Fall 2008 DOS Publishes Instructions on Applying for the DV-2010 Program The Congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States, drawn randomly from all entries. The DV-2010 Lottery online entry begins at Noon EDT on October 2, 2008, and ends at Noon EST on December 1, 2008. In DV-2010, for the first time, those who submit entries may check the status of their entries online to determine whether they were selected or not. Successful entrants will continue to receive notification letters via regular mail. Click here for further information New J-1 Program for Korean Students and Recent Graduates On September 22nd, 2008 the DOS announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Korea regarding the WEST (Work, English Study, Travel) Program. The exchange program, to be launched in 2009, will allow up to 5,000 university students and recent graduates from the to enter the U.S. for a period of 18 months on J-1 exchange visitor visas.  Click here for more information. CIS Web Page Discusses a Redesigned Naturalization Test CIS created a page on its website, under Citizenship/Naturalization Test  a guide to the redesigned naturalization test. It clarifies which version of the test an applicant can take based on when s/he applied and the date of the interview. Click here for more information CIS OMBUDSMAN RELEASES "VISAS FOR NURSES" QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The following are questions and corresponding answers discussed during the May 30, 2008 teleconference: "Visas for Nurses: How Does This Impact Your Medical Facility?" The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, CIS Ombudsman is an independent office that reports directly to the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. The CIS Ombudsman: · Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS; · Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and · Proposes changes to mitigate identified problem
Introducing our staff We are pleased to announce that Nicole Cicirelli has joined the firm as our new Marketing and Communications Manager. Nicole earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Marketing from Indiana State University. In 2005, Nicole addressed 10,000 students at graduation ceremonies as the Student Commencement Speaker at Indiana State University. Prior to joining GoffWilson, she worked in Detroit managing healthcare communications projects for top pharmaceutical companies at Big Communications. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys running, volunteering in the community, playing Euchre, enthusiastically following New England sports and training for endurance competitions such as triathlons and half-marathons. Nicole recently completed an Olympic Distance Triathlon in Monterey, CA through Team In Training while raising $3,900 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Welcome, Nicole!
VISA BULLeTiN The Visa Bulletin offers valuable information about immigration. Click here for the current Visa Bulletin.

If you have any comments on our newsletter, any topics you would like to see reviewed or if you have news, events or other items of interest that you would like to share - please forward your comments and suggestions to ncicirelli@goffwilson.com.

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