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E&M Visa Update for January 24, 2003 Volume
Three, Number One sign
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CGFNS
Case Introduces Automated Voice Response System Security Australian Woman Who Overstays Visa Waiver Program Jailed Upon Re-Entry at Mexican Border INS Requires Detailed Passenger Lists for Flight Arrivals and Departures Status
Updates All INS Service Centers Update Processing Time Reports E&M
An I-140 for a nurse can now be approved if the state of intended employment confirms passage of the NCLEX-RN exam and eligibility for a license in that state except for a valid Social Security number. The change in INS policy overcomes the problem (acute in California) with the nurses' inability to receive a license because a Social Security number could not be obtained.
VisaScreen™
Requirement for RN H-1Bs Imminent; INS Clarifies H-1B Availability
for RNs; Immediate Petition Filing and Premium Processing Recommended
for All Planned RN H-1Bs
CGFNS
Case Introduces Automated Voice Response System Applicants will need to enter their CGFNS ID Number and birth date in order to access the system. The system provides callers with information on their Certification Program (for the current exam only), Credentials Evaluation Service or VisaScreen application, including the date the application was received and the current status of the file; Provides the name and number of the Exam Center (for CP Program) and whether or not the permit has been mailed out (if your application has been approved); Provides information regarding the results for the previous Qualifying Exam (for the CP Program); Tells applicants when CGFNS expects to mail them out and whether or not results are being held for any reason (payment, missing documents, etc.); Actual results will not be available due to security concerns; Allows you to check the spelling of your name and address in the CGFNS database; Allows you to check if CGFNS has received your TOEFL score, and if CGFNS has not, it allows applicants to input TOEFL appointment number (CGFNS cannot accept scores from the applicant). There is no word yet as to when CGFNS will follow the INS and allow for web-based status checking.
Department
Of Health and Human Services Launches New J Waiver Program for Physicians
The HHS program is very similar to the USDA program. However, it largely limits the program to primary care physicians. While there is no limit on the numbers of waivers, the agency does note that it may determine the appropriate numbers and geographic areas for waivers. Also, HHS will generally not issue a waiver if waivers are still available under a state Conrad program.
Special
Registration: Groups 1 and 2 Allowed to Register Late; Group 3 Underway,
New Group 4 Groups
1 and 2 Allowed to Register Late Group
3 Registration Period: January 13 - February 21, 2003 New
Group 4 E&M clients that have questions or concerns about Special Registration are advised to contact their E&M attorney.
Ms. Stapleton stayed in the US two days beyond the expiration of her original 90-day waiver status. It is likely that someone advised her to slip over to Mexico, and then seek re-entry again under the Visa Waiver Program, a practice prohibited by law. Visa Waiver Program users should be very careful to abide by the terms of the program, and to avoid multiple 90-day stays separated by brief foreign travel.
INS
Requires Detailed Passenger Lists for Flight Arrivals and Departures Most airlines were already reporting in-bound passenger manifests as part of the Advanced Passenger information System (APIS). Port of entries (POEs) would then check all passengers before arrival. Now departure info is being reported electronically too. Passengers who do not present their I-94 to the airline may be refused boarding.
February
Visa Bulletin: Employment Numbers Current; Some Family Categories
Advance
All
INS Service Centers Update Processing Time Reports The Vermont Service Center Processing Time Report was updated on January 21 for the period ending January 15. The Nebraska Service Center Processing Time Report was updated on January 16 for the period ending January 1. The California Service Center Processing Time Report was updated on January 14 for the period ended January 1 To view and print out the most recent INS service center processing time reports, please visit http://www.emvisa.com/svcctrprocesstimes.htm
It's
a Boy! - Fabienne Chatain Gives Birth to a Son
Thank you for taking the time to read this E&M Visa Update.
Elliot & Mayock LLP Immigration and Nationality Law
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