File your immigration petitions in July!
There are several reasons for immigrants, intending immigrants, non-immigrants, petitioners and employers to file their applications in July.
For one thing, most if not all USCIS form fees will be increased on July 30, 2007. Some of the increases are up to two to three times of the current fees. For examples, the I-485 or "green card" application will cost $1010 for a regular adult. Naturalization (Form N400) will cost $675. Family petition (I-130) will cost $355. It just makes sense to file your applications before July 30 to avoid the higher fees.
Another good reason to file an employment-based immigration petition is because there will be visa numbers in July! The EB categories have been backlogged for several years and many folks have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. The July 2007 visa bulletin indicates that all EB categories (except Other Workers) will be current in July. This means that those who have approved labor certifications or I-140 petitions may now apply for a green card and employment authorization. For those who do not need labor certification (e.g., aliens with extraordinary ability or applicants of a national interest waiver), they may immediately apply for a green card and employment authorization in July. Of course, they must qualify for the particular visa category before they should file for their petitions.
Finally, changes in the labor certification regulations are also a crucial consideration. Starting July 16, 2007, substitution of beneficiaires will no longer be allowed for approved labor certification applications. Employer must also bear the costs for file for a labor certification on behalf of a foreign worker. Finally, an approved labor certification will only be valid for 180 days from the day of approval ( currently there is no expiration date ).
With all these changes, it is expected that many petitions will be filed during the month of July. It is wise for the applicants and petitioners to start the application as soon as possible to avoid any last minute issues.
