US embassy is reopening appointments for student visas (limited slots) starting Aug 17.

#H1B, L1, H4, and other visa appointments will be given after emergency request approval.

https://www.am22tech.com/coronavirus-us-embassy-india-cancels-visa-appointments/

Some people in our groups have reported that #H1B Second lottery has happened.

I have not been able to verify it independently though.

Check if you got lucky on USCIS case status website.
https://www.am22tech.com/h1b-lottery-status-submitted/

Sep 2020 Visa Bulletin:

India Final Action EB2 +0 Days, EB3 +0 Days, EB1 Moves Ahead +21 Days.

China Final Action EB3 +0 Days, EB2 +0 Days, EB1 Moves Ahead +21 Days

The total wait time for GC increases by approximately 2 years after each visa bulletin.
https://www.am22tech.com/uscis-visa-bulletin/employment/

I have heard that Reddy & Neumann law is restarting their H4 EAD lawsuits with first one on Sep 19.

You can join it with $2800 fee.

Please connect with RN law to confirm and join:
https://www.am22tech.com/court-case-uscis-h4-ead-delays-after-biometric/

GOOD NEWS!!
USCIS: Use EAD approval notice form i797 as proof of EAD approval to start employment (I-9) in #COVID-19.

No need to wait for the physical card.
https://www.am22tech.com/usa/news/ead-approval-notice/
#H4EAD

People are getting crazy and asking desperate questions!

Here is my analysis:

Brietbart article about giving 100000 GCs for workers is nothing but a spillover of Family GC numbers to EB numbers in Oct 2020.

I have shared it multiple times earlier and the prediction of how much the Indian queues can move here for Oct 2020 bulletin:

https://www.am22tech.com/eb2-india-predictions/

Good news:
- H4, #H4EAD and L2, L2 EAD will be eligible to file in premium and get approval within 20-21 days.

Bad News:
- USCIS premium processing will increase from 1440 to 2500.

The bill has passed House but needs to pass the Senate and then president sign.
The chances are very good that it will pass Senate too next week.

https://www.am22tech.com/uscis-increase-fees-premium-processing-time-days/

Interesting Question for H1B + H4 + H4 EAD premium fee after the new bill:
https://forum.am22tech.com/t/uscis-premium-processing-is-15-working-days-questions-answers/18486/3?u=anil.gupta

State Department has announced relaxation in US visa dropbox eligibility till Dec 31, 2020.
Earlier, your visa should have expired within last 12 months to be eligible. It has not been made 24 months.

App is updated with suggestions to improve your eligibility.

Check if you are eligible for Dropbox or not here:

https://www.am22tech.com/us-visa-dropbox-eligibility/#am-i

Hate letter asking Indian and Chinese IT workers to leave is going around on WhatsApp today.

Irving, TX police has registered a case and started investigation.

Our suggestions to stay safe in this political environment:

https://www.am22tech.com/usa/news/hate-letter-it-jobs-indian-chinese/

DHS has submitted the new H1B specialty occupation, LCA and wage changes to OMB for approval.
This has been expedited due to Trump's Aug 3 executive order.

The new rules may be approved without public comments and that too in less than 90 days!!

More info:
https://www.am22tech.com/dhs-changing-h1b-specialty-occupation-definition-revise-wage-level/

Indian EB2 Green card dates might move ahead faster if spillover happens in Oct 2020 visa bulletin.

My predictions:
https://www.am22tech.com/eb2-india-predictions/

Keep your fingers crossed and try to get the documents ready to file i485, if you can.

Generate document checklist for whole family using this app:
https://www.am22tech.com/green-card-docs-employment/#generate-document

H1B and L1 are currently not required to give biometric for their H1B (and L1) extension, transfer, or amendments but may be included after this rule has been finalized.

USCIS should announce if they add form I-129 to 'biometric required' list.

Iris Scan, Voice Sample and DNS are new requirements added to existing Signature, Photo and Fingerprints that are taken at biometric centers.

More info:
https://www.am22tech.com/usa/news/biometric-for-all/

GOOD NEWS: Oct Visa Bulletin
https://www.am22tech.com/uscis-visa-bulletin/employment/

EB3 India Date of Filing jumps 5 years to reach 1 Jan 15.
Ready to file i485? https://www.am22tech.com/green-card-docs-employment/


EB2 India reaches 15 May 11.
You can file EB2 to EB3 downgrade and then file i485:
https://www.am22tech.com/eb3-india-beats-eb2-in-uscis-gc-priority-race/