On 05.30.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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USCIS ELIS is an electronic immigration benefits system. This is a user-friendly system which has been created by the USCIS to streamline the application process for filing and adjudicating immigration benefits. Through this system, the benefit seekers and their legal representatives will be allowed to file their requests online. This service provides secure customer service. This will also modernize the application process. Through ELIS, the USCIS will be able to process the cases efficiently.
This first phase of the electronic benefits system will allow certain applicants to file Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, electronically. USCIS ELIS is the basis for the web-based future of the USCIS.
Benefits of Using USCIS ELIS
Currently paper based time-consuming and complex system is being used. USCIS ELIS will change that process. You will be able to create an individual online account, through this system. You may use this online account to interact with the USCIS. You will be able to sign up to receive e-notifications and text messages in response to your queries. You can manage your contact information and account preferences.
This system will allow you to manage your electronic interactions with USCIS securely. Your ELIS account will allow you to e-file immigration benefit requests and evidences. You can pay the fees using a credit card or a bank account. You will also be allowed to have an attorney to file benefit requests on your behalf, through USCIS ELIS.
You will be able to get elaborate help and the status of your case, online. An online setup assistant will help you to file a request. There is a section through which you can get help from the setup assistant. ELIS will also reduce the application processing time.
Use USCIS ELIS to file Form I-539
Applicants who wish to change their non-immigrant status may file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, online. If you are a B-1, B-2, F-1, M-1 or M-2 visa holder, you may use USCIS ELIS to extend your stay in the United States.
If you want to change to a B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2, you may use ELIS. But M-1 student will not be able to change status to a F-1 student. You can reinstate status, if you were a F-1 or M-1 visa holder. In this case the spouse or child of a F-1 or M-1 student will be included in the benefit request of the primary applicant.
The USCIS ELIS will include more benefits and increased functions to this system in due course of time
On 05.04.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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The availability of a competitive grant funding opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2012, was announced by the USCIS on the 20th of March, 2012. This grant funding opportunity is designed to boost up immigrant civic integration. It also aims at preparing lawful permanent residents for US citizenship. USCIS has decided to offer $5 million, approximately in competitive grant funding for the preparation of US citizenship programs in communities all over the United States. 31 awards may be provided through this grant funding program and the anticipated award date is expected to be in the month of September 2012.
Eligibility requirements to apply for competitive grant funding
Organizations that prepare the Green Card holders for US citizenship are eligible to apply for the grant funding. These organizations must offer citizenship instructions along with naturalization application services to the people who are preparing for naturalization, which are the two components of the program.
- Citizenship instruction must be provided to the Green Card holders, in order to prepare them for the civics and the English components of the naturalization test. The civics test consists of questions from the US history, US laws and government and the English test consists of questions which will determine the reading, writing and speaking abilities of the applicant.
- Naturalization application services are provided in order to support the Green Card holders in filing the application for naturalization and to guide them through the interview process, according to the immigration laws.
Applicants who are eligible for the grant funding are the organizations with public or non-profit status. They must demonstrate their recent experience in rendering citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to the lawful permanent residents. Eligibility for the grant funding opportunity is not only limited to the public and private non-profit organizations, it also includes state and local governments, universities and community colleges, public school systems, community, civic and faith-based organizations, adult-education administrations, public libraries, and volunteer organizations.
Current awardees who received the funds under FY 2011 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program funding opportunities, must not apply for the FY 2012 funding opportunity. That is because the funding FY 2011 program is valid for a period of two years. It will also not expire before the outset of this new program.
The applicants are strongly recommended by the USCIS to acquire and modify all the registrations regarding the funding program before the 7th of May, 2012. You may not be able to file an application after the 7th of May, 2012, which is the deadline for the receipt of applications and there may not be any extensions for receiving the applications after the deadline. Hence the applicants must make it a point to apply before the 7th of May, 2012 in order to be eligible to receive the grant funding.
