Miami Herald
Diversity visa lottery 2022 results by country are in. Egypt, Sudan and Russia top the list
Daniel Shoer Roth
Sat, July 17, 2021, 1:26 PM
More than 13 million people from around the globe — the applicants and their family members or “derivatives” — tried to legally immigrate to the United States through the 2022 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, better known as the visa lottery.
U.S. Department of State statistics released this week in the Visa Bulletin for August 2021 show that during the DV-2022 application period last year, the government registered 7,336,302 qualified entries (13,191,296 with derivatives) for the lottery, which makes available up to 55,000 permanent resident visas, known as green cards, each year.
DV-2022 winners were selected through a randomized computer drawing apportioned among six geographic regions “with a maximum of seven percent available to persons born in any single country.”
U.S. authorities said that approximately 119,021 foreign nationals were registered and notified, and thus can already apply for an immigrant visa.
Visa lottery 2022 results: Here’s how 55,000 foreigners can get their green cards now
“Since it is likely that some of the first 55,000 persons registered will not pursue their cases to visa issuance, this larger figure should ensure that all DV-2022 numbers will be used during fiscal year 2022,” the Department of State said in its monthly bulletin.
Diversity Visa Lottery 2022 results
Immigrant visas allow foreigners to live and work legally and permanently in the United States with legal permanent residence.
Here are the 10 countries that most benefited from the DV-2022 program and the number of qualified applicants selected:
▪ Egypt — 6,005
▪ Sudan — 6,001
▪ Russia — 6,001
▪ Algeria — 6,001
▪ Uzbekistan — 6,001
55,000 foreigners won green cards in the Visa Lottery. Here’s why many are having trouble
▪ Iran — 5,739
▪ Ukraine — 4,949
▪ Morocco —4,138
▪ Nepal — 3,802
▪ Congo Democratic Republic — 3,347
Green cards are only available to immigrants who fall under one of these categories
In the Americas region, natives from Venezuela and Cuba benefited the most from this year’s drawing: 1,800 Venezuelan nationals were selected at random for a potential green card, and 975 Cuban nationals.
Venezuela was the only South American country that exceeded the threshold of 1,000 DV-2022 numbers. In fact, there was a 57% decrease in the number of selectees in South America and the Caribbean, compared to the DV-2021 program.
Recommendations for green card winners
If you were selected in the DV-2022 program, you are entitled to apply for an immigrant visa, but only during the government fiscal year — from Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022.
In the August bulletin, officials recommended:
▪ During the visa interview, principal applicants must provide proof of a high school education or its equivalent, or show two years of work experience within the past five years.
▪ Those selected will need to act on their immigrant visa applications quickly.
▪ Applicants should follow the instructions in their notification letter and must fully complete the information requested.
‘Innocent mistakes’ will no longer cost immigrants their green cards or visas
Visa Lottery 2023 on the horizon
Applicants not selected in this year’s drawing still have an opportunity for the DV-2023 program.
According to the visa bulletin, the DV-2023 registration period “will be widely publicized in the coming months.”
Those interested in entering the lottery for a U.S. green card can check the Department of State’s Diversity Visa Program web page for updates.
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/di ... 22271.html
VISA LOTTERY
Miami Herald
There’s good news for immigrants applying for green cards — for now, at least
Daniel Shoer Roth
Wed, August 18, 2021, 5:13 PM
Immigrants in the United States who request an adjustment of status to become legal permanent residents must use an indispensable form to show that there are no health issues that would deem the applicant inadmissible to the country.
It’s the obligatory — and sometimes feared — medical examination and vaccination record for immigration purposes. The results are presented to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through Form I-693.
Until now, the form has remained valid for a maximum two-year-period that begins to count from the date it is signed by a USCIS designated civil surgeon.
But the U.S. immigration agency is facing significant delays processing applications due to the coronavirus pandemic — so it has decided to temporarily extend the validity of Form I-693 from two to four years.
For the first time, immigrants can now get a green card and Social Security number at once
“We are making this temporary change because COVID-19 has caused processing delays and affected applicants’ ability to complete the required immigration medical examination,” immigration officials said in a news release.
The problem many green card applicants are facing is that by the time their immigration benefit is adjudicated, the I-693 is no longer valid.
To overcome this hurdle, the applicant has been required to obtain an updated medical report.
Immigration officials recommend that applicants schedule their medical exams as close as possible to the time they’ll submit their adjustment of status application with Form I-485 to receive a U.S. green card.
‘Innocent mistakes’ will no longer cost immigrants their green cards or visas
At least temporarily, USCIS said it will consider a Form I-693 valid if:
The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021.
Green cards are only available to immigrants who fall under one of these categories
Authorities urged immigrants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident to file forms I-693 and I-485 jointly.
“Doing so may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) and helps avoid adjudication delays,” they said.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration also implemented a new procedure to extend a green card’s validity for 12 months, ensuring that permanent residents ”will have documentation of identity, employment authorization and authorization to return to the United States following temporary foreign travel,” the Department of Homeland Security agency said in a news release.
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/go ... 59652.html
There’s good news for immigrants applying for green cards — for now, at least
Daniel Shoer Roth
Wed, August 18, 2021, 5:13 PM
Immigrants in the United States who request an adjustment of status to become legal permanent residents must use an indispensable form to show that there are no health issues that would deem the applicant inadmissible to the country.
It’s the obligatory — and sometimes feared — medical examination and vaccination record for immigration purposes. The results are presented to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through Form I-693.
Until now, the form has remained valid for a maximum two-year-period that begins to count from the date it is signed by a USCIS designated civil surgeon.
But the U.S. immigration agency is facing significant delays processing applications due to the coronavirus pandemic — so it has decided to temporarily extend the validity of Form I-693 from two to four years.
For the first time, immigrants can now get a green card and Social Security number at once
“We are making this temporary change because COVID-19 has caused processing delays and affected applicants’ ability to complete the required immigration medical examination,” immigration officials said in a news release.
The problem many green card applicants are facing is that by the time their immigration benefit is adjudicated, the I-693 is no longer valid.
To overcome this hurdle, the applicant has been required to obtain an updated medical report.
Immigration officials recommend that applicants schedule their medical exams as close as possible to the time they’ll submit their adjustment of status application with Form I-485 to receive a U.S. green card.
‘Innocent mistakes’ will no longer cost immigrants their green cards or visas
At least temporarily, USCIS said it will consider a Form I-693 valid if:
The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021.
Green cards are only available to immigrants who fall under one of these categories
Authorities urged immigrants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident to file forms I-693 and I-485 jointly.
“Doing so may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) and helps avoid adjudication delays,” they said.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration also implemented a new procedure to extend a green card’s validity for 12 months, ensuring that permanent residents ”will have documentation of identity, employment authorization and authorization to return to the United States following temporary foreign travel,” the Department of Homeland Security agency said in a news release.
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/go ... 59652.html
Applying for O-1 visa to work in United States? All you need to know
O-1 visa applicants have to prove their extraordinary capability during the application process. (AFP)
4 Sep 2021, 11:12 PM IST
Livemint
The US grants O-1 visa to individuals with extraordinary capability from fields of sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, film or TV
The United States grants the O-1 nonimmigrant visa to individuals who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Artists who have demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in film or television industry and has been recognised nationally or internationally can also get this visa.
For such non-immigrants who wish to visit the US for working there on a temporary basis O-1 visa is a good option.
O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).
O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.
O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.
O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
General Eligibility
To qualify for the O-1 visa, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the film and television industry. They must be going to the US temporarily for working in their respective field.
For O-2 visa, it is required that they offer assistance to O-1 visa holder that is not of general nature and cannot be provided by an US worker.
O-1 visa applicants must fulfill at least three of the following criteria to be eligible:
National or international awards or prizes of excellence in their field.
A member of associations whose membership requires outstanding achievement, judged by nationally or internationally recognised experts in the respective discipline.
Work featured in professional or high-profile trade publications, or mainstream media.
Service in some capacity as a judge of others in the same (or closely related) field in either individual capacity or as part of a judging panel.
Articles published in professional or notable trade publications.
Original scientific, academic, or business contributions of major significance in their field.
Served in a leading or critical capacity for highly regarded organisations or establishments.
High salary or remuneration for their services.
Other relevant evidence of exceptional expertise that does not fit any of the above criteria.
How to File
The application for O-1 visa has to be filed by the employer or agent on the applicant's behalf. These are steps to follow:
Your employer or agent must fill and submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker to USCIS, provide necessary documents and pay the application fees.
You fill Form DS-160. Anyone applying for US visa has to file this.
Pay the O-1 visa fee.
Schedule an interview at the US Embassy.
Attend the interview and handover the documents including a written consultation, work contract, details of events or activities you will participate in and proof of your extraordinary abilities. You will also have to show your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, interview appointment letter, I-797 approval notice from USCIS, proof of visa fee payment and your picture.
Processing time
USCIS usually takes two to three months to process O-1 visa applications. Applicants can apply for premium processing, but that costs thrice the normal visa fee.
Bringing family
O-1 and O2 visa holders can bring their spouse and children below the age of 21 on O3 visa. O3 visa holders cannot work in the US, but can study there.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/app ... 30168.html
O-1 visa applicants have to prove their extraordinary capability during the application process. (AFP)
4 Sep 2021, 11:12 PM IST
Livemint
The US grants O-1 visa to individuals with extraordinary capability from fields of sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, film or TV
The United States grants the O-1 nonimmigrant visa to individuals who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Artists who have demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in film or television industry and has been recognised nationally or internationally can also get this visa.
For such non-immigrants who wish to visit the US for working there on a temporary basis O-1 visa is a good option.
O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).
O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.
O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.
O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
General Eligibility
To qualify for the O-1 visa, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the film and television industry. They must be going to the US temporarily for working in their respective field.
For O-2 visa, it is required that they offer assistance to O-1 visa holder that is not of general nature and cannot be provided by an US worker.
O-1 visa applicants must fulfill at least three of the following criteria to be eligible:
National or international awards or prizes of excellence in their field.
A member of associations whose membership requires outstanding achievement, judged by nationally or internationally recognised experts in the respective discipline.
Work featured in professional or high-profile trade publications, or mainstream media.
Service in some capacity as a judge of others in the same (or closely related) field in either individual capacity or as part of a judging panel.
Articles published in professional or notable trade publications.
Original scientific, academic, or business contributions of major significance in their field.
Served in a leading or critical capacity for highly regarded organisations or establishments.
High salary or remuneration for their services.
Other relevant evidence of exceptional expertise that does not fit any of the above criteria.
How to File
The application for O-1 visa has to be filed by the employer or agent on the applicant's behalf. These are steps to follow:
Your employer or agent must fill and submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker to USCIS, provide necessary documents and pay the application fees.
You fill Form DS-160. Anyone applying for US visa has to file this.
Pay the O-1 visa fee.
Schedule an interview at the US Embassy.
Attend the interview and handover the documents including a written consultation, work contract, details of events or activities you will participate in and proof of your extraordinary abilities. You will also have to show your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, interview appointment letter, I-797 approval notice from USCIS, proof of visa fee payment and your picture.
Processing time
USCIS usually takes two to three months to process O-1 visa applications. Applicants can apply for premium processing, but that costs thrice the normal visa fee.
Bringing family
O-1 and O2 visa holders can bring their spouse and children below the age of 21 on O3 visa. O3 visa holders cannot work in the US, but can study there.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/app ... 30168.html
Miami Herald
Legal immigrants have one less hurdle to getting a U.S. green card — at least for now
Daniel Shoer Roth
Thu, December 9, 2021, 5:36 PM
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated a key requirement to obtain permanent residence or a green card in the United States effective Dec. 9.
The agency issued a policy alert on Thursday temporarily waiving a hurdle in the obligatory — and sometimes feared — medical and vaccination examination for immigration purposes, which makes sure there are no health issues that would deem the applicant inadmissible to the United States.
The medical examination is a key requirement for all legal immigrants filling for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. The results are submitted to USCIS through Form I-693.
During the Trump Administration, the agency instituted a rule stating that a Form I-693 is valid only when a civil surgeon signs it no more than 60 days before the date an applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit.
Thousands of immigrants get green cards through marriage. They just got a break
Known as the “60-Day-Rule,” it has placed a burden on immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic because of chronic processing delays, immigrant’s advocates say.
According to the policy alert, the “60-Day-Rule” will be temporarily waived until Sept. 30, 2022.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations. Applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays with completing the immigration medical examination,” the Department of Homeland Security agency acknowledged.
“To address these issues, USCIS is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature be dated no more than 60 days before the applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit,” it added.
‘Innocent mistakes’ will no longer cost immigrants their green cards or visas
USCIS designates civil surgeons to conduct immigration medical examinations and record the results in Form I-693, which remains valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signs, as long as the date of the signature is no more than 60 days before filing for an immigration benefit such as a green card.
But because COVID-19 has caused processing delays, many times when the time comes for an immigration benefit to be adjudicated, the Form I-693 is no longer valid. This forces applicants to obtain an updated medical report.
The new temporary waiver allows “applicants to submit their underlying application for an immigration benefit with a completed Form I-693, even if the civil surgeon signed more than 60 days prior,” USCIS said in a news release.
The temporary change “will allow individuals to complete the application process without the need to undergo another immigration medical examination if Form I-693 is otherwise valid,” the news release stated.
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/le ... 50494.html
Legal immigrants have one less hurdle to getting a U.S. green card — at least for now
Daniel Shoer Roth
Thu, December 9, 2021, 5:36 PM
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated a key requirement to obtain permanent residence or a green card in the United States effective Dec. 9.
The agency issued a policy alert on Thursday temporarily waiving a hurdle in the obligatory — and sometimes feared — medical and vaccination examination for immigration purposes, which makes sure there are no health issues that would deem the applicant inadmissible to the United States.
The medical examination is a key requirement for all legal immigrants filling for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. The results are submitted to USCIS through Form I-693.
During the Trump Administration, the agency instituted a rule stating that a Form I-693 is valid only when a civil surgeon signs it no more than 60 days before the date an applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit.
Thousands of immigrants get green cards through marriage. They just got a break
Known as the “60-Day-Rule,” it has placed a burden on immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic because of chronic processing delays, immigrant’s advocates say.
According to the policy alert, the “60-Day-Rule” will be temporarily waived until Sept. 30, 2022.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, USCIS has experienced delays in all aspects of operations. Applicants have also experienced difficulties beyond their control, including delays with completing the immigration medical examination,” the Department of Homeland Security agency acknowledged.
“To address these issues, USCIS is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature be dated no more than 60 days before the applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit,” it added.
‘Innocent mistakes’ will no longer cost immigrants their green cards or visas
USCIS designates civil surgeons to conduct immigration medical examinations and record the results in Form I-693, which remains valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signs, as long as the date of the signature is no more than 60 days before filing for an immigration benefit such as a green card.
But because COVID-19 has caused processing delays, many times when the time comes for an immigration benefit to be adjudicated, the Form I-693 is no longer valid. This forces applicants to obtain an updated medical report.
The new temporary waiver allows “applicants to submit their underlying application for an immigration benefit with a completed Form I-693, even if the civil surgeon signed more than 60 days prior,” USCIS said in a news release.
The temporary change “will allow individuals to complete the application process without the need to undergo another immigration medical examination if Form I-693 is otherwise valid,” the news release stated.
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/le ... 50494.html
Re: VISA LOTTERY
The U.S. Government issues 55,000 Diversity Visas annually. The 2024 Diversity Visa Lottery Program is open for registration until November 8, 2022. Each applicant MUST meet education and/or work experience requirements. For more information, please visit the US State Department site and speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
Re: VISA LOTTERY
Saudi Arabia approves granting citizenship to global experts under Vision 2030
APP Published July 5, 2024
Saudi Arabia has approved granting Saudi citizenship to scientists, doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other individuals with rare skills, experience, and specializations.
According to a royal decree, the kingdom has offered citizenship to talented individuals in medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technical fields to achieve its goals. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme to create an attractive environment for investing in human capital and attracting skilled labour.
This move is expected to help bolster the kingdom’s economic, health, cultural, sports, and innovation sectors by bringing in prominent experts and specialists.
In December 2021, Saudi leadership approved a similar initiative, granting citizenship to prominent individuals in these fields. This ongoing effort has underscored the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its development across various sectors by leveraging global expertise.
In November 2023, Pakistan signed agreements with Saudi companies to bolster collaboration and facilitate the recruitment of Pakistani workers and professionals for various large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia.
The agreements outlined plans to establish training and orientation centres in Pakistan, which would cater to the skill development needs aligned with the demands of labour markets in Saudi Arabia.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1843976/saudi ... ision-2030
APP Published July 5, 2024
Saudi Arabia has approved granting Saudi citizenship to scientists, doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other individuals with rare skills, experience, and specializations.
According to a royal decree, the kingdom has offered citizenship to talented individuals in medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technical fields to achieve its goals. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme to create an attractive environment for investing in human capital and attracting skilled labour.
This move is expected to help bolster the kingdom’s economic, health, cultural, sports, and innovation sectors by bringing in prominent experts and specialists.
In December 2021, Saudi leadership approved a similar initiative, granting citizenship to prominent individuals in these fields. This ongoing effort has underscored the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its development across various sectors by leveraging global expertise.
In November 2023, Pakistan signed agreements with Saudi companies to bolster collaboration and facilitate the recruitment of Pakistani workers and professionals for various large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia.
The agreements outlined plans to establish training and orientation centres in Pakistan, which would cater to the skill development needs aligned with the demands of labour markets in Saudi Arabia.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1843976/saudi ... ision-2030