May 24, 2011

The results of the Diversity Lottery that were posted on the Department of State's website have been voided due to a computer problem.  The lottery will be rerun without need for applicants to reapply.  The Department of State expects that the new results will be posted on their website on or around July 15, 2011.  Use your existing confirmation number to check results at that time.

May 17, 2011

The Department of Homeland Security is extending Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") for an additional eighteen months for Haitians currently residing in the United States. In addition, Haitians who arrived up to one year after the earthquake, many of whom came in on visitor visas and other authorized measures, will be permitted to apply for TPS. 

February 26, 2011

Now is the time to start thinking about filing H-1B petitions for FY starting October 1, 2011.  Petitions can be filed on April 1, 2011.

January 31, 2011

USCIS announced that the H-1B cap for fiscal year 2011 has been reached.  H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2012 (start date of October 1, 2011) will be accepted beginning April 1, 2011.

December 18, 2010

Unfortunately, today the Senate failed to muster to 60 votes required to keep the DREAM Act moving along towards passage.  It appears that the DREAM Act will not go forward at this point and the long term prospects for this legislation is unclear.

October 1, 2010

A new fee schedule has been approved for applications filed with USCIS.  Click here to see the new fee schedule which takes effect on November 23, 2010:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-23725.pdf.

October 1, 2010

Registration for the Diversity Lottery ("DV") begins on October 5, 2010 at noon (EST) and ends on November 3, 2010 at noon (EST).  Applications for the DV can only be made on-line at www.dvlottery.state.gov.  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early so as to avoid possible down time for the website due to large numbers of users accessing the site.  Persons born in the following countries are not eligible to apply:  Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Individuals born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.

September 2, 2010

The September Visa Bulletin is available at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5113.html.

August 20, 2010

Look for Immigration Law Group’s Attorney, Estela R. Unzueta, at FIESTAS PATRIAS 2010. The event will be held on September 6, 2010 from noon to 8:30 p.m. at Plaza Garibaldi in Chicago (26th Place and Rockwell, approximately one block east of California Avenue).

May 1, 2010

Saturday appointments with an attorney at the Immigration Law Group are now available for Saturday, May 15, 2010.  Call 630.875.1700 today to schedule your Saturday appointment.