soon as possible and to continue using existing OF-156 for a "reasonable period of time" during transition period.

• New Fees Starting 02/19/02 [12/21/01]
  U.S. INS announces that new fees for certain applications, petitions, filings, and fingerprinting become effective for filings made after February 19, 2002. Includes chart with new fees.

• DOS Eliminates IV Packet System [12/18/01]
  Cable notes that upcoming change to FAM will provide for use of Internet and other electronic resources, as well as a simpler system of standardized mailings. The 'Packet 3 Checklist' (DS-2001, formerly OF-169) is redesignated as one-page optional form.

• New Requirements for Indian Visa Applicants [12/14/01]
  The Consulate General in India, in a new security notice, is requiring IV applicants to submit Indian police certificates. IV applicants have also been advised to bring I-864s and all requested documents on the FIRST visit. (Courtesy of Michael Phulwani)

• DOS Cable on 'V' Visa Issuance to Unapproved I-130 Beneficiaries [12/13/01]
  State Department announces that some 90,000 names of unapproved I-130 petition beneficiaries that may be eligible for the V visa have been added to its CLASS database. The cable also includes a copy of NVC letter to possible 'V' visa-eligible beneficiaries.

• Adjustment Applicants No Longer Need File IRS Form 9003 [12/10/01]
  U.S. INS announces in September 21 memo that it will immediately discontinue distribution, use, and collection of Form 9003 with the adjustment application packet (Form I-485).

• U.S. INS Announces New Restructuring Director [12/10/01]
  The U.S. INS names Richard B. Cravener as new Director of the Office of INS Restructuring. Cravener was most recently district director of the Houston district office.

• Testimony of Ali Al-Maqtari [12/06/01]
  Al-Maqtari before the Senate Judiciary committee, Review on Terrorism. Ali Al-Maqtari,a Yemeni native who was detained for nine weeks after being arrested in September outside Fort Campbell, Ky.

• DOL Implements Web-Based LCA System [12/06/01]
  Recognizing 'operational problems' with the LCA faxback system, DOL/ETA issues final rule establishing electronic filing of labor condition applications. Rule also creates new Form ETA 9035E, and facilitates frequent filings by same employer. (66 FR 63297, 12/5/01)

For more information about any news piece presented in our library, please contact us by email, telephone, or fax or schedule an appointment to have your individual case discussed and analyzed by an attorney.