APPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRATION BENEFITS

Applications and petitions for immigration benefits in November 2005 decreased 9 percent compared to the number received in November 2004.  November approvals increased 5 percent, while denials increased by 2 percent and pending decreased 26 percent when compared to the same month a year before.   For fiscal year 2006 to date, receipts decreased slightly, while approvals increased 5 percent and denials increased 8 percent compared to fiscal year 2005.

Data Source:  PAS G-22.2

¹ Receipts and Pending do not reflect an estimated 334  I-485s filed but not data entered.

·         Major volumes in November 2005 receipts include: 94,662 I-765 employment authorizations;  54,401 I-130 relative/ I-129F fiancé(e) petitions;  43,745 I-90 Green Card renewals/replacements; and 42,879 I-485 permanent resident adjustments.

·         Major volumes of pending applications at the end of November 2005 include: 1,202,542 I-130 relative/I-129F fiancé(e) petitions;  863,185  I-485 permanent resident adjustments;  260,907  I-765 employment authorizations;  208,221  I-90 green card renewals/replacements;  and 58,208  I-821 temporary protected status.