vamsi_poondla
09-26 12:36 PM
Excellent coordination...
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meridiani.planum
08-07 02:38 AM
Hi Sachug22,
Some of the data you specified does not add up well. For example 2006 India, EB-total is 17,358 but 3,156+3,720+3,006 adds upto 9882.
Any idea?
Type 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
EB1-All 41,672 34,168 14,453 31,291 64,731 36,960 26,697
EB2-All 42,550 44,316 15,406 32,534 42,597 21,911 44,162
EB3-All 85,847 88,002 46,415 85,969 129,070 89,922 85,030
EB-All 179,195 174,968 82,137 155,330 246,878 159,081 155,889
EB1-I 3,543 2,820 1,266 2,998 6,336 3,156 2,855
EB2-I 21,355 21,310 8,536 16,262 16,687 3,720 6,203
EB3-I 16,339 17,354 10,647 19,889 23,250 3,006 17,795
EB-I 41,720 41,919 20,818 39,496 47,160 17,358 26,853
Thanks
that difference in numbers between total(EB) and total-india-GC for 2006 is because of a special provision of 50k visas made for schedule-A (nurses). Folks from Philippines and India took a big chunk of those visas. There was a lot of discussion of that on IV, because those 50k were recaptured visa numbers, which instead of being put into the general pool, were all given to schedule-A.
Some of the data you specified does not add up well. For example 2006 India, EB-total is 17,358 but 3,156+3,720+3,006 adds upto 9882.
Any idea?
Type 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
EB1-All 41,672 34,168 14,453 31,291 64,731 36,960 26,697
EB2-All 42,550 44,316 15,406 32,534 42,597 21,911 44,162
EB3-All 85,847 88,002 46,415 85,969 129,070 89,922 85,030
EB-All 179,195 174,968 82,137 155,330 246,878 159,081 155,889
EB1-I 3,543 2,820 1,266 2,998 6,336 3,156 2,855
EB2-I 21,355 21,310 8,536 16,262 16,687 3,720 6,203
EB3-I 16,339 17,354 10,647 19,889 23,250 3,006 17,795
EB-I 41,720 41,919 20,818 39,496 47,160 17,358 26,853
Thanks
that difference in numbers between total(EB) and total-india-GC for 2006 is because of a special provision of 50k visas made for schedule-A (nurses). Folks from Philippines and India took a big chunk of those visas. There was a lot of discussion of that on IV, because those 50k were recaptured visa numbers, which instead of being put into the general pool, were all given to schedule-A.
sri1234
05-27 11:44 AM
I wonder what are the required documents for America born citizens if they don't have passports. Just a driver license? or they have to carry birth certificates always?
I think American Citizens Drivers Licence do not have "Status Check" date where as Non-Immigrants have it.
I think American Citizens Drivers Licence do not have "Status Check" date where as Non-Immigrants have it.
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prioritydate
01-17 07:32 PM
I think whatever OP said is true.
more...
PresidentO
02-11 01:19 PM
Read this
http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/FY08-AR-TableV.pdf
and tell us, where do you see 13,000 unused numbers?
Desi3933,
+1
People keep falling for the attorney's sensationalism. If he is so *darn* right, why does not he got to DOS and get an explanation on why they did not extend dates further and why DOS did not do the math right. Just because you have a blog does not mean that you can write what ever you want. Well I guess you could. Obviously, our fellow members think that they really lost a chance at the green card. An attorney writes a piece of crap with out substantiative evidence or an authority such as DOS confirming underutilization of visa numbers and our members go on the roof and start yelling What is IV doing?
If any one has looked at the bills sponsored by congresswoman lofgren in the past congress, one of the bills eliminate the spill over of visas from FB to EB and vice versa. If the numbers are coming into EB from FB this year, FB was the one that was supposed to get numbers from EB last year. As I recall during the final Q of 08, DOS announced that there were 22K visa numbers or what so ever that came in from FB and moved dates all the way into Aug 06 for EB2 India. Hence there must *NOT* have been any spill over last year and DOS unable to walk on the slippery slope actually issued 1120 more visas as you pointed and benefitted AOS applicants.
http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/FY08-AR-TableV.pdf
and tell us, where do you see 13,000 unused numbers?
Desi3933,
+1
People keep falling for the attorney's sensationalism. If he is so *darn* right, why does not he got to DOS and get an explanation on why they did not extend dates further and why DOS did not do the math right. Just because you have a blog does not mean that you can write what ever you want. Well I guess you could. Obviously, our fellow members think that they really lost a chance at the green card. An attorney writes a piece of crap with out substantiative evidence or an authority such as DOS confirming underutilization of visa numbers and our members go on the roof and start yelling What is IV doing?
If any one has looked at the bills sponsored by congresswoman lofgren in the past congress, one of the bills eliminate the spill over of visas from FB to EB and vice versa. If the numbers are coming into EB from FB this year, FB was the one that was supposed to get numbers from EB last year. As I recall during the final Q of 08, DOS announced that there were 22K visa numbers or what so ever that came in from FB and moved dates all the way into Aug 06 for EB2 India. Hence there must *NOT* have been any spill over last year and DOS unable to walk on the slippery slope actually issued 1120 more visas as you pointed and benefitted AOS applicants.
Jaime
09-12 05:19 PM
Talk to us! What is preventing you from attending??? Let's GO! Let's do this!!!!
more...
boreal
10-26 01:51 AM
I have to post here to get attention though I know this is not the thread ..I don't know why people are not talking about this ..there is a possibility that there may be a lame duck session for second stimulus bill ..maybe we can push for small recapture bill ..please comment and let us get IV core's attention..I can access IV only during evenings and morning ...so someone please think about this and push for this
-------------------------
does IV core really have access to senators or DHS ???? because now when there is talk about second stimulus and talk to prep up housing ..we can push RECAPTURE !!! flower campaign to get attention is good idea too ...let us give them a approximate figure that 150,000 legal skilled immigrants are not buying house because of gc delays ..and hence ask them to do a small recapture at the minimum.
eternal optimists, arent we? :-)
-------------------------
does IV core really have access to senators or DHS ???? because now when there is talk about second stimulus and talk to prep up housing ..we can push RECAPTURE !!! flower campaign to get attention is good idea too ...let us give them a approximate figure that 150,000 legal skilled immigrants are not buying house because of gc delays ..and hence ask them to do a small recapture at the minimum.
eternal optimists, arent we? :-)
2010 Marathi Love Poems Images:
texcan
01-22 06:48 PM
Great discussion here, its great to see prospective from many folks.
Wonderful insights.
Saggi13
Man great venting.
Here is a question for you and for all of us in similiar circumstances. you got to ask a question.....what will make you happy. You took a great step in buying the house not because of any reason other than "you wanted your daughter needed some place to play". You took the decision, made a choice....Now you should be happy for you did what you deened important for you and you did it.
Now things went bad after buying a house, but overall you choose to buy this and that should make you happy.
Nothing personal Sagi13...your write was excellent about changes with in 9 months. It will all work out for you.
I read somewhere "happiness is in action". Its far more easier to ask sorry for something done, than to repent for something left undone.
For me what has worked so far is trying to stay out of Rat Race, and this too by choice.
I choose not to waste money on new cars, not my type, i refuse to judge people by the cars they drive. i have driven decent cars, but never paid a penny to anyone on car loan interest. So will i do for a house, god willing.
i make sure to spend a lot of time with family and friends, and real time spend relaxing, enjoying sun ...walks in morning.
i did spend a lot of money this last year on soft factors/family and friends...more than 10K ...i choose to do so; and i am happy so far.
This may not be a big amount for someone, and this expense could have been avoided but we choose to spend it, fine no issues.
My belief is, one got to make peace with one self, past is past ..and stop comparisons
We all make mistakes, i make more mistakes than my fair share of "1" a day...
Remember "we are spritual beings having human experiences". T
Here is another good line i try to remember always, think about what do you want...lets say GC.
Imagine you got GC today....now what will you do differently than what you are doing today. what change will GC bring to you as a person ( forget other crazy ideas we have created in our minds.....like help in job, realizing american dream, and please Donot cite reasons like it will be easier to travel/get a job. )
If you donot have any solid differences in your life...after getting a GC...then my friend you are in Rat Race.
This American dream is a bull ....by marketers, this is a dream for everyone on this planet, and most achieve it....by having a space where they can relax not by owning something....ownership is perceived notion. How can owning a piece of wood and concrete help anyone??
Wonderful insights.
Saggi13
Man great venting.
Here is a question for you and for all of us in similiar circumstances. you got to ask a question.....what will make you happy. You took a great step in buying the house not because of any reason other than "you wanted your daughter needed some place to play". You took the decision, made a choice....Now you should be happy for you did what you deened important for you and you did it.
Now things went bad after buying a house, but overall you choose to buy this and that should make you happy.
Nothing personal Sagi13...your write was excellent about changes with in 9 months. It will all work out for you.
I read somewhere "happiness is in action". Its far more easier to ask sorry for something done, than to repent for something left undone.
For me what has worked so far is trying to stay out of Rat Race, and this too by choice.
I choose not to waste money on new cars, not my type, i refuse to judge people by the cars they drive. i have driven decent cars, but never paid a penny to anyone on car loan interest. So will i do for a house, god willing.
i make sure to spend a lot of time with family and friends, and real time spend relaxing, enjoying sun ...walks in morning.
i did spend a lot of money this last year on soft factors/family and friends...more than 10K ...i choose to do so; and i am happy so far.
This may not be a big amount for someone, and this expense could have been avoided but we choose to spend it, fine no issues.
My belief is, one got to make peace with one self, past is past ..and stop comparisons
We all make mistakes, i make more mistakes than my fair share of "1" a day...
Remember "we are spritual beings having human experiences". T
Here is another good line i try to remember always, think about what do you want...lets say GC.
Imagine you got GC today....now what will you do differently than what you are doing today. what change will GC bring to you as a person ( forget other crazy ideas we have created in our minds.....like help in job, realizing american dream, and please Donot cite reasons like it will be easier to travel/get a job. )
If you donot have any solid differences in your life...after getting a GC...then my friend you are in Rat Race.
This American dream is a bull ....by marketers, this is a dream for everyone on this planet, and most achieve it....by having a space where they can relax not by owning something....ownership is perceived notion. How can owning a piece of wood and concrete help anyone??
more...
minimalist
10-20 11:47 AM
Just like how you blindly think green card is the only thing that matters in this world. McCain lies, runs slimy sleazy adds that tell what kind of person he is. He doesn't have the depth of knowledge that Obama has nor does he have moral values. Time for you to wake up. Go Obama He doesn't compare with Mccain on any of the issues except being able to talk. He spends more money running negative ads than Mccain. Then he says, john, 100% of your ads are negative where as only 50% of mine are negative. Which is true but if you dig further Mccain is spending 1bout 50Mil on negative ads where as Obama is spending 80Mil. Though he is correct in his percentages statement,is he really correct?
Any time any question is raised , call them slimy is another strategy of Obama. He did it with Clintons and he is doing with Mccain.
Any time any question is raised , call them slimy is another strategy of Obama. He did it with Clintons and he is doing with Mccain.
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gk_2000
05-23 03:50 PM
Definitely much better than a computer operators'. I have high regards for people who work at reputed companies such as MS, ORCL, Apple though. By computer operator i mean people who try to speak english but sound as if they are speaking telugu.
How about Egyptian accent? How about Russian, Chinese, Mexican, etc?
Have your REALLY been in USA? How long? Came yesterday????
How about Egyptian accent? How about Russian, Chinese, Mexican, etc?
Have your REALLY been in USA? How long? Came yesterday????
more...
voldemar
06-20 06:06 PM
1) Is it ok if I file EAD & AP separately from I-485?
Or should i wait till I-485 approval is received and then file EAD & AP.
When you get 485 approval you will not need EAD or AP :D
It's OK to file for EAD and AP yourself, I did it 4 times but you need I-485 receipt notice and I-140 receipt and then approval notice to do that. So if you are wiling to wait till your lawyer get notices (it could be months for those who are filing in July) and your employer and lawyer will provide you a copy of all notices - it's fine to file yourself.
Or should i wait till I-485 approval is received and then file EAD & AP.
When you get 485 approval you will not need EAD or AP :D
It's OK to file for EAD and AP yourself, I did it 4 times but you need I-485 receipt notice and I-140 receipt and then approval notice to do that. So if you are wiling to wait till your lawyer get notices (it could be months for those who are filing in July) and your employer and lawyer will provide you a copy of all notices - it's fine to file yourself.
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lost_in_migration
08-15 04:04 PM
Although EB3 is still messed up this VB is lot better than all 'U's :)
more...
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gc28262
06-10 11:06 PM
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came...
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came...
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prad123
05-05 11:32 PM
My friend was on situation. He consulted lawyer. If already change of status is applied from October 1 you will be in H1. But if you go out of country and come back before October 1st with L1 visa, you are COS will not be valid. Youcan continue in L1. But only problem is you can not switch to H1 later without stamping.
more...
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AirWaterandGC
07-15 02:20 PM
How much time do you have to respond to the RFE ? Do you have to provide pay stubs too from your old employer ?
I filed for 485 during July 2007. My 140 was already approved. Due to some problems I quit my employer in August 2007. My previous employer was a desi blood sucker. I was fed up & decided to quit after working for him for 3 years. I applied for H1 transfer with a new employer based on approved 140. I got H1 approval for another 3 years. Currently I am working for the new H1 sponsoring employer. I also received an EAD card based on pending 485 for one year. I didnt notify USICS of job change in July.
I applied for EAD extension this year. The application for EAD extension is pending. I got a following RFE on my 485:
Please state whether or not you are currently working for your I-140 petitioner.
You must submit a currently dated letter from you permanent employer, describing your present job duties & position in the organization, your proferred position (if different from your current one), the date you began employement & the offered salary & wage. The letter must also indicate whether the terms & conditions of your employement based visa petition (or labor certification) continue to exist.
I am not in good terms with my previous employer so I cant ask him for a letter. I can ask my new employer for such a letter.
Will USCIS come to know I quite Employer A before completing 180 days?
Also is it possible that 140 was revoked by my previous employer?
What document should I send to USCIS now?
I filed for 485 during July 2007. My 140 was already approved. Due to some problems I quit my employer in August 2007. My previous employer was a desi blood sucker. I was fed up & decided to quit after working for him for 3 years. I applied for H1 transfer with a new employer based on approved 140. I got H1 approval for another 3 years. Currently I am working for the new H1 sponsoring employer. I also received an EAD card based on pending 485 for one year. I didnt notify USICS of job change in July.
I applied for EAD extension this year. The application for EAD extension is pending. I got a following RFE on my 485:
Please state whether or not you are currently working for your I-140 petitioner.
You must submit a currently dated letter from you permanent employer, describing your present job duties & position in the organization, your proferred position (if different from your current one), the date you began employement & the offered salary & wage. The letter must also indicate whether the terms & conditions of your employement based visa petition (or labor certification) continue to exist.
I am not in good terms with my previous employer so I cant ask him for a letter. I can ask my new employer for such a letter.
Will USCIS come to know I quite Employer A before completing 180 days?
Also is it possible that 140 was revoked by my previous employer?
What document should I send to USCIS now?
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krishmunn
08-31 02:25 PM
I just found that Aspen University is offering online MBA at $3600 (end to end) + books.
The univ is accredited by DTE but not sure about its market value.
I am thinking about low cost MBA and the options (apart from newly discovered super low cost Aspen) are --
University of South Dakota (USD) (18 K)
&
University of Massachusetts (UMass) (30 K)
Does any one know if USD has a decent market value ?
The univ is accredited by DTE but not sure about its market value.
I am thinking about low cost MBA and the options (apart from newly discovered super low cost Aspen) are --
University of South Dakota (USD) (18 K)
&
University of Massachusetts (UMass) (30 K)
Does any one know if USD has a decent market value ?
more...
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kate123
02-19 04:58 PM
DITTO!
I feel the same...
You guys are really making me laugh by having this less than and longer than 5 years arguing. If you've been on this forum long enough, you'll know the chance of this bill passes will be next to nothing.
I feel the same...
You guys are really making me laugh by having this less than and longer than 5 years arguing. If you've been on this forum long enough, you'll know the chance of this bill passes will be next to nothing.
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deepakjain
06-08 06:32 PM
Do not abuse me...for this post.
2 of my friends have moved back to India after looking at EB2 date of JAN00....I think they took the wise decision....
Else let us work here thinking that we are in Saudi Arabia, work till the age of 58-65 and then move back to India letting our kids settled here.
2 of my friends have moved back to India after looking at EB2 date of JAN00....I think they took the wise decision....
Else let us work here thinking that we are in Saudi Arabia, work till the age of 58-65 and then move back to India letting our kids settled here.
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amitjoey
01-18 05:26 PM
Thanks Pappu :D (Pappu, left a PM, pl reply. Wouldn't mind if you don't come back , you are busy. Thanks)
Several hundred members ... only about 50 posts !!
That's true, once it is posted on a web site, most likely many members of that site will come read the thread. How many will read, will go on increasing each day, east posting.
Extraordinary effort perm2gc and others, please keep it up !!
Members , give it a thought ... give a free gift, more the members ...best our efforts.
Thanks to all of you who are helping with this effort. 57 new members in the last 2 days and another 100 new last week. It has been very effective.
Several hundred members ... only about 50 posts !!
That's true, once it is posted on a web site, most likely many members of that site will come read the thread. How many will read, will go on increasing each day, east posting.
Extraordinary effort perm2gc and others, please keep it up !!
Members , give it a thought ... give a free gift, more the members ...best our efforts.
Thanks to all of you who are helping with this effort. 57 new members in the last 2 days and another 100 new last week. It has been very effective.
kshitijnt
05-10 11:27 PM
I urge everyone to read the donor forum...we need more people to work on couple of issues and fixes. Please become a donor and take part in this...if you are serious to fix these issues.
What is a donor. I previously donated $500 and I am not on that forum. Also asked IV through PM about it. Never got a response.
What is a donor. I previously donated $500 and I am not on that forum. Also asked IV through PM about it. Never got a response.
sat0207
04-27 09:23 AM
Immigration Security Checks
�How and Why the Process Works
Background All applicants for a U.S. immigration benefit are subject to criminal and national security background checks to ensure they are eligible for that benefit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Federal agency that oversees immigration benefits, performs checks on every applicant, regardless of ethnicity, national origin or religion. Since 2002, USCIS has increased the number and scope of relevant background checks, processing millions of security checks without incident. However, in some cases, USCIS customers and immigrant advocates have expressed frustration over delays in processing applications, noting that individual customers have waited a year or longer for the completion of their adjudication pending the outcome of security checks. While the percentage of applicants who find their cases delayed by pending background checks is relatively small, USCIS recognizes that for those affected individuals, the additional delay and uncertainty can cause great anxiety. Although USCIS cannot guarantee the prompt resolution of every case, we can assure the public that applicants are not singled out based on race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. USCIS strives to balance the need for timely, fair and accurate service with the need to ensure a high level of integrity in the decision-making process. This fact sheet outlines the framework of the immigration security check process, explaining its necessity, as well as factors contributing to delays in resolving pending cases. Why USCIS Conducts Security Checks USCIS conducts security checks for all cases involving a petition or application for an immigration service or benefit. This is done both to enhance national security and ensure the integrity of the immigration process. USCIS is responsible for ensuring that our immigration system is not used as a vehicle to harm our nation or its citizens by screening out people who seek immigration benefits improperly or fraudulently. These security checks have yielded information about applicants involved in violent crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, drug trafficking and individuals with known links to terrorism. These investigations require time, resources, and patience and USCIS recognizes that the process is slower for some customers than they would like. Because of that, USCIS is working closely with the FBI and other agencies to speed the background check process. However, USCIS will never grant an immigration service or benefit before the required security checks are completed regardless of how long those checks take.
To ensure that immigration benefits are given only to eligible applicants, USCIS adopted background security check procedures that address a wide range of possible risk factors. Different kinds of applications undergo different levels of scrutiny. USCIS normally uses the following three background check mechanisms but maintains the authority to conduct other background investigations as necessary:
� The Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS)
Name Check� IBIS is a multiagency effort with a central system that combines information from multiple agencies, databases and system interfaces to compile data relating to national security risks, public safety issues and other law enforcement concerns. USCIS can quickly check information from these multiple government agencies to determine if the information in the system affects the adjudication of the case. Results of an IBIS check are usually available immediately. In some cases, information found during an IBIS check will require further investigation. The IBIS check is not deemed completed until all eligibility issues arising from the initial system response are resolved.
� FBI Fingerprint Check�FBI fingerprint checks are conducted for many applications. The FBI fingerprint check provides information relating to criminal background within the United States. Generally, the FBI forwards responses to USCIS within 24-48 hours. If there is a record match, the FBI forwards an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. At that point, a USCIS adjudicator reviews the information to determine what effect it may have on eligibility for the benefit. Although the vast majority of inquiries yield no record or match, about 10 percent do uncover criminal history (including immigration violations). In cases involving arrests or charges without disposition, USCIS requires the applicant to provide court certified evidence of the disposition. Customers with prior arrests should provide complete information and certified disposition records at the time of filing to avoid adjudication delays or denial resulting from misrepresentation about criminal history. Even expunged or vacated convictions must be reported for immigration purposes.
� FBI Name Checks�FBI name checks are also required for many applications. The FBI name check is totally different from the FBI fingerprint check. The records maintained in the FBI name check process consist of administrative, applicant, criminal, personnel and other files compiled by law enforcement. Initial responses to this check generally take about two weeks. In about 80 percent of the cases, no match is found. Of the remaining 20 percent, most are resolved within six months. Less than one percent of cases subject to an FBI name check remain pending longer than six months. Some of these cases involve complex, highly sensitive information and cannot be resolved quickly. Even after FBI has provided an initial response to USCIS concerning a match, the name check is not complete until full information is obtained and eligibility issues arising from it are resolved. For most applicants, the process outlined above allows USCIS to quickly determine if there are criminal or security related issues in the applicant�s background that affect eligibility for immigration benefits. Most cases proceed forward without incident. However, due to both the sheer volume of security checks USCIS conducts, and the need to ensure that each applicant is thoroughly screened, some delays on individual applications are inevitable. Background checks may still be considered pending when either the FBI or relevant agency has not provided the final response to the background check or when the FBI or agency has provided a response, but the response requires further investigation or review by the agency or USCIS. Resolving pending cases is time-consuming and labor-intensive; some cases legitimately take months or evenseveral years to resolve. Every USCIS District Office performs regular reviews of the pending caseload to determine when cases have cleared and are ready to be decided. USCIS does not share information about the records match or the nature or status of any investigation with applicants or their representatives.
�How and Why the Process Works
Background All applicants for a U.S. immigration benefit are subject to criminal and national security background checks to ensure they are eligible for that benefit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Federal agency that oversees immigration benefits, performs checks on every applicant, regardless of ethnicity, national origin or religion. Since 2002, USCIS has increased the number and scope of relevant background checks, processing millions of security checks without incident. However, in some cases, USCIS customers and immigrant advocates have expressed frustration over delays in processing applications, noting that individual customers have waited a year or longer for the completion of their adjudication pending the outcome of security checks. While the percentage of applicants who find their cases delayed by pending background checks is relatively small, USCIS recognizes that for those affected individuals, the additional delay and uncertainty can cause great anxiety. Although USCIS cannot guarantee the prompt resolution of every case, we can assure the public that applicants are not singled out based on race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. USCIS strives to balance the need for timely, fair and accurate service with the need to ensure a high level of integrity in the decision-making process. This fact sheet outlines the framework of the immigration security check process, explaining its necessity, as well as factors contributing to delays in resolving pending cases. Why USCIS Conducts Security Checks USCIS conducts security checks for all cases involving a petition or application for an immigration service or benefit. This is done both to enhance national security and ensure the integrity of the immigration process. USCIS is responsible for ensuring that our immigration system is not used as a vehicle to harm our nation or its citizens by screening out people who seek immigration benefits improperly or fraudulently. These security checks have yielded information about applicants involved in violent crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, drug trafficking and individuals with known links to terrorism. These investigations require time, resources, and patience and USCIS recognizes that the process is slower for some customers than they would like. Because of that, USCIS is working closely with the FBI and other agencies to speed the background check process. However, USCIS will never grant an immigration service or benefit before the required security checks are completed regardless of how long those checks take.
To ensure that immigration benefits are given only to eligible applicants, USCIS adopted background security check procedures that address a wide range of possible risk factors. Different kinds of applications undergo different levels of scrutiny. USCIS normally uses the following three background check mechanisms but maintains the authority to conduct other background investigations as necessary:
� The Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS)
Name Check� IBIS is a multiagency effort with a central system that combines information from multiple agencies, databases and system interfaces to compile data relating to national security risks, public safety issues and other law enforcement concerns. USCIS can quickly check information from these multiple government agencies to determine if the information in the system affects the adjudication of the case. Results of an IBIS check are usually available immediately. In some cases, information found during an IBIS check will require further investigation. The IBIS check is not deemed completed until all eligibility issues arising from the initial system response are resolved.
� FBI Fingerprint Check�FBI fingerprint checks are conducted for many applications. The FBI fingerprint check provides information relating to criminal background within the United States. Generally, the FBI forwards responses to USCIS within 24-48 hours. If there is a record match, the FBI forwards an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. At that point, a USCIS adjudicator reviews the information to determine what effect it may have on eligibility for the benefit. Although the vast majority of inquiries yield no record or match, about 10 percent do uncover criminal history (including immigration violations). In cases involving arrests or charges without disposition, USCIS requires the applicant to provide court certified evidence of the disposition. Customers with prior arrests should provide complete information and certified disposition records at the time of filing to avoid adjudication delays or denial resulting from misrepresentation about criminal history. Even expunged or vacated convictions must be reported for immigration purposes.
� FBI Name Checks�FBI name checks are also required for many applications. The FBI name check is totally different from the FBI fingerprint check. The records maintained in the FBI name check process consist of administrative, applicant, criminal, personnel and other files compiled by law enforcement. Initial responses to this check generally take about two weeks. In about 80 percent of the cases, no match is found. Of the remaining 20 percent, most are resolved within six months. Less than one percent of cases subject to an FBI name check remain pending longer than six months. Some of these cases involve complex, highly sensitive information and cannot be resolved quickly. Even after FBI has provided an initial response to USCIS concerning a match, the name check is not complete until full information is obtained and eligibility issues arising from it are resolved. For most applicants, the process outlined above allows USCIS to quickly determine if there are criminal or security related issues in the applicant�s background that affect eligibility for immigration benefits. Most cases proceed forward without incident. However, due to both the sheer volume of security checks USCIS conducts, and the need to ensure that each applicant is thoroughly screened, some delays on individual applications are inevitable. Background checks may still be considered pending when either the FBI or relevant agency has not provided the final response to the background check or when the FBI or agency has provided a response, but the response requires further investigation or review by the agency or USCIS. Resolving pending cases is time-consuming and labor-intensive; some cases legitimately take months or evenseveral years to resolve. Every USCIS District Office performs regular reviews of the pending caseload to determine when cases have cleared and are ready to be decided. USCIS does not share information about the records match or the nature or status of any investigation with applicants or their representatives.
