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FAQs: General Questions

How long does it take for USCIS to issue the filing fee receipt?
What if the filing fee receipt does not come in?
There's an error in my name and/or place of citizenship on my USCIS approval notice Form I-797. Will this be a problem?
What if there is an error on the validity dates. Should USCIS correct it?
Where can I obtain general immigration information?
Where can I obtain information on forms to complete and filing fees?
What is meant by non-immigrant intent?
What is meant by dual intent?
Can I extend (revalidate) my U.S. Visa without leaving the U.S.?
Where can I obtain information on fingerprints?


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Q: How long does it take for USCIS to issue the filing fee receipt?

A: Generally, 7 to 14 days.


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Q: What if the filing fee receipt does not come in?

A: Cancelled filing fee check, which would contain the USCIS case number, is the only substitute.


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Q: There's an error in my name and/or place of citizenship on my USCIS approval notice Form I-797. Will this be a problem?

A: Generally, it is not a problem if the I-129 submitted is correct. You can show both the I-797 and I-129 to a government official if you are applying for a visa or requesting admission into the U.S. The new I-94 that is issued upon re-entry to the U.S. should have the corrected information. Alternatively, we can ask the USCIS to correct the error but it is unclear what USCIS processing time would be on it. It is not a high priority item for them.


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Q: What if there is an error on the validity dates. Should USCIS correct it?

A: Yes, we can correspond with USCIS on your behalf and request that the error be corrected. This is to ensure you have proper work authorization.


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Q: Where can I obtain general immigration information?

A: Check USCIS web site at: www.uscis.gov; or State Department web site at www.state.gov. The USCIS customer service hotline is: 1-800-375-5283


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Q: Where can I obtain information on forms to complete and filing fees?

A: You may access this information at the USCIS's web site by clicking on
this link.

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Q: What is meant by non-immigrant intent?

A: Non-immigrant intent is the intent of an individual to enter and remain in the U.S. temporarily and to leave the U.S. upon the expiration of their non-immigrant status. Certain non-immigrant categories require non-immigrant intent, such as B-1/B-2, F-1/F-2, TN/TD. The applicant, upon entering the U.S., must prove to the USCIS that s/he will only be entering the U.S. temporarily and will return home upon the completion of the visit.


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Q: What is meant by dual intent?

A: Dual intent means to have the intent now to enter temporarily but also have the intent to ultimately immigrate to the U.S. Certain categories allow for dual intent such as H-1/H-4 and L-1/L-2. One entering the U.S. in either of these non-immigrant categories can also actively pursue Permanent Residency in the U.S. and this will not affect his or her entry to the U.S.


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Q: Can I extend (revalidate) my U.S. Visa without leaving the U.S.?

A: No, visa revalidation is no longer processed within the U.S.  Renewals of all types of visas must be processed by a US Consulate abroad.

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Q: Where can I obtain information on fingerprints?

A: You may access this information at the USCIS's web site by clicking on
this link.

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August 2010
April 2010
February 2010
October 2009
July 2009
February 2009
July 2008


(8/31/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 8/27/2010

(8/28/2010)
Increase In Fees For Some H-1B and L-1 Employers

(8/03/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 7/30/2010

(7/14/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 7/09/2010

(6/25/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 6/18/2010

(6/10/2010)
USCIS Proposes Raising of Filing Fees - Again

(6/02/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 5/28/2010

(5/26/2010)
USCIS To Issue Redesigned EAD Card

(5/25/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 5/25/2010

(5/18/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 5/14/2010

(5/11/2010)
USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green Card

(5/11/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 05/06/2010

(5/04/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 4/27/2010

(4/26/2010)
Fiscal Year 2011 H-1B Cap Count as of 4/22/2010

(4/19/2010)
Relief for Foreign Nationals Stranded due to the Icelandic Volcano Eruption & CBP Travel Adivsory

(4/14/2010)
USCIS Reports Statistics Regarding 2009 Legal Permanent Residents

(4/12/2010)
Extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations

(4/12/2010)
Availability of "New" H-1Bs

(4/2/2010)
Secretary Napolitano Announces New Measures to Strengthen Aviation Security

(3/18/2010)
Department of Homeland Security on E-Verify

(3/18/2010)
President Obama Holds Meetings to Demonstrate Commitment for Immigration Reform

(3/16/2010)
USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2011 Beginning April 1, 2010

(2/2/2010)
Alert Regarding H-1B Admissions - Newark, New Jersey Airport

(1/21/2010)
San Mateo Executive Prosecuted for Visa Violations

(1/20/2010)
CBP Reminds US-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Program Countries to Complete Online Travel Authorization

(1/15/2010)
Important News: USCIS Requiring Proof of "Employee-Employer Relationship" in H-1B Petitions

(1/11/2010)
Traveling Internationally? Prepare for New Travel Security Measures and Lengthier Delays