MANILA VISA REISSUANCE PROGRAM

The US Embassy at Manila just has announced the establishment of a Non-Immigrant Visa Re-issuance program. The purpose of the program is to allow some applicants an expedited visa issuance process if they have previously held the visa that they are seeking to extend.

If one qualifies for the program, an applicant needs only to schedule an appointment, appear at the Embassy at the appointed time, and then have the application screened and give 10-print finger scans. The applicant will not have to participate in an interview.

At this time it does not appear that the VRP will be available to H-1B holders because of a condition that one did not stay in the US for more than 6 months. Here is the full list of conditions:

1. I am a Philippines passport holder.

2. I have previously been issued, in Manila, a full-validity visa (a visa good for five or ten years).

3. My visa is still valid... or it has expired within the last twelve months.

4. I have in my possession all of my passports covering the entire period of time since I received that full-validity visa.

5. I have not been refused a U.S. visa in the last twelve months.

6. My visa is not annotated "clearance received".

7. I have not ever stayed in the U.S. longer than 6 months (even if the Department of Homeland Security approved the extension of stay).

8. I have not ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even if subject of a pardon.

9. I can provide the visa control number from my visa (located in the upper right hand corner of the visa).

MU LAW AND THE PNAA - 2011

For the last two years, MU Law has sponsored the Philipine Nurses Association of America's 5K fun run at their Annual Convention. This year's Convention and fun run was in San Francisco.

MU Law is honored to be associated with such a great organization. Visit the MU Law Facebook page for more photos of this event.

AUG 2011 VISA BULLETIN

The Department of State has just released the August 2011 Visa Bulletin. Each category was promoted about one month.

Aug 2011 Visa Bulletin
	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico
EB-2	Current	15APR07	15APR07	Current
EB-3	01NOV05	08JUL04	01JUN02	01NOV05

MU ATTORNEYS TO SPEAK AT IACC

Chris Musillo and Cindy Unkenholt are the featured speakers at the Indian American Chamber of Commerce's July meeting. Chris and Cindy will be speaking on employment-based immigration. If you are in Cincinnati and interested in attending, please visit the IACC webpage.

USCIS OMBUDSMAN REPORT

The USCIS Ombudsman is tasked with monitoring USCIS practices and recommending improvements to USCIS practices. Annually the USCIS Ombudsman produces a report. In early 2009, the Ombudsman made specific recommendations to the USCIS in order to enhance the processing of Schedule A green card applications. Schedule A, which provides an expedited green card application process, is limited to registered nurses and physical therapists.

The Ombudsman’s latest report has just been released. The Report contains many suggestions for improvement of USCIS processes and procedures. While MU has not fully read and considered all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, one item did catch our eye.

In addition to other outreach initiatives, the Ombudsman’s Office will host its first annual conference on October 20, 2011. This conference is expected to provide an opportunity for government and private sector leaders to come together to discuss immigration issues that impact individuals and employers. MU commends Director Mayorkas, Ombudsman January Contreras, and their team for their continued dedication to outreach with US employers and other immigrant stakeholders.