Christian Schmidt, Attorney at Law

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U.S. Announces "Trusted Traveler" Agreement with Canada and Mexico

9/16/2015

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Canada and Mexico entered in an agreement to expand "trusted traveler" programs between the countries. The agreement is expected to make it easier for eligible travelers in the United States, Mexico, and Canada to apply for expedited screening programs.

As part of the agreement, Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico's Viajero Confiable program will be able to apply for the U.S.-Canada NEXUS trusted traveler program, making them eligible for expedited screening benefits upon arrival at international airports in the U.S. States and Canada. The arrangement will also allow Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS to apply for Viajero Confiable, making them eligible for expedited screening benefits upon arrival at select international airports in Mexico. U.S. citizens are currently eligible to apply for the NEXUS and Viajero Confiable trusted traveler programs through existing partnerships between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Public Safety Canada, and Mexico's National Institute of Migration. Eligible travelers will be able to apply for each program beginning in 2016. Stay tuned for details.



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Change in Procedures for Filing Application for Adjustment of Status

9/11/2015

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The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced yesterday a change in filing procedures for those with established priority dates, waiting for their green cards. DOS posts the Visa Bulletin once a month that shows the cut-off dates for the availability of immigrant visas (green cards). In the past foreign nationals in line for a green card had to wait until an immigrant visa became available to them - their priority became current - before they could file an application for adjustment of status, leading to their green cards.

Starting October 2015 DOL will publish two Visa Bulletin Charts each month, one chart announcing the cut-off date when an adjustment application can be filed and a separate second chart announcing cut-off dates for the approval of applications. This means that an immigrant visa must not be available anymore before applicants can submit their adjustment applications.

This significant change in filing procedures allows applicants seek benefits that come with filing an adjustment application (e.g. the ability to seek independent employment authorization) much sooner than before.

Please contact my office if you are in the United States and have an employer or family member who already petitioned you for a green card but you are not sure when you will be able to receive your green card.

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    I am an immigration attorney serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

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Christian Schmidt, Immigration Attorney


3118 California Street
Berkeley, CA 94703

phone: 415.834.0600     fax: 415.449.6666     info@lawbridges.com
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