Also, USCIS Announces Suspension of Premium Processing of Form I-140

There is a possibility that the visa numbers for Applications for Permanent Residence may run out before the end of July.

We previously advised, based on information provided by the State Department, that this category would be available/current for the entire month of July, and thus applicants would be eligible to file green card applications until the end of July. Now some sources are reporting that the numbers may run out earlier than expected. At present, no official statement has been made; thus, we cannot predict if, or when, the numbers may run out.

What does this mean?:

1. Applicants should take every step possible to try to send their counsel completed information as soon as possible;
2. No one can make any guarantees at this point that applications will be accepted for filing by USCIS.

Please note that counsel can file applications as soon as they are complete. However, since the numbers can be "cut off" at any time, there is no way to be sure that a specific application will ultimately be accepted.

Also note that USCIS has advised in a written statement that applications filed without medical exams can be rejected as incomplete. As such, counsel cannot file until medical exams are provided.

Premium Processing Service of Form I-140 Suspended

USCIS has announced that it will temporarily suspend the Premium Processing Service of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker beginning July 2, 2007 through August 1, 2007. Please click here for the full text of the press release.

For Further Information

For more information about this Alert, please contact one of the immigration attorneys of our Employment & Immigration Practice Group or the attorney in the firm with whom you are regularly in contact.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.