Immigration and Citizenship News

By Kieran C. O Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

Diversity Visa Announced

The Diversity Visa lottery application period has just been announced. The DV lottery will open for DV-2010 entries on October 2, 2008 ( noon , EST) and end on December 1, 2008 ( noon , EST). Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form at www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Instructions and additional information will be available at this site by mid September.

Scam site warnings

The US State Department has been trying to warn immigrants about immigration scams and have the following warning posted on their DV pages: “There have been instances of fraudulent websites posing as official U.S. Government sites. Some companies posing as the U.S. Government have sought money in order to "complete" lottery entry forms. There is no charge to download and complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form. The Department of State notifies successful Diversity Visa applicants by letter, and NOT by email.”

Diversity Visa Workshops

Each year the Irish Pastoral Center provides assistance to immigrants applying for the diversity visa program. Digital camera and computer facilities are available at our office during the workshops. We will publish dates of upcoming Diversity Visa Workshops in coming editions.

Health Care for immigrants

If you are an immigrant nervous about seeking medical attention because you are nervous about your immigration status or health coverage, give us a call. There are many neighborhood health centers who will treat you regardless of immigration status and financial resources. You do not have to have health insurance to receive health care. You may also be able to avail of free screenings at area hospitals.

Students and extensions

International students are reminded of the change in rule earlier this year that made two major changes:

1 Students with degrees in certain “STEM” fields (science, technology, engineering and math) may apply for extensions of their optional practical training time by an additional 17 months if their employers can participate in E-Verify, an electronic employment verification system;

2. Any student on OPT seeking a change of status to H1B status may receive an automatic extension of their status and employment authorization until H1B time starts on October 1 or when the H1B application is denied.

If you have questions on the H1B visa and eligibility, come to our clinic.

Free Legal Clinics
Our next clinic will be on the first Tuesday evening of Oct. 7^th at Bad Abbots beginning at 6:30 in the evening. Attorney Chris Lavery will be providing free one to one consultations at this clinic. At the October clinic we will also be concentrating on issues which frequently arise while applying for the DV lottery.