Breaking News

H-1B - News US Citizenship and Immigration Services has finally published the application requirements for the additional 20,000 H-1B visas. According to a press release of March this year, it looked like those would also be available for people without a master's degree. This regulation, however, didn't even correspond with existing law back then. Now it is clear that this visa will only be available for people holding a master's degree or higher (PhD). The degree has to have been obtained in the US, however, foreign degrees will not qualify.

Please note that all applications, other than usual, have to be submitted to the Vermont Service Center.

Practical advice Over the last weeks, we have received many questions about the so-called e-filing at the US consulates. This is NOT a way of submitting visa applications to the consulates via the internet to have them processed there.

The following applies: The online applications are automatically converted into PDF files after they have been completed. You will then have to print them and submit them together with all other application documents by mail. The advantage of this process seems to be that your applications will have a special filing number (bar code) that will speed up the processing time at the US consulate. You will still have to attend the obligatory interview.

190 US scholarships still available The German branch of US scholarship organization International Doorway assigns 190 scholarships for a bachelor's degree in the US starting August 2005. The fastest applicants win. They should have "Fachhochschulreife" (advanced technical college entrance qualification) or obtain it this year. University students may apply as well as long as they are under 26.

Every year US universities have some blanket scholarships for international applicants. International Doorway collects these and assigns them to suitable applicants. Since the scholarships are assigned based on nationality, applicants do not have to have a certain grade point average. However, they have to take a TOEFL test before they may enroll.

The number of scholarships is limited to 250 a year in Germany. That way, the fastest applicants will bet one, since there are still 190 available. Application deadline at International Doorway is June 1, 2005. Get free informational material via phone or under http://www.internationaldoorway.de/

Do you have any questions concerning application processes at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US consulates? Or do you need individual consultation? Our experts of our visa and consular service offer fast and comfortable advice via our hotline. Or use our free contact form on our website.