New Electronic Immigrant Visa
Application in Effect |
 On September 3, 2013, the DOS announced the worldwide implementation of an electronic immigrant visa application, the DS-260 which replaces the paper DS-230 and DS-3032. At this time, only Diversity Visa and Cuban Family Reunification Parole applicants will continue to use the paper forms when applying for an immigrant visa. To read more click here.
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Pre-Population of Form I-9 Discouraged |
In a response to a query regarding employers pre-  population of section 1 of Form I-9, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) advised that OSC discourages the pre-population of the I-9 because it increases the likelihood of inaccuracies, E-Verify mistmatches and overlooking an employee's limited English proficiency (LEP). To read more of the OSC's response, click here. |
New Customer Verification at CIS' offices |
 On September 9, 2013, USCIS started implementing a new Customer Identity Verification (CIV) in its field offices. Customers will now have to submit updated fingerprints and photographs when appearing for interviews or to receive evidence of an immigration benefit and should plan accordingly. The CIV process does not apply to customers appearing for InfoPass appointments. For additional information, click here .
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October Visa Bulletin Released |
 The 2013 October Visa Bulletin has been released. This is the first Visa Bulletin for the FY2014. Most notably, EB2 and EB3 India remained unchanged, EB2 China advanced by 5 weeks, EB3 Philippines advanced by 2 weeks, and F2A retrogressed. To read the entire bulletin click here. |
Unlawful Presence Waiver Guidance |
 CIS has issued additional guidance relating to the processing of Form I-601A, provisional unlawful presence waiver which permits certain individuals who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a provisional waiver of their unlawful presence prior to leaving the U.S. to process the waiver at a consulate abroad. The process requires that the individual be physically present in the U.S. when filing Form I-601A. Click here to read more.
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Supporting a clean and healthy St. Johns
arks Gray attorneys and many others, the JumpingFish organization had a very successful 10K swim on the St. Johns River swiming from JU to RAM. The event drew hundreds of spectators,
