Green Card and US Citizenship

It is indeed a proud feeling for all those who have successfully got the green cards.  They can work and live in the US as long as they want, without having to worry about their legal status. Many green card holders are satisfied with this status and they do not even bother of think of the next step, which is to apply for US citizenship. This may be attributed to the requirements that need to be met, in order to file in for, US citizenship.

For more immigration articles, visit:
http://www.immigrationdirect.com/blog/

USCIS Case Status Monitoring

In case anyone of you is looking for the reference/resource to get an instant USCIS case status monitoring and checkin through  www USCIS gov online. Note that the application receipt number is needed in checking the case status.

For more ifo, please visi:
http://www.immigrationdirect.com/uscis/uscis-status.jsp

Adjustment of Status Application

Adjustment of Status is the process which allows a foreign national who is in the United States on some other non-immigrant status to adjust status to immigrant status. If you seek to adjust your status to immigrant status, you may file the USCIS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

You may file this form while in the United States and you may not be required to return to your home country to apply for adjustment of status. If you are outside the United States, you may not file for adjustment of status, but you will have to go through Consular Processing to become a permanent resident.

Many foreign nationals become permanent residents by being sponsored by their family members and US employers. Few others become permanent residents by entering into the country as refugees or asylees. Hence, there are a few different ways through which a citizen of a foreign country may become a permanent resident of America.

Based on your particular category, you may be required to file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf. If you seek to become a permanent resident through your relative, the sponsoring family member must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

If you are sponsored by a US employer, the sponsoring US employer must file Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, before you file Form I-485 for adjustment of status.

There are certain humanitarian programs that do not require underlying petitions to file an application to adjust status. Based on your particular category, you may concurrently file Form I-485 for adjustment of status at the same time of filing Form I-130 or Form I-140. This concurrent filing process is applicable for the immediate relatives of an American citizen.

Certain other categories of individuals may file concurrently, if visa numbers are available in their categories. However, there are certain categories that require the applicants to first prove that they are eligible to immigrate to the United States by getting the immigrant petition approved. Only after their immigrant visa applications are approved, they will be allowed to file Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Such categories of applicants may not be eligible for filing concurrently.

Grounds on Which U.S. Citizenship May be Denied by USCIS

Holding a Permanent Resident Card or Green Card doesn't necessarily gives assurance to obtain U.S. citizenship. Sometimes the green card holder may not be qualified for citizenship under the US Immigration laws for some reasons.


*English and Civics Tests

The knowledge on English language is mandatory to become a citizen of the United States. Poor knowledge of the English language can cause rejection of citizenship applications.

The citizenship interview and exam is conducted in English but there are some exception.

You may qualify for a  waiver if you:
-have been a Green card holder (lawful permanent resident) in the US for the past 20 years and you -are above 50 years of age.
-are 55 years old and you have been a lawful permanent resident in the US for 15 years.
-have a disability which disallows you from taking the test.
*conditions apply


*Good Moral Character

Criminal activity or records from the past might be a a ground of citizenship denial.

However, if the application was denied, it is still possible to re-apply after 5 years, considered as a developing proof of good moral character. Conditions apply on other cases.


In time that your citizenship application is denied, there is a way to appeal the decision by asking for a hearing with a USCIS immigration officer.

Eligibility requirements for Naturalization Form N400

 Here's what you should know:

1. The applicant should have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years before filing for N-400.

2.  Even if the applicant is not physically present in the U.S. for the number of years specified, he should maintain status as a legal permanent resident, maintaining a U.S. address and paying his or her State and Federal taxes as part of the eligibility requirement while applying for citizenship.

3. If the applicant wants to be abroad for several months, he may file form I-470 (Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, prior to leaving the U.S. so that they may be able to preserve their status.

4. After being married to a U.S. citizen, the applicants should have stayed continuously for three years before filing the N-400.
Read Full article at Go Articles - Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

Process of US Citizenship Application Part 2

Complete the Form then Submit

The completed citizenship application form should be accompanied by a copy of your permanent resident card (both front and back of it), 2 passport sized photographs and the filing fee. Find out the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over your area of permanent residence and mail the application package to that particular lockbox facility.

USCIS always recommends a traceable delivery method to be used while dispatching your application. If your application has been accepted by the USCIS, you will receive a notification within a few days. You will then be called in for completing the subsequent procedures.

Ensuing processes after filing the citizenship application:

• Preparing for the Citizenship test
• Taking the Biometrics test
• Taking the Citizenship Test and Interview
• Taking the Oath of Allegiance
• Receiving the Naturalization Certificate

Once you have become a US citizen, make sure to update all your records with this status. Also begin the process of applying for a US passport, for it is the sole privilege of a US citizen. Travels may spring up most unexpectedly, so it is best that you get your US passport as soon as you have become a citizen.

Form I-90 - Renew Expired Greencard

If your green card is expired or about to expire, you should fill a Form I-90 application to renew it as soon as possible. We know that the green card is an important document in the United States, and failing to go throught the green card renewal process might affect the holder's rights and obligations.

But one need not to worry much because renewing an expired green card can be done easily by filing up the Form I-90 online.

For details, visit:
http://www.immigrationdirect.com/greencard/replace-expired-green-card-Form-I-90.jsp

The Dream Act

The Dream Act (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act) is a bill that will assist to do a proper US citizenship processing to individuals who came to the U.S. illegally as children, only after fulfilling specific requirements from USCIS. After that, these individuals can be qualified for conditional permanent residency under DREAM Act.

For further reading, see resources below:
The Dream Act Legislation
Dream Act Q & A

E-Verify System

Familiar with E-verify?

E-Verify is a system used by businesses - permitting employers to submit the I-9 information of job applicants to a federal database. With the help of the system, it can easily confirm an applicant’s legality an prevent them from hiring an undocumented worker.

Details at:
http://www.immigrationdirect.com/blog/2012/10/what-is-everify/

Ciudadanía Americana and the Hispanic Vote Bank

The Hispanics are one of the major immigrant groups in America. Spanish is a language as common as if not more common than English today. It is no wonder that the phrase 'Ciudadanía Americana' is being heard more and more often these days. The Hispanics are a major vote bank and both the Democrats and the Republicans are trying to woo them.

Europeans seeking US citizenship does not seem to attract as much interest as the Spanish speaking population seems to be doing. Republicans were talking about constructing walls along the Mexican border and increasing patrols to prevent illegal immigration and a lot of new immigration laws have affected Hispanics specifically. But today, the same Republicans have realized that alienating the Hispanic vote bank is not in their best interests.

The EAD Card

Do you know what is an EAD Card?

The EAD Card is known as the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765). It is the form needed to fill up by a foreign applicant who are stayng temporarily in the United States so they may be able to work in the country.

Upon successful application for the EAD card, the applicant is legally authorized to work in the US for any company or employer.

Read this for more details: EAD Card

What is Emigration

Ever heard about the term 'Emigration'?

Emigration is the reverse of immigration.

"Emigration is the act of permanently leaving one's country or region to settle in another. It is the same as immigration but from the perspective of the country of origin."
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emigration

Who are Eligible for Adjustment of Status

Eligible for Adjustment of Status (Form I 485) are:

• K-1 fiance(e) of a US citizen
• K-2 dependent
• K-3 spouse of a US citizen
• K-4 dependent

Other:

• Foreign investors that has an essential immigration petitions may also file to adjust their status.
• Those who are granted asylum in the United States.
• Refugees living in the country for atleast 1 year.
• A Cuban national may also apply - but he must have resided in the U.S. for atleast a year. Same goes with the spouse and children of a Cuban national.

For more info:

http://www.immigrationdirect.com/greencard/Adjustment-of-Status-Form-I-485.jsp

 

Form N400 Eligibility Requirements

The following are the eligibility requirements for filing Citizenship Application Form N400:

1. Applicant must have a continuous residence in the U.S. of at least 5 years before filing for Form N400.

2.  The applicant should maintain citizen status as a legal permanent resident (even he is not physically present in the U.S.) for the number of years specified. The applicant must be maintaining his U.S. address and paying his state and federal taxes.

3. Applicant may file Form I-470 or the Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes if the applicant will going to other country for several months, prior to the traveling period, in order to preserve their current status.

4. After being married to a U.S. citizen, the applicants should have stayed continuously for three years. After that the applicant may now be able to file Form N-400.

Where to Submit Citizenship Application Form N400

The USCIS has clear instructions regarding the submission of the completed applications. Applications along with the specified filing fee can be sent in snail mail or through Express mail or even courier service (a different address for the last two, though)

*Citizens from any of these following regions - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will need to submit citizenship application to the USCIS Lockbox facility at Phoenix.

*While those staying from any of these following regions - Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, will have to send applications to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.

*In case that the applicant is a military personnel, or having been in service previously, applications may be send to the Nebraska Service Center, regardless of the location.

Same rule applies to the ff:

*Military spouses can send the application.

*In case of immediate relatives of deceased military members, the same address holds good for them.
To receive notification regarding the acceptance of the citizenship application, it is necessary to fill the form G-1145E and attach it to the first page of the application.

Updated Guidelines for Deferred Action

Immigration News:

Based from the released updated guidelines, it is specified that the individual needed to be younger than 31 years of age.

The Updated guidelines also indicated that an individual who is currently enrolled in high school or a GED program will also be eligible for the deferred action policy.

Source:
Updated Guidelines Increase Projected Number of Individuals Qualifying for Deferred Action

Where to Submit Citizenship Application Form N400

The USCIS has clear instructions regarding the submission of the completed applications. Applications along with the specified filing fee can be sent in snail mail or through Express mail or even courier service (a different address for the last two, though)

*Citizens from any of these following regions - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will need to submit the application to the USCIS Lockbox facility at Phoenix.

*While those staying from any of these following regions - Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, will have to send applications to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.

*In case that the applicant is a military personnel, or having been in service previously, applications may be send to the Nebraska Service Center, regardless of the location.

Same rule applies to the ff:

*Military spouses can send the application.
*In case of immediate relatives of deceased military members, the same address holds good for them.


To receive notification regarding the acceptance of the US citizenship application, it is necessary to fill the form G-1145E and attach it to the first page of the application.

Tips in Filing Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status

You must be attentive while you file Form I-485 and you must first read the form instructions before filling the form. Moreover, you may be required to submit few supporting documents along with your application for adjustment of status, to prove that you are eligible for the process.

Your application may be delayed or denied, if you do not file your application along with the required documentation and you may also be considered ineligible for adjustment of status. You may be required to be present for biometrics collection at an Application Support Center.

 

You will then be called for an interview at a USCIS office and you need to submit all the original documents including your passport and travel documents, at the time of your interview. However, all the adjustment of status applicants may not be required to appear for interviews. USCIS will then mail its decision to you, after reviewing your application and after the biometrics collection and the interviews.

Procedures of U.S. Citizenship Application

The process of filing in your US citizenship application is quite easy, if you have acquainted yourself well, with the procedures, before starting on the application. If your case is a regular one wherein you have been a permanent resident for either 5 yrs or 3 yrs and have satisfied all the other eligibility criteria, then the process of filing in your citizenship application will be very easy.

Hierarchy of the procedures of US citizenship application

• Eligibility check
• Getting the correct USCIS Form
• Completing the form and submitting it

Eligibility Check

 

You can file in your application only after the completion of your 5yr/3yr anniversary as a green card holder. You can file 90 days before the expiry of this period. In order to check whether you are fully qualified for US citizenship, you can make use of the Naturalization eligibility worksheet (found at the end of the ‘A guide to Naturalization’). This is very helpful to determine whether you are an eligible applicant or not.

A very important criterion that you need to satisfy, apart from being a permanent resident is, that of maintaining the continuous residence period and physical presence period in the US as per the USCIS stipulations. Only if you are enlisted in the Military or under Government Service will you be exempt from this or enjoy certain concessions.

  

Getting the Correct USCIS Form

 

The USCIS forms that cater specifically to citizenship are N-400, N-600, and N-565. If you are filing it to get naturalized as a US citizen, then N-400 is your pick. N-600 is for acquiring citizenship through your US Citizens parents while the last one is to get a replacement of your citizenship certificate (in case of it being stolen, damaged or destroyed).

Generally N-400 is considered to be the citizenship application and you can obtain this from any of the USCIS offices. Additionally you can download them for free from the government website or place an order, with the USCIS, either through phone or mail.

 

Note that there is no fee for getting a USCIS form, but there is a specific fee for filing it. The current filing fee for N-400 is $680 ($85 is for biometrics), which needs to be sent in along with your citizenship application. This fee is absolutely not refundable even if your application gets rejected. So make sure that you read all the instructions that are provided, over and over again, so you avoid any possible chances of the application getting rejected.

Adjustment of Status Form I-485 Questions

What is Adjustment of Status Form I-485?

Adjustment of status is a process which allows non-immigrants in the United States to adjust and change their non-immigrant status to immigrant status, if they belong to an eligible category. If you feel that you are eligible for adjustment of status, you may file the USCIS Form I-485.

When to File an I-485 Adjustment of Status Application?

You can file the I-485 once you received the I-130 or I-140 receipt notice from the USCIS. The priority date determines the visa availability. For relative petitions, the priority date is the date when the I-130 immigrant petition form was properly filed. For employment-based petitions, the priority date is the date from the labor certification that was filed with the Department of Labor (DOL), or the date that the I-140 immigrant petition was filed with the USCIS (if no labor certification was required).  The priority date becomes "current" when there is a visa available.  If the priority date is current, you may file for Adjustment of Status during the month when the priority date is current. The State Department issues a document each month called the Visa Bulletin that lists the current priority dates for each immigrant preference category.  There are also special situations, such as the diversity visa lottery, registry, and asylum that permit filing for adjustment of status within specified timeframes.

Source: When can I file my I-485 Adjustment of Status?

Question: What to Do If Your Citizenship Application is Denied?

When one's citizenship application is denied, he will still be a lawful permanent resident but will not become lawfully recognized as a U.S. citizen. He can try correcting the reason for the denial and reapply again.

But one should worry so much because denied applications are reconsidered by the USCIS. During the process of re-application for US citizenship, you will be required to submit a copy of your denied application or you must inform the USCIS about the details on the first attempt on citizenship application. Stating the reason for denial is also needed for further verification. You can always retain a copy of the form that you file and the mailing proof for your reference. If you meet all the eligibility requirements for citizenship, you will be called to submit only the finger prints, if you have already passed the civics and English tests.  

Then the USCIS will review your entire file to check for any fraudulent information. If your file seems to contain false information, then your application will be denied. Other reasons for denied applications are lack of good moral character, low knowledge of English, and civics and criminal convictions. 


GROUNDS for DENIED CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

English and Civics Tests

One of the common reasons or the rejection of citizenship applications is the inability to write, speak and read English. The citizenship interview and exam is done in English. However, you can request a waiver for this if you,
*are a Green card holder (lawful Permanent Resident) in the US for the past 20 years; and you are above 50 years old.
*are 55 years old and you have been a Lawful Permanent Resident in the USA for 15 years.
*have mental or physical disability which disallows you from taking the test. Provided that there is a letter signed by registered doctor.  
 
If you fail in the test, you will still be a permanent resident, and you can still take up the English and the Civics test for the second time after 90 days from the first test.


Good Moral Character

Lack of Good Moral Character also leads to a denial of citizenship. If your application has been denied for this reason, you can reapply after 5 years, developing proof of your good moral character.


Criminal Convictions

If the applicant is found to be a criminal, the application is most likely to be denied. And to those who have committed grave crimes, deportation will take place. However, applicants that are convicted of a less serious crime can reapply after 5 years from the date of offense. 


Under certain circumstances when your application is still denied for any other reasons aside from the above mentioned, you can try solving the issues and then re-file an application for citizenship. Seek for a professional help this time to for a better understanding of the process.

The Truth about Renunciation of US Citizenship

Renunciation is an act of formally renouncing or giving up American Citizenship. Renouncing United States Citizenship is not an irreversible process and it is irrevocable. It is usually done before a diplomatic or a consular officer of the US, outside the US. Once you renounce your United States citizenship, it can never be re-obtained, even through naturalization.

What is the reason to renounce US citizenship?

The U.S. is the only industrialized country that asks its citizens to pay income tax on their offshore income. US citizens who live abroad feel that the cost of maintaining their U.S. citizenship is burdensome. New laws have worsened the condition where it has made it difficult for Americans to handle their funds while living abroad. 

 

US citizens who work and live abroad are required to pay their taxes in the US to retain their Citizenship. Though they invest abroad and they do not get any profit from the US, they are still required to give a portion of their earnings to the US. This is considered to be unjust. It is also said to be a form of slavery as the US Citizens are forced to give a part of their income and moreover they receive nothing in return. Most people think that they can focus on improving their businesses rather than worrying about the taxes that they must pay to the US, by renouncing US Citizenship.

There are also people who renounce American Citizenship in order to fulfill their political dreams in other countries. Eric Sandrin, a basket ball player, renounced his US Citizenship, in order to play for the National team of another country.

Few people who renounce US Citizenship are those who received two citizenships at birth and they may be forced by the non-US country to choose one country at a certain age. Korea is a country where dual nationality is not allowed after 21 years of age.

Renounce American Citizenship

To renounce your US Citizenship, you must contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a foreign country and you must inform them about your intention to renounce your US Citizenship, as you cannot renounce US Citizenship while you are in the US. It is mandatory to establish proof of your foreign residency while you apply for renunciation. You will be asked reasons for renouncing your citizenship. To renounce your American Citizenship, you must sign a renunciation oath. On signing the oath, in front of a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer, you declare that you are renouncing all the rights given to you as a U.S. citizen. Then your application will be forwarded to the US Department of State. You must also submit your US passport to the US consular officer for cancellation. On the approval of your application, your name will be put on a list with the U.S. Department of State and you will never be able to get a US passport again.

On giving up your Citizenship, you will lose protection of the US Government. You will also not be required to pay taxes to the US government.

Entering the US after renouncing Citizenship

You can always enter the US, with the passport from a visa waiver country, though your citizenship is renounced. If you are from a non-visa waiver country then you can apply for a US visa, through which you can enter the US. You can enter the US by obtaining a tourist visa. The tourist visa can be extended and you can stay in the US for 90 days with the tourist visa. But if you are ineligible for a travel visa, you cannot enter the US.

People seeking renunciation must be aware of the fact that renouncing American Citizenship will not allow them to escape from any criminal prosecution which they have committed in the US or repayment of financial indebtedness incurred by them in the United States. It must also be noted that if a person wants to renounce US Citizenship he cannot retain some of the advantages of Citizenship, which is against the concept of renunciation.

Do's and Dont's for filling Immigration Forms

The USCIS provides most forms free of charge through its website free of cost. One can view, print or fill out these forms by downloading them off the internet for free. In order to complete these forms, you may have to carefully read notices, warnings and explanations provided in these forms. Before you print out these forms, go through each and every page carefully. Look for the requirements in the form such as supporting documents. Collect all the necessary documents, photos and affidavits if any before you print the forms and mail it to the USCIS.

The following are the DO's you may have to follow to correctly print and fill out a form.

1. Find out the correct number of the application form that you need to apply.
2. Be sure to verify the filing location before you fill the form. The instructions given for this may vary according to circumstances. Immigration forms are marked with (I) and Naturalization forms with (N).
3. Find out the correct fees for the forms you are going to fill. If there are biometrics involved, a separate fee for that has to be paid.
4. Read the special instructions given and make sure you follow them. Failure to fill the correct form or fee will result in rejection.
5. Make checks payable to “Department of Homeland Security.”
6. Check with the USCIS if you are eligible for a fee-waiver.
7. Many immigration forms require photographs to be submitted along with the form. The photographs should be as per the specifications provided in the form.
8. Many non-USCIS sites offer immigration forms. Some of them sell it for a fee. However these sites are not affiliated with the USCIS and may not have the latest version of the form. Also, your application if not in the current form, can be rejected or delayed.

Some of the DONT's you have to follow if you are applying for immigration. They are as follows:

1. If you are going to apply online, you have to find out if in your circumstances you can file online. That is, if you are applying for a waiver of fee, you may not apply online. If you want your case to be expedited, you may not file it online.
2. For some situations e-filing may not be the right solution. So check out the form filing instructions before filing.
3. Avoid scams. Many sites offer immigration services. Several are unauthorized. While some of the unauthorized may mean well, there are others who are out to rip you. This is against the law and may be considered an immigration scam.
4. Report such scams.
   

Immigration How-to Articles

Having some trouble with Immigration topics and can't find a source to help you?

Below is a sample list of Immigration How-to Article topics that may help you with U.S. Immigration Questions and Issues.

Some covered topics available are the ff:

• How To Apply for a Fiance(e) Visa
• How To Attain US Citizenship
• How To Extend a Visitor Visa
• How To Get a Certificate of Citizenship• How To Get a Family Based Green Card
• How To Get a Green Card through Marriage
• How To Get a Student Visa
• How To Get a US Passport
• How To Get an H-1B Visa
• How To Get Proof of U.S. Citizenship
• How To Know which Affidavit of Support You Need
• How To Renew an Expired Green Card
• How To Replace Your Green Card
• How To Start the Green Card Renewal Process
• Preparing for the Marriage Based Green Card Interview
• What do I do if my Green Card was lost or stolen?

Check out the link for more details.
Immigration “How To” articles

Completing and Submitting the Citizenship Application

Applicants should take all the necessary care to fill out an error free citizenship application. This is because the USCIS scrutinizes all applications very in a very strict fashion and any slight error may cause them to reject your application. It will be a total waste of your hard- earned dollars and your precious time for you have to pay afresh if you are filing in another application.

The general guidelines for filling in the application does not hold good for all applicants. If you have been married, divorced or widowed at the time of applying, then proof for the respective status should be attached with the application. Also if you have been convicted of any crime or put on probation, it is essential that you furnish the necessary documents that will establish the facts along with the citizenship application. Concealing facts about your past criminal history or travels out of the US, or any other trivial matter will cause a significant delay of your application. In some cases, it may even lead to the rejection of it.

The USCIS has clear instructions regarding the submission of the completed applications. Applications along with the specified filing fee can be sent in snail mail or through Express mail or even courier service (a different address for the last two, though)

• If you are from any of the following regions - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, then you need to submit the application to the USCIS Lockbox facility at Phoenix.
• If you reside in any of these regions  - Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you need to send in your application to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.

In the event of you being military personnel, or having been in service previously you need to send in your application to the Nebraska Service Center, regardless of where you live or commissioned. Similarly, your spouses can also send it to the same address. In case of immediate relatives of deceased military members, the same address holds good for them.

If you wish to receive notification regarding the acceptance of your citizenship application, then you need to fill Form G-1145E and attach it to the first page of the application.

How to Make Your Vote Count?

The upcoming 2012 U.S. Presidential election which also includes the election of all United States Representatives and a third of U.S. Senators is one of the most awaited political and national events this year.

So if you are currently a Green Card holder who is eligible to file to for US Citizenship, start the process now! Fill out Form N400 - Application for Naturalization and get started to make your vote count.

Source:
Path to Voting in the Next Election: US Citizenship

USCIS Announced 58 Eligible Countries for H-2A and H-2B Programs

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS has announced the list of 58 eligible countries that will be able to participate in the H-2A and H-2B program in the forthcoming year. This eligibility list is valid for a period of one year and will be published in the Federal Register.

The USCIS may only approve H-2A and H-2B visas for participants from the listed countries. USCIS may approve visas for participants from non-eligible countries only if they find it to be in the interest of the U.S.

Source:

58 Eligible Countries for H-2A and H-2B Programs

Degree Equivalency Requirements for Form I-140

Degree Equivalency Requirements for Immigration Form I-140

Those who are applying for an employment-based Green Card in the second or third preference, need to submit evidence to proove that he/she has the educational requirements needed to perform the job being offered by a specific U.S. employer. 

The educational requirements for the offered job will be listed on your approved Labor Certification (Form 9089).

Source

USCIS' Electronic Immigration System (ELIS)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is coming up with a new system "Electronic Immigration System (ELIS)"  to transform their paper-based system into an electronic one.


They are currently on the testing stage of what they call, “a simplified, Web-based system that will allow customers to submit and track their applications online and enhance USCIS’ ability to process cases with greater accuracy, security and timeliness.”


Source:
USCIS' ELIS

2013 Green Card Lottery

Those who've entered their names in the Green Card Lottery last year, must have received their submission confirmation numbers and keep the information safely for it is going to be needed for future status verification.

On May 01, 2012, all entrants may check the status of their entries to check if their entries are selected or not.
Source:
Green Card Lottery 2013 Has Ended

The Latest Immigration News Source

Want to know what's happening in U.S.? Curious about the local immigration issues?

Then be informed about the latest immigration news and headlines.

Immigration Direct is your online guide to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Issues.


Read the latest immigration articles at:

http://www.immigrationdirect.com/immigration-news/index.html

EAD and Certificate of Citizenship Update

EAD and Certificate of Citizenship Update



The new EAD design feature will provide workers, employers and law enforcement a better way to identify the EAD card as well as providing proof of authorization to work in the U.S. The new Certificate of Citizenship will make it impossible to alter the information on the certificate.

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Where to File a Citizenship Application?

The status of being a US citizen is surely a thing to be treasured. It can give great happiness to the individual and a sense of truly belonging to the nation. As a result of becoming a US citizen, the individual gets to enjoy many special privileges and benefits that are reserved only for the citizens. The path towards the citizenship status is not a bed of roses. It involves many years of wait and completion of various procedures. But it is all definitely worth the while.

Preliminary Requisites before Filing-in Your Citizenship Application

The first and the most important criterion for becoming a US citizen is to become a Legal Permanent Resident (i.e.) Green Card Holder. An individual should have been a Green Card holder for the past

• 5yrs if it is a regular Green Card
• 3yrs if it is a Conditional Green Card and should continue to be living with the US citizen husband/wife at the time of filing in the citizenship application

Only an individual who is 18 yrs of age can file in to get naturalized as a US citizen. Continuous residence requirement needs to be strictly adhered to the USCIS norms – 5yrs for normal Green card Holders and 3 yrs in the case of those married to US citizens. Staying in the US, that too in terms of physical presence, for a period of 30 months is mandatory. Additionally, a compulsory 3 month stay in the address of residence provided on the citizenship application is also a part of the requirements.