BAGON LAW FIRM

As of Monday 2 April 2012, USCIS will start accepting applications for H-1B skilled work visas for the fiscal year of 2013. The H-1B Visa's  will be valid for employment starting on or after 1 October 2012. The 85,000 allocation is made up of 20,000 available for aliens who have achieved an advanced degree while studying in the US. The remaining 65,000 are available for people coming to work in the US in specialty or professional occupations. H-1B visa allows firms to employ aliens in specialty occupation such as medicine, engineering, maths, architecture and science, among others for up to six years. Employers and foreign specialty workers are encouraged to file their applications as early as possible to be included in the 2013 quota. For more information about the H-1B program, please visit www.uscis.gov . Source: USCIS If you have any questions or need assistance with your immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  Sharlene Mae Ba

The U.S. Department of State is proud to announce it is conducting a limited pilot program allowing U.S. citizens to apply online for a U.S. Passport Card.  To be eligible for the pilot, you must: Be 16 years of age or older Have a valid, 10 year U.S. passport book Have at least 12 months of validity remaining on your passport book before expiration Have a U.S. or Canadian mailing address Have an e-mail address In addition, to assist in verifying your identity during the online application process, you will be asked to provide your social security number, your mother’s maiden name, the emergency contact name on your most recent previous passport application, and the full permanent address listed on your most recent previous passport application. Please have this information available when you apply. Save Money.  Save Time. You will save money by applying on

Visa Bulletin for April 2012 FAMILY – SPONSORED PREFERENCES F1 : There is a good leap of progress for all chargeability areas (01 Feb to 01 Apr 2005). Forward move for China and India (01 Feb to 01 Apr 2005) A week of forward to Mexico (01 May to 08 May 1993) Philippines has no movement at all. F2A:  Forward movement for all chargeability areas, China, India and Philippines (22 Jul to 8 Oct 2009). A two months progress for Mexico (01 Jul to 01 Sept 2009) F2B: A forward movement for all chargeability areas, China and India (15 Nov 2003 to15 Jan 2004). For Mexico and Philippines no movement at all.        F3: Same forward movement for all chargeability areas, China and India ( 01 Jan to 15 Feb 2002), a week movement for Mexico (08 to 15 Jan 1993) and no movement for the Philippines. F4: Same forward movement for all chargeability areas, China and India  (08 Oct to 08 Nov 2000), also slight forward movement for the Philippines (22 Dec 1988-08 Jan 1989) and Mexico (22 May to 01 Ju