Expert in USA Immigration Consultants

Overview

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In general, a person who wishes to immigrate to the United States must have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for an immigrant visa. The petition is filed either by a qualified relative or a potential employer at a USCIS office in the United States. Specific information about filing immigrant petitions is available on the USCIS website. An individual with an approved petition and a priority date that is current for processing (when applicable) is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or K nonimmigrant visa.

Petitions

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Effective August 15, 2011, petitioners residing in India, where USCIS does not have a public counter presence, must file their Forms I-130 by mail with the USCIS Chicago lockbox. U.S. Embassies and Consulates that do not have a USCIS presence will only be able to accept and process Forms I-130 in exceptional circumstances, as outlined below. Forms I-130 that were properly filed at an Embassy or Consulate or Consulate overseas where USCIS does not have a presence before August 15, 2011, will not be affected by this change.
USCIS Chicago Lockbox addresses for regular mail deliveries: USCIS P.O. Box 804625 Chicago, IL 60680-4107
USCIS Chicago Lockbox address for express mail and courier deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-130 131 South Dearborn Third Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
For additional information about how to file a Form I-130 with the USCIS Chicago lockbox, please visit the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov or contact USCIS by telephone in the U.S. at 1-800-375-5283.

USCIS Immigrant Fee

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Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued Immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States. Only prospective adoptive parents whose child(ren) is/are entering the United States under either the Orphan or Hague Process, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants who were employed by the U.S. government, returning residents, and those issued K visas are exempt from the new fee. The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions: www.USCIS.gov/immigrantfee.

Exceptional Filing

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Beginning August 15, 2011, petitioners who believe their situation merits an exception should contact the USCIS office in New Delhi. Each request will be evaluated individually.
The determination of whether the case presents exceptional circumstances which warrant an exception to the general filing process will be made by USCIS. USCIS will publish guidance on the circumstances that may qualify as exceptional on their website.

Medical Requirements

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All applicants must undergo a medical exam by an Embassy-approved Panel Physician. Information about the medical exam can be found here. You will receive instructions about how to schedule an appointment for your medical exam from NVC or the Embassy. Do not try to make an appointment before receiving these instructions.

U.S. Embassy/Consulate Appointment

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If you have an interview date, you must appear at the Embassy or Consulate on the date of your appointment. You should arrive at the Consulate fifteen minutes before your appointment. Please read about security restrictions at the Consulate that describe what you can and cannot bring with you to your interview. You should bring your appointment letter and the documents required for your visa class.

Immigration compliance - external site

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Provides information on immigration compliance for visa holders and for Australian citizens considering travel to conflict zones. Includes information on immigration detention.