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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Fact Sheet: After Public Comment, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Announces Final Rule Adjusting Fees for Immigration Benefits

Introduction

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions. The final rule follows a period of public comment on a proposed version of the rule, which USCIS published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2010. After encouraging stakeholders to share their input, USCIS considered all 225 comments received. The final rule will increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but will not increase the fee for the naturalization application. The rule will also reduce fees for six individual applications and petitions and will expand the availability of fee waivers to new categories. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register September 24, and the adjusted fees will go into effect on November 23, 2010.

USCIS is a primarily fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits. The law requires USCIS to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine whether it is recovering its costs to administer the nation’s immigration laws, process applications, and provide the infrastructure needed to support those activities. Remaining funds come from appropriations provided annually by Congress. The final fee rule concludes a comprehensive fee review begun in 2009.

USCIS’s Fee-based Budget

Fees account for approximately $2.4 billion of USCIS’s $2.8 billion budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2011. More than two-thirds of the budget supports the adjudication of applications and petitions for immigration benefits at USCIS field offices, service centers, customer service call centers and records facilities. The remainder supports USCIS business transformation efforts and the funding of headquarters program offices.

The adjudication areas supported by fees include the following:

  • Family-based petitions - facilitating the process for close relatives to immigrate, gain permanent residency, travel and work;
  • Employment-based petitions - facilitating the process for current and prospective employees to immigrate to or stay in the U.S. temporarily;
  • Asylum and refugee processing - adjudicating asylum and processing refugees;
  • Naturalization - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. citizenship;
  • Special status programs - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. immigration status as a form of humanitarian aid to foreign nationals; and
  • Document issuance and renewal - verifying eligibility for, producing and issuing immigration documents.

USCIS’s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low. While USCIS did receive appropriations from Congress and made budget cuts of approximately $160 million, this has not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue. A fee adjustment, as detailed in the final rule, is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations while also meeting the application processing goals identified in the 2007 fee rule.

Highlights of the 2010 Final Fee Rule

The final fee rule will increase the average application and petition fees by approximately 10 percent. In recognition of the unique importance of naturalization, the final fee rule contains no increase in the naturalization application fee.

The final fee rule establishes three new fees for:

  • Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5);
  • Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation (with an exemption for certain physicians who examine service members, veterans, and their families at U.S. government facilities); and
  • Recovery of the USCIS cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.

The final fee rule adjusts fees for the premium processing service. This adjustment will ensure that USCIS can continue to modernize as an efficient and effective organization.

The final fee rule reduces fees for six individual applications and petitions:

  • Petition for Alien Fiancé (Form I-129F);
  • Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);
  • Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Form I-698);
  • Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817);
  • Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565); and
  • Application for Travel Document (Form I-131), when filed for Refugee Travel Document.

The final fee rule eliminates two citizenship-related fees for those service members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces who are eligible to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with no fee:

  • Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Form N-336); and
  • Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600).

Lastly, the final fee rule expands the availability of fee waivers to new categories, including:

  • Individuals seeking humanitarian parole under an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131);
  • Individuals with any benefit request under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008; and
  • Individuals filing a Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B) following a denial of any application or petition that did not initially require a fee.

Final Rule: Schedule of Fees

The following schedule lists the adjusted fees that will take effect on November 23, 2010, alongside the existing fees in effect until that date:

Form No.

Application/Petition Description

Existing Fees (effective through Nov. 22, 2010

Adjusted Fees (effective beginning Nov. 23, 2010)

I-90Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card$290$365
I-102Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document$320$330
I-129/129CWPetition for a Nonimmigrant Worker$320$325
I-129FPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)$455$340
I-130Petition for Alien Relative$355$420
I-131Application for Travel Document$305$360
I-140Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker$475$580
I-191Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile$545$585
I-192Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant$545$585
I-193Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa$545$585
I-212Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. after Deportation or Removal$545$585
I-290BNotice of Appeal or Motion$585$630
I-360Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant$375$405
I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status$930$985
I-526Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur$1,435$1,500
I-539Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status$300$290

I-600/600A

I-800/800A
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative/Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition$670$720
I-601Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability$545$585
I-612Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement$545$585
I-687Application for Status as a Temporary Resident under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act$710$1,130
I-690Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility$185$200
I-694Notice of Appeal of Decision under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act$545$755
I-698Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603)$1,370$1,020
I-751Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence$465$505
I-765Application for Employment Authorization$340$380
I-817Application for Family Unity Benefits$440$435
I-824Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition$340$405
I-829Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions$2,850$3,750
I-881Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105–110)$285$285
I-907Request for Premium Processing Service$1,000$1,225
Civil Surgeon Designation$0$615
I-924Application for Regional Center under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program$0$6,230
N-300Application to File Declaration of Intention$235$250
N-336Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings$605$650
N-400Application for Naturalization$595$595
N-470Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes$305$330
N-565Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document$380$345
N-600/600KApplication for Certification of Citizenship/ Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322$460$600
Immigrant$0$165
BiometricsCapturing, Processing, and Storing Biometric Information$80$85


Change of Filing Location for Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a change in filing location instructions and addresses for the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F). The new instructions, dated 6/14/10, are part of an overall effort to transition the intake of forms from Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities. Centralizing form and fee intake to a Lockbox environment allows USCIS to provide customers with more efficient and effective initial processing of applications/petitions and fees.

Beginning Aug. 3, 2010 all Form I-129F petitions being filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of a fiancé(e) or spouse must be submitted to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.

For U.S. Postal Service:

USCIS
PO Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266

For Express mail and courier deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: I-129F
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Detailed guidance can be found in the updated Form I-129F instructions online at www.uscis.gov (click on the Forms tab).

The Vermont and California Service Centers will forward incorrectly filed petitions to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox for a period of 45 days until Sept. 17, 2010. After Sept. 17, 2010, petitions and fees submitted at the Service Centers will be returned to the applicant, with a note advising them of the correct filing location.

Applicants filing a form at a USCIS Lockbox facility may elect to receive an e-mail and/or text message notifying them that their petition has been accepted by completing Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and attaching it to the first page of their application.

For more information on USCIS programs, visit www.uscis.gov or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Rose Colors & Meanings

  • Rose Colors & Meaning
Our Rose Colors and Meanings guide contains helpful hints about the meaning associated with the colors of roses and other rose information. As one of the most enduring symbols for love and appreciation, it's no surprise that roses are among the most admired and evocative of flowers. Our comprehensive guide to the colors and meanings of roses is your resource for rose interpretation.

red

Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection. A bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone special. Read More – Meaning of Red Roses

One Dozen Long Stemmed Red Roses
Three Dozen Long Stemmed Red Roses w/Free Ruby Vase
One Dozen Long Stemmed White Roses

pink rose

pink

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness. Pink rose bouquets often impart a gentler meaning than their red counterparts. Read More – Meaning of Pink Roses

yellow rose

yellow

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship. Read More – Meaning of Yellow Roses

white rose

white

White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance. Read More – Meaning of Orange Roses

orange rose

orange

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of fervent romance. A bouquet of orange roses will send a meaningful message. Read More – Meaning of Orange Roses

 lavender roses

lavender

The unique beauty of the lavender rose has captured many hearts and imaginations. With their fantastical appearance, lavender roses are a perfect symbol of enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight. Read More – Meaning of Lavender Roses


Perrier



This is Honey's drinking water, and i tried it. Honestly i dont like the taste of this water coz for me there is a bitter taste in the water. Well i just bought it coz honey told me to try it.. i thought there is no perrier water here Phil. but accidentally while in the water area at SM mall i saw bottles of perrier but its only few bottle, maybe very seldom is buying this bottled water and the bottle looks old too. Hon asked me if my mom and my brother tried it too, but like me they dont like it but my son liked it... its like softdrinks, yeah i drink softdrinks but softdrinks taste sweet and this perrier is not. I still like the regular mineral water :)

miguel in colorful X-mas trees... (sept. 29, 2010)






My son likes colorful and blinking christmas tree...

Appointment in the DFA, Lucena City (Regional Office)






Today, Sept. 29, 2010, early this morning, me and my son went to DFA and NSO, Lucena City located inside the Pasific Mall. When we arrived at the mall we directly went to the DFA to fall in line, and of course there are lots of people out there already waiting also in line. We are number 115 and we are scheduled on Oct. 11, 2010, 9 a.m... I asked what are the docs. i will bring with me in getting passport for my son, and the man told me just to bring my passport, my son's IDs, my son's BC, and baptismal cert., and of course my son needs to appear in the DFA... after i got an appointment i at once proceed to the NSO and get my son's birth cert.

Note: I am annulled no need of consent of the father

dancing and singing santa clause



Just wanted to share about this santa. i cant forget how was my son frightened. After me and my son done making appointment in the DFA and getting his docs. in the NSO we went to Gaisano Mall, and i saw this big santa i told to my son that i will take a pic of him beside santa, and when my son will stand beside the santa the santa started to dance and sing, of course my son was shocked and frightened, and even me i was surprised i didnt know that it has a sensor, that it will move and sing... :)

Monday, September 20, 2010

our lovetime...


Every week end is my fave days for me and honey bcoz its our chat time that i call it "LOVE TIME", we shared lots of things here, we talk, we laugh, we cry.... i really miss u honey, and i love you very much... God love us honey, he will guide us and He will keep us together until we have each others arms again.... kiss!!!

my boy band look alike...


The guy in this picture is my honey bunny when he was 19 years old. When he showed me this picture i really not recognize him at first, i really thought its a boy band picture or this guy is a model of a magazine, funny me... but then he told me you look closer and after for a few seconds looking at the picture i atlast recognized him.. i really love this picture, now i see how honey look like when he was a teen.... for me he is so cute in this picture. I love you my honey bunny!!!!