samrat_bhargava_vihari
06-25 03:50 PM
Why he sent before date?
Guru's Is it right that after filling 485, USCIS will process application according to PD(2003,2004,2005 like that) ?
or USCIS will process application with the date 485 application received?
or i am missing something over here.
Thanks
They will process applications based on receipt date. But approval will happen only if your PD is current. That means if
CASE A with PD 2003
CASE B with PD 2005
CASE C with PD 2007
Say all file in July and if dates gets retrogess some time in OCT or before to 2006.
Say for CASE A and CASE C all process is done( name check,... every thing but not approval) and CASE B is stuck in name check.
then CASE A will be approved because A process is complete and PD is current
CASE B will be pending waiting to clear name check though the PD is current
Once name check done and PD is current this will approve.
CASE C will not be approved though processing is complete PD is not current
once PD become current CASE C will approve.
This is just example to explain how it works.
Guru's Is it right that after filling 485, USCIS will process application according to PD(2003,2004,2005 like that) ?
or USCIS will process application with the date 485 application received?
or i am missing something over here.
Thanks
They will process applications based on receipt date. But approval will happen only if your PD is current. That means if
CASE A with PD 2003
CASE B with PD 2005
CASE C with PD 2007
Say all file in July and if dates gets retrogess some time in OCT or before to 2006.
Say for CASE A and CASE C all process is done( name check,... every thing but not approval) and CASE B is stuck in name check.
then CASE A will be approved because A process is complete and PD is current
CASE B will be pending waiting to clear name check though the PD is current
Once name check done and PD is current this will approve.
CASE C will not be approved though processing is complete PD is not current
once PD become current CASE C will approve.
This is just example to explain how it works.
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HeeKwan
02-01 08:44 PM
Congrats
aamchimumbai
09-04 11:46 AM
That means, after the forms signed, you got one year to apply for 485. Once applied, USCIS may request for another medical after 18 months.
This is my understanding....
My main question is:
Comparing two forms there are 4 additional tests recently added in the new I693 form. I needed to know if I can file my I-485 without any issues with the medical completed in May'08 or need to fill out the new form again with new set of medical exams?
I am trying to understand if USCIS will send an RFE because my I693 (may'08) form does not have these 4 additional tests.
This is my understanding....
My main question is:
Comparing two forms there are 4 additional tests recently added in the new I693 form. I needed to know if I can file my I-485 without any issues with the medical completed in May'08 or need to fill out the new form again with new set of medical exams?
I am trying to understand if USCIS will send an RFE because my I693 (may'08) form does not have these 4 additional tests.
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paskal
12-26 05:04 PM
please feel free to join in
those from other states asking this question: you are very welcome
Dial-In #: 1-218-486-1300
Bridge: 405416
9pm cst
those from other states asking this question: you are very welcome
Dial-In #: 1-218-486-1300
Bridge: 405416
9pm cst
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sdeshpan
06-24 06:18 PM
Remember you are bonded labor if you are on H1B or Work Permit. They will use you & your illegal brothers every election year and this is one of those years ..... everything is chatter until something heppens.
Don't get your hopes high.... just get your head down and work for them.
and what's the point of posting this twice...10 minutes apart? Those who will, will take your point! :)
Don't get your hopes high.... just get your head down and work for them.
and what's the point of posting this twice...10 minutes apart? Those who will, will take your point! :)
diptam
08-03 07:33 PM
You are OK as long is 140 is approved and 180 days have passed since Filing 485... BUT
if yor employer get to know your intention and cancel 140 between 180 and 200 days before 140 is approved , you are screwed...
Thanks,
I 140 and 485 filed concurrently.
Let's say I 140 is approved after 200 (greater than 180) days, If employer revokes I 140 after 230 days (let's say he is pissed off that i left the company using Ac 21 portability)
will it create any issue for my GC ?
if yor employer get to know your intention and cancel 140 between 180 and 200 days before 140 is approved , you are screwed...
Thanks,
I 140 and 485 filed concurrently.
Let's say I 140 is approved after 200 (greater than 180) days, If employer revokes I 140 after 230 days (let's say he is pissed off that i left the company using Ac 21 portability)
will it create any issue for my GC ?
more...
amitjoey
03-18 04:24 PM
Hello
I have substituted a Labor in 2004, My priority date is 4/4/2002. My I-140 is pending since May 2004 and i renew my EAD every year, EAD expires in July 2008. I got my 9th year H1 extensions till july 2007 from the same company/employer.
I tried to change the employer and file a new H1 which was denied this month. The reason for denial is USCIS is not satisfied with the place of work, I have re-applied H1 again on the same company. Now can i apply another NEW H1 from a different company.
I am tensed as my I-140 has been pending since so long....can someone please help me in this matter and suggest me what to do.
Thanks
Raghu
My I140 has been pending for a long time too, without any reason. So finally after many service requests, I have talked to one of the senators of my state. I have explained the situation, ofcourse used the opportunity to highlight IV and EB immigrants problems and then talked about my specific case. There is a routine paperwork that my senators office has that they use to get authorisation from individuals like us to pursue the case with the USCIS. I have filled that paperwork and the request to look into my case. I have a strong notion that it is going to work. The senators office had looked into an earlier case for me with success where I needed to obtain a pending AP in a hurry. I have my own labor (NO Substitute)
I have no idea what the deal is with the H1- Why it was denied.
I suggest you talk to your senator's office.
I have substituted a Labor in 2004, My priority date is 4/4/2002. My I-140 is pending since May 2004 and i renew my EAD every year, EAD expires in July 2008. I got my 9th year H1 extensions till july 2007 from the same company/employer.
I tried to change the employer and file a new H1 which was denied this month. The reason for denial is USCIS is not satisfied with the place of work, I have re-applied H1 again on the same company. Now can i apply another NEW H1 from a different company.
I am tensed as my I-140 has been pending since so long....can someone please help me in this matter and suggest me what to do.
Thanks
Raghu
My I140 has been pending for a long time too, without any reason. So finally after many service requests, I have talked to one of the senators of my state. I have explained the situation, ofcourse used the opportunity to highlight IV and EB immigrants problems and then talked about my specific case. There is a routine paperwork that my senators office has that they use to get authorisation from individuals like us to pursue the case with the USCIS. I have filled that paperwork and the request to look into my case. I have a strong notion that it is going to work. The senators office had looked into an earlier case for me with success where I needed to obtain a pending AP in a hurry. I have my own labor (NO Substitute)
I have no idea what the deal is with the H1- Why it was denied.
I suggest you talk to your senator's office.
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Libra
07-30 02:57 PM
I can't believe you guys are still answering his question.......go to rally threads and contribute, admin i think we should close this thread now.
more...
keerthi
04-04 03:10 PM
Thanks for that reply. The company's business line is very niche and it started developing a technology for that niche market in India some 5 years back. I have been involved in the design and implementation of that technology right from its inception. In fact I am one of the core persons who designed and implemented the solution.
Our customer base is increasing in the US. This is one of the reasons why I need to be transferred to the US. Several of our customers are coming up with unique requirements and it requires me to analyze them before providing them a solution. Also, some features of the technology are governed by a large set of exacting standards put forth by a consortium in the US. I am one of the members of that consortium and my presence cum contribution for my company in this regard is very much required.
I possess extensive knowledge of my company's specific technology and software skills which are very rare (we do low level software development - not the ones that large software companies do). Also, there are only a handful of companies who deal with this market. I believe this should ideally classify me as a person having "specialized knowledge".
Am I right?
Our customer base is increasing in the US. This is one of the reasons why I need to be transferred to the US. Several of our customers are coming up with unique requirements and it requires me to analyze them before providing them a solution. Also, some features of the technology are governed by a large set of exacting standards put forth by a consortium in the US. I am one of the members of that consortium and my presence cum contribution for my company in this regard is very much required.
I possess extensive knowledge of my company's specific technology and software skills which are very rare (we do low level software development - not the ones that large software companies do). Also, there are only a handful of companies who deal with this market. I believe this should ideally classify me as a person having "specialized knowledge".
Am I right?
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Canadian_Dream
08-09 09:37 PM
Department of Homeland security (DHS) doesn't conduct background checks for Adjustment of Status cases. These are done by FBI which is a part of Department of Justice.This DHS announcement has nothing to do with background checks for AOS cases.
more...
sganny
01-26 01:12 PM
Proud.
Andhra bags 7 of top 10 IIT ranks - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Andhra-bags-7-of-top-10-IIT-ranks/articleshow/5978951.cms)
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh hit a jackpot with its students bagging seven of the top 10 ranks in IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the results of which were declared on Wednesday. In fact, the state claimed the coveted top two ranks of IIT-JEE, with A Jitendar Reddy from Warangal emerging as the national topper followed by Uday K Shah from Hyderabad.
Others from the state who bagged top ranks include Madhu Kiran (fourth), K Satwik (sixth), Janardhan Reddy (seventh) Sabarish Nikhil (eighth) and Neeraj Gopal (ninth). An estimated 30% of the 50,000 students who wrote the examination from the state cleared the test this year, with over 500 of them making it to the top 2,000 in the open category. A total of 65,000 students had written the examination from the southern region.
Andhra students also scored well in the reserved category with OBC students from the state bagging seven out of the top 15 ranks in this section. Among reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC and physically handicapped (PH) the state secured over 50 ranks in the top 200 slab.
Officials from IIT-Madras, who were in charge of the results, said Andhra students already account for 21% of the total student strength in IITs. "One should not be surprised by the performance of these students as they have traditionally done well. This year, the percentage of students from the state in the IITs might be higher than 25%," said T S Natarajan, director, IIT-JEE.
While IIT-Madras, which conducted the examination, was criticized for the errors in mathematics and physics question papers, IIT experts said such errors could have actually worked in favour of the students from Andhra as not many would have been able to crack some of ambiguous questions. "Most front-rankers from the state cracked these ambiguous questions, which might have given them an edge over others," said K V Raghunath, vice-chairman, Narayana Group of Colleges whose students bagged five of the top seven ranks. Some other experts noted that a tough maths paper helped garner top ranks as students from the state have traditionally done well in the subject.
This is from May, 2010. when I saw the posting, I was wondering, how come IIT results in Jan and opened up the link and saw this was from 2010. what was your point about bringing this up now?
Andhra bags 7 of top 10 IIT ranks - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Andhra-bags-7-of-top-10-IIT-ranks/articleshow/5978951.cms)
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh hit a jackpot with its students bagging seven of the top 10 ranks in IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the results of which were declared on Wednesday. In fact, the state claimed the coveted top two ranks of IIT-JEE, with A Jitendar Reddy from Warangal emerging as the national topper followed by Uday K Shah from Hyderabad.
Others from the state who bagged top ranks include Madhu Kiran (fourth), K Satwik (sixth), Janardhan Reddy (seventh) Sabarish Nikhil (eighth) and Neeraj Gopal (ninth). An estimated 30% of the 50,000 students who wrote the examination from the state cleared the test this year, with over 500 of them making it to the top 2,000 in the open category. A total of 65,000 students had written the examination from the southern region.
Andhra students also scored well in the reserved category with OBC students from the state bagging seven out of the top 15 ranks in this section. Among reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC and physically handicapped (PH) the state secured over 50 ranks in the top 200 slab.
Officials from IIT-Madras, who were in charge of the results, said Andhra students already account for 21% of the total student strength in IITs. "One should not be surprised by the performance of these students as they have traditionally done well. This year, the percentage of students from the state in the IITs might be higher than 25%," said T S Natarajan, director, IIT-JEE.
While IIT-Madras, which conducted the examination, was criticized for the errors in mathematics and physics question papers, IIT experts said such errors could have actually worked in favour of the students from Andhra as not many would have been able to crack some of ambiguous questions. "Most front-rankers from the state cracked these ambiguous questions, which might have given them an edge over others," said K V Raghunath, vice-chairman, Narayana Group of Colleges whose students bagged five of the top seven ranks. Some other experts noted that a tough maths paper helped garner top ranks as students from the state have traditionally done well in the subject.
This is from May, 2010. when I saw the posting, I was wondering, how come IIT results in Jan and opened up the link and saw this was from 2010. what was your point about bringing this up now?
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anindya1234
06-01 02:39 PM
I dont know about others but for me stuck with the same compay for 5 years. I really want to move on !!
Everybody has the same problem buddy
Everybody has the same problem buddy
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mbartosik
05-30 01:17 PM
Following this logic only BEC cases are affected.
I use the word "only" caughtiously because there are still a lot in BECs and if it is you it is not a statistic.
If BECs complete processing by year end then all I140s could be issued within a few months of that.
After BEC cases have been processed then what's the problem since PERM is workable?
The only problems I see are:
BEC cases -- it is unacceptable to leave them out in the cold after such a long wait.
Abusive employers cancelling I140 before a new I140 is obtained after moving jobs.
The extension beyond 6th year was only ever intended to allow for the labor certification backlog.
Unfortunately the law makers acted too late and many had to leave some years ago before 7th year extensions were allowed. I hope they don't make up for that by acting too soon now (before BECs complete processing).
If the BECs complete their job, why would there be a need for 7th year extensions?
I use the word "only" caughtiously because there are still a lot in BECs and if it is you it is not a statistic.
If BECs complete processing by year end then all I140s could be issued within a few months of that.
After BEC cases have been processed then what's the problem since PERM is workable?
The only problems I see are:
BEC cases -- it is unacceptable to leave them out in the cold after such a long wait.
Abusive employers cancelling I140 before a new I140 is obtained after moving jobs.
The extension beyond 6th year was only ever intended to allow for the labor certification backlog.
Unfortunately the law makers acted too late and many had to leave some years ago before 7th year extensions were allowed. I hope they don't make up for that by acting too soon now (before BECs complete processing).
If the BECs complete their job, why would there be a need for 7th year extensions?
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lazycis
09-27 02:28 PM
Are you 100% sure about this.
I am
I am
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ryan
01-26 03:35 PM
Seriously, who cares that Andhra bagged 7 ranks. How on earth is it relevant to the discussion going on here? Plus this isn't a forum for Indians only(and I'm Indian).
Stop posting these nonsense, amateur messages.
LOL! Nicely said. Some of the "talent & skill" that move here, is just most unfortunate.
Stop posting these nonsense, amateur messages.
LOL! Nicely said. Some of the "talent & skill" that move here, is just most unfortunate.
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rsrikant
08-09 08:59 AM
i filed my 140 on july 12th. Received receipt notice from TSC on jul 23rd.
My attorney filed for 485 on aug 2nd. But he filed with old fee and old 485 forms. He says i fall under july visa bulletin, so i can file with older fee.
Is he correct? Will there be no problem with my application?
My attorney filed for 485 on aug 2nd. But he filed with old fee and old 485 forms. He says i fall under july visa bulletin, so i can file with older fee.
Is he correct? Will there be no problem with my application?
more...
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sprash
10-15 04:00 PM
I saw the suggestion of asking lawyer to send AP while you travel to India without it. Although it sounds like a good idea but could be dangerous. I had a situation last year when I travelled to India with AP applied for but not approved. Unfortunately i had my old passport and visa damaged in India. When my lawyer wanted to expedite AP so that i can travel back as my old Visa was damaged and the only way to travel back was to use AP, they found out USCIS has issued an RFE on AP. Though RFP was trivial and they only wanted a clear copy of first page of passport and AP was approved immediately when it was submitted.
I agree. This is very risky. I had applied for AP way back in June '08 and while my wife got her AP in AUG, mine was happily ignored till used DHS 7001 to escalate my case. I ultimately received an RFE saying that I did not include photos (which I know 100% sure I did ... they probably lost them). 3 Soft LUDs since they've received my photos, but no approval yet. I might be canceling my trip to India that commences on thanksgiving weekend if it does not come in time.
I agree. This is very risky. I had applied for AP way back in June '08 and while my wife got her AP in AUG, mine was happily ignored till used DHS 7001 to escalate my case. I ultimately received an RFE saying that I did not include photos (which I know 100% sure I did ... they probably lost them). 3 Soft LUDs since they've received my photos, but no approval yet. I might be canceling my trip to India that commences on thanksgiving weekend if it does not come in time.
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ronhira
09-27 12:51 AM
y not ask SEC or NASDAQ to file for your h1..... that should take care of things..... if u r making 10 trades in a day ..... during day time..... then u r actually not working in u'r real job..... y not have h1 for the job that u r really doing...... just trying to help by suggesting a way out.....
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immi2006
11-06 10:03 AM
What is new in your post ? It was like that for a few weekes now.
I see that for EB2 the PD is 01 APR 2004 now. I want to know if I-485 approvals is linked to this PD date or they will work independent to these days.
Thanks,
Sury
-------------------------------
PD : Feb'07
I-140 - Pending
I-131 - Approved
I-485 - Pending
Center: TEXAS SERVICE CENTER
Recieved EAD Card and FP done.
-------------------------------
I see that for EB2 the PD is 01 APR 2004 now. I want to know if I-485 approvals is linked to this PD date or they will work independent to these days.
Thanks,
Sury
-------------------------------
PD : Feb'07
I-140 - Pending
I-131 - Approved
I-485 - Pending
Center: TEXAS SERVICE CENTER
Recieved EAD Card and FP done.
-------------------------------
americandesi
07-05 04:50 PM
I have got my canadian PR approval for me and my wife and have sent the passports to the Canadian Consulate in NYC for immigrant visa stamping. To get my PR card I have to land in Canada before Dec 19, 2007 when the visa expires.
I have not traveled outside the US after I got my H1B and am planning to go to Canada for stamping H1B for me H4 for my wife.
Would there be any problem for me to land in Canada since I will not be landing there with the intention to settle but will return after getting my H1B stamped in a couple of days.
Anyone gone through my kind of situation before. Please send me a PM.
I am concerend about being denied entry in Canada and then I will be nowhere because I cannot return to US without a vaid H1B stamp.
Why do you think you would be denied entry in canada? You are legal to enter Canada with your PR approval. There is no question of "intent" when you are already approved for permanent residency.
I have not traveled outside the US after I got my H1B and am planning to go to Canada for stamping H1B for me H4 for my wife.
Would there be any problem for me to land in Canada since I will not be landing there with the intention to settle but will return after getting my H1B stamped in a couple of days.
Anyone gone through my kind of situation before. Please send me a PM.
I am concerend about being denied entry in Canada and then I will be nowhere because I cannot return to US without a vaid H1B stamp.
Why do you think you would be denied entry in canada? You are legal to enter Canada with your PR approval. There is no question of "intent" when you are already approved for permanent residency.
pappu
03-17 03:55 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1294871282792.shtm
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
Teleconference Recap: FOIA: How Is It Working For You?
On December 6, 2010, the Ombudsman's Office hosted a public teleconference on "FOIA: How Is It Working for You?" where the Ombudsman's Office interviewed Terry Sloan, Acting Center Director, National Records Center and Jill Eggleston, the Assistant Center Director ofFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Operations for the National Records Center at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Inquiries to the Ombudsman's Office have identified FOIA requests as an area where the public continues to experience frustration in relation to citizenship and immigration services. Please direct any inquiries related to the topics raised in this teleconference to Margaret Gleason, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman, at margaret.gleason@dhs.gov. If you have a concern with your USCIS FOIA request and have been unable to resolve the issue with USCIS, the Ombudsman's Office may be able to help.
Freedom of Information Act
Under the FOIA statute, "any person" may request documents from a U.S. government agency. This applies to both U.S. citizens and to citizens of foreign countries. The law allows 20 business days for response to a FOIA request. USCIS has been unable to make that deadline to date, although processing has improved in the past few years. Agencies may withhold information from a FOIA requester under certain exemptions. The law does not allow an agency to withhold information for other reasons, such as possible embarrassment to the agency.
USCIS Processing of FOIA Requests
USCIS FOIA processing is consolidated at the National Records Center (NRC). Prior to 2005, FOIA requests were decentralized, and could be handled on the local level by USCIS. In FY 2006, USCIS had a backlog of more than 88,000 FOIA requests. Jill Eggleston reported in the teleconference that in FY 2010 the backlog was down to 8,000 cases.
There are currently 120 NRC employees, with 30 more new employees authorized for hiring in 2011. Ms. Eggleston informed teleconference participants that current USCIS processing times for FOIA requests vary according to the type of request and that USCIS sorts FOIA requests into three separate tracks. Ms Eggleston also noted the processing time for each type of request.
* Track One FOIA Requests, or simple document requests, are those that request only a specific document, such as a copy of a particular immigration petition.
Processing time: 43 working days
* Track Two FOIA Requests are those where an entire file is requested.
Processing time: 34 working days
* Track Three FOIA Requests are those requests where the individual has a pending hearing scheduled before the Immigration Court.
Processing time: 59 working days
In the FOIA Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009, the processing times published for USCIS show an average processing time of 215 business days for Track One FOIA requests, 344 business days for Track Two FOIA requests, and an average of 60 business days for Track Three FOIA Requests.
USCIS FOIA Process
As stated on the teleconference, FOIA requests to USCIS can be made with a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) or by written request submitted by mail to USCIS NRC, P.O. Box 648010, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-8010; or by fax to 816-350-5785. Most FOIA requests are free, but if fees exceed $25, the requester will be notified in advance of such a charge. Ms. Eggleston stated that a web-based request system would be established in the near future and will be rolled out in two phases: Phase One will be for media requests, while Phase Two will be for all other requests. Currently, the status of a FOIA request can be checked with an NRC receipt number through the FOIA link on USCIS Home Page (http://www.uscis.gov).
Appeals of USCIS FOIA denials or material withheld under FOIA exemptions may be filed to USCIS FOIA Appeals, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064-2139.
As noted in the teleconference, more information on filing FOIA requests with other Department of Homeland Security components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is available at DHS | Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act (http://www.dhs.gov/foia).
Expedite Criteria
By regulation, there are narrow expedite criteria that may allow a requester priority to receive a FOIA response. Expedites will only be granted for cases that present an imminent threat to life or safety requiring the FOIA response, or where there is an urgency to inform the public.
Overall, FOIA requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is only differentiated based on the three tracks described above, or the occasional expedite case.
Teleconference Questions
In response to questions from callers on the teleconference, Ms. Eggleston stated that certain information is required with a FOIA request to verify identity including name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. Without this information, a FOIA request is incomplete. If information in a file is incorrect, a Form G-639 (PDF - 2 pages, 100 KB) can be used to correct information under the Privacy Act. Another caller asked if USCIS could retrieve an envelope with a postmark from a particular file under FOIA. This documentation might be needed to support an application for adjustment of status under . Ms. Eggleston stated that there is a separate receipt file where payments to USCIS are recorded. If a receipt is requested, the FOIA request should specify that the NRC should search the alien's receipt file.
If records are requested on behalf of a child, Ms. Eggleston stated that names of parents will be requested, and USCIS may ask for proof of parent or guardian relationship before sending information to that party.
Ms. Eggleston said that sometimes in denying FOIA requests for persons with final removal orders, USCIS invokes the 'fugitive disentitlement doctrine' under Meddah v. Reno, No. 98-1444, (E.D. Pa. Dec. 8, 1998). She also said that her office may refer such FOIA requests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE
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