US eases norms, H-1B holders…

Green Card applicants get 60-day grace period The relaxations given by the US government come in view of the corona virus outbreak, which first surfaced in China’s Wuhan city in December last. So far, the virus has claimed over 65,000 lives in the US and over 235,000 lives globally.

According to the report, an official says that during this period USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community. USCIS is reducing the problem during immigration for those who are benefiting from immigration in times of crisis. The impact on businesses due to the corona virus virus epidemic in the US is impacting H-1B visa holders, which could put their visas at risk. In the US, nearly two lakh people are on H-1B visas and trying to get a green card.

The US government has given a grace period of 60 days to H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants, who have been served notices for submission of various documents, in view of the novel corona virus outbreak.  The US government has given a grace period of 60 days to H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants, who have been served notices for submission of various documents, in view of the novel corona virus outbreak.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday said the 60-day grace period for responding to its requests will include requests for evidence; continuations to request evidence (N-14); notices of intent to deny; notices of intent to revoke; notices of intent to rescind and notices of intent to terminate regional investment centers; and filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.  “USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before taking action,” it said.

According to the statement, the USCIS will consider a Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision before it takes any action.  “USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community and to minimise the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time,” it said.  The relaxations come in view of the corona virus outbreak, which first surfaced in China’s Wuhan city in December last. So far, the virus has claimed over 65,000 lives in the US and over 235,000 lives globally.

It may be known that in the last two months, millions of American citizens have lost their jobs. However, people working on visas have faced more difficulties. This is because the H1-B is associated with the visa location and the employer, in which it agrees to pay basic pay to the recipient. Salary cuts and even work from home arrangements are against visa rules. Now those H-1B workers who have been fired, have 60 days to find a new job. If they are unable to find a job or shift to a different visa type during this time, they will have to return home.

Overview

When applying for a nonimmigrant visa, complete and submit the Form DS-160 online. Schedule an appointment for the Embassy/Consulate and the Visa Application Center. You will be fingerprinted and your photo will be captured when you arrive for your interview at the Visa Application Center. Note: Children below 14 years of age are not required to be present at the Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Center for the interview in person. Hence, Parents /Guardians should carry a hardcopy photograph of the child below 14 years of age at the Visa Application Center along with other supporting documents.

Fingerprinting

During the visa process, at the Visa Application Center, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. There are some applicants whose fingerprints are not required, including:

• Applicants traveling on official government business, except for A-3 and G-5 applicants
• Applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79

Photo Requirements

Your visa application photo must meet certain criteria regarding size and content. Submitting photos that do not meet these criteria can delay the visa application process. To reflect your current appearance, your photo must be taken within the last six months. If you are renewing a previous visa, this generally means your photo must not be the same one that appeared on your old visa.
If your photo does not meet the requirements, you will be required to submit a new photo before your visa is processed, even if the visa application system accepted it as a digital photo upload.

Digital Photo Specifications

Your visa application photo must be taken within the last 6 months  and meet certain criteria regarding size and content. Submitting photos that do not meet these criteria can delay the visa application process. Note: This is applicable for Drop Box eligible applicants and for children under 14 years only..

Head Size
Your head height, measured from the top of your head, including the hair, to the bottom of your chin, must be between 50% and 70% of the photo’s total height. Your eye height, measured from the bottom of the photo to the level of your eyes, should be between 55% and 70% – or roughly 2/3 – of the photo’s height.

Photo Dimensions
Your photo must be square-shaped, meaning the photo’s height must be the same as its width. The minimum dimensions for your photo are 600 pixels x 600 pixels (height x width). The maximum dimensions are 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels (height x width).

7 Steps to Successful Photo

Head Orientation
Head orientation is important when taking your visa photo. Frame yourself within the photo so that your full face shows. Face directly toward the camera and make sure your eyes are open.

Fill the Frame

Your photo must show your entire head , from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. In a good photo, the height of your head will measure 1-1-3/8 inches (25 to 35mm), or fill between 50%-70% of the photo, like this:

 

Stay Centered 

Center your head within the frame.

Show Your Eyes 

Make sure your eyes are open. Your eyes should be 2/3 of the way up the photo, or between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) – about 60% – from the bottom of the photo.

Background 

The area behind you in the photo should be uncluttered and either white or off-white. Sit in front of a plain white or off-white background for best results.

Eliminate Shadows 

Sit so that your face is fully-lit and there are no distracting shadows across your face or in the background.

Relax and Look Natural  

Be sure to have a natural expression on your face when you take your photo, like those shown here: