David E Walters

DHS Proposes Rule to Prioritize Americans' Safety by Strengthening Screening of Asylum Seekers

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 01:16:20 GMT

Release Date

02/20/2026

Changes to work permits would reduce meritless applications, processing times, and backlog

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing a rule to reduce the incentive for aliens to file fraudulent asylum claims so they can obtain work authorizations.

“For too long, a fraudulent asylum claim has been an easy path to working in the United States, overwhelming our immigration system with meritless applications,” said a DHS Spokesperson. “We are proposing an overhaul of the asylum system to enforce the rules and reduce the backlog we inherited from the prior administration. Aliens are not entitled to work while we process their asylum applications. The Trump administration is strengthening the vetting of asylum applicants and restoring integrity to the asylum and work authorization processes.”

Applications for employment authorization based on a pending asylum application have reached a historic high, straining U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) resources. Nearly every illegal alien attempts to exploit the system by applying for asylum. USCIS currently has more than 1.4 million pending affirmative asylum claims, which is equal to the entire population of the state of New Hampshire.

This rule, if finalized, would reduce the incentive to file frivolous, fraudulent, or otherwise meritless asylum claims by changing filing and eligibility requirements for aliens requesting employment authorization based on a pending asylum application. The agency would focus more of its finite resources on reviewing pending asylum applications, including backlog cases and other pending applications and petitions, and allow our asylum system to prioritize those actually seeking refuge from danger.

The proposed rule supports President Trump’s Executive Order 14159 , Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

For more information, please see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register . The 60-day public comment period starts following publication of the Notice.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-proposes-rule-to-prioritize-americans-safety-by-strengthening-screening-of-asylum-seekers

Last Reviewed/Updated:

02/20/2026

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 01:15:44 GMT

Release Date

02/13/2026

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. The termination is effective 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

Yemen was initially designated for Temporary Protected Status on Sept. 3, 2015, based on a determination that there was an ongoing armed conflict and that, due to that conflict, requiring nationals of Yemen to return would pose a serious threat to their personal safety. Following the initial designation, DHS extended or extended and redesignated Yemen for TPS in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024.

“After reviewing conditions in the country and consulting with appropriate U.S. government agencies, I determined that Yemen no longer meets the law’s requirements to be designated for Temporary Protected Status,” said Secretary Noem. “Allowing TPS Yemen beneficiaries to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interest. TPS was designed to be temporary, and this administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent. We are prioritizing our national security interests and putting America first.”

TPS Yemen beneficiaries with no other lawful basis for remaining in the United States have 60 days to voluntarily depart the United States. We encourage aliens leaving the United States to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States. The app provides a safe, secure way to self-deport that includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $2,600 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration.

After the effective date of the termination, the Department of Homeland Security may arrest and deport any Yemeni national without status once their TPS has been terminated. If an alien forces DHS to arrest and remove them, they may never be allowed to return to the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-temporary-protected-status-for-yemen

FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:13:37 GMT

Release Date

01/30/2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 4 and run through noon Eastern on March 19, 2026 . During this period, prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $215 H-1B registration fee for each registration.

If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who does not have a USCIS online account, you must create an organizational account . Representatives may add company clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and employers must wait until March 4 to enter beneficiary information and submit registrations and the associated $215 fee. Selections take place after the initial registration period closes. We intend to send selection notifications by March 31, 2026, via users’ USCIS online accounts to prospective petitioners and representatives who have at least one registration selected.

A petitioner may only file an H-1B cap-subject petition, including a petition for a beneficiary who is eligible for the advanced degree exemption, if their registration for the beneficiary of the cap-subject petition was selected in the H-1B registration process.

Additional information on the electronic registration process is available on the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page. We will update this page prior to the initial registration period.

New for the FY 2027 Cap Season

The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule amending the regulations governing how USCIS selects H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries who can then file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The new H-1B selection process prioritizes allocating visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid aliens to better protect the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of American workers. For the FY 2027 H-1B cap season, if we receive registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period that exceed the cap, we will conduct a weighted selection from the unique beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations. If we do not receive registrations for enough unique beneficiaries, we will select all registrations for unique beneficiaries that were properly submitted in the initial registration period.

On Sept. 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, an important initial step to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. While the proclamation does not directly impact the electronic registration process, if a petitioner has their registration selected and is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition, they may need to pay an additional $100,000 fee before filing the H-1B petition as a condition of eligibility. See the Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers section on our H-1B Specialty Occupations page for additional details.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-4

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/30/2026

DHS Reduces Wait Times for Thousands of Religious Workers Abroad

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:39:50 GMT

Release Date

01/14/2026

New rule eliminates one-year foreign residency requirement for thousands of religious workers abroad

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule to religious organizations and their communities allowing thousands of religious workers—including priests, nuns, and rabbis—that previously were required to remain outside the United States before returning, to resume their essential services. This rule significantly reduces this wait time, providing stability and minimizing disruptions for faith-based communities.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, DHS is committed to protecting and preserving freedom and expression of religion. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure religious organizations can continue delivering the services that Americans depend on,” said a DHS spokesperson . “Pastors, priests, nuns, and rabbis are essential to the social and moral fabric of this country. We remain committed to finding ways to support and empower these organizations in their critical work.”

The rule supports President Trump’s Executive Order (E.O.) 14205, Establishment of the White House Faith Office and removes the requirement for R-1 religious workers to reside outside the United States for one year when they reach the statutory five-year maximum period of stay. While R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the U.S., the rule establishes that there is no longer a minimum period of time they must reside and be physically present outside the U.S. before they seek readmission in R-1 status.

The demand for visas within the EB-4 category has exceeded the supply for many years. Changes implemented by the Department of State in 2023 significantly increased the already lengthy wait times for immigrant visas in the EB-4 category for aliens from certain countries, including for religious workers. These delays have caused many religious workers to exhaust their maximum period of stay in R-1 status. By eliminating the one-year foreign residency requirement, USCIS is reducing the time religious organizations are left without their trusted clergy and non-ministerial religious workers.

The interim final rule is effective immediately. USCIS invites written comments and related materials submitted within 60 days of the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-reduces-wait-times-for-thousands-of-religious-workers-abroad

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/14/2026

Homeland Security Terminates Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status Designation

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:41:34 GMT

Release Date

01/13/2026

The termination will be effective on March 17, 2026

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the termination of Somalia’s designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The termination will be effective on March 17, 2026.

“Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status,” said Secretary Noem. “Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first.”

Somalia’s designation expires March 17, 2026. At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, must review the country to determine whether the conditions supporting its designation continue to be met and, if so, how long to extend the designation.

Somali nationals who do not have a legal status other than TPS that would allow them to remain in the United States should use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s  CBP Home mobile app  to report their departure from the United States. The app is a safe, secure way to self-deport and includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and the opportunity for potential future legal immigration.

Additional information is available in the  Federal Register Notice .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/homeland-security-terminates-somalias-temporary-protected-status-designation

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/13/2026

USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:03:08 GMT

Release Date

01/09/2026

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is publishing a final rule that will increase USCIS fees for premium processing to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025.

The USCIS Stabilization Act established the authority for DHS to adjust premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation. Fees will continue to be adjusted agencywide to account for inflation and protect the real dollar value of the premium processing service we provide. The revenue generated by this fee increase will be used to provide premium processing services; make improvements to adjudication processes; respond to adjudication demands, including processing backlogs; and otherwise fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.

This rule is effective on March 1, 2026. If you submit a request for premium processing postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting. The new fees are listed in the table below. To request premium processing, you must submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and follow the form instructions.

You may only request premium processing for a benefit if announced premium processing is available for that benefit.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/09/2026

USCIS Clarifies Requirements for Professional Athletes

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:50:44 GMT

Release Date

12/18/2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today issued policy guidance (PDF, 309.13 KB) in Volume 6 of the USCIS Policy Manual to address the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) adoption of the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system , and its effect on certain immigrant visa petitions filed on behalf of professional athletes. This update continues our goal of restoring integrity to the U.S. immigration system by ensuring USCIS adjudicators have all required information needed to make timely, informed decisions on aliens’ eligibility for immigration benefits.

For Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers , the petitioner must establish that the alien beneficiary and the job offered meet the requirements of the requested classification. Permanent labor certifications for professional athletes that were electronically filed with the DOL using its FLAG system on or after June 1, 2023, no longer contain the minimum job requirements for the offered position. Accordingly, if the professional athlete’s contract does not contain this information, and the petitioner does not otherwise provide the minimum requirements of the job with their Form I-140, USCIS may request additional evidence to determine whether the petition can be approved in the requested classification. While we receive fewer than 100 labor certifications filed on behalf of professional athletes each year, this update impacts all major U.S. professional sports teams and their minor league affiliates.

Since June 1, 2023, DOL has required permanent labor certification applications to be filed using its FLAG system. The FLAG system contains a revised Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, as well as four appendices and the Final Determination: Permanent Employment Certification Approval. The new Form ETA-9089 no longer collects information about the minimum requirements of the job opportunity. Instead, aliens now provide that information to DOL using Form ETA-9141, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination. Because DOL regulations exempt professional athletes from the prevailing wage determination requirement, under the FLAG system, labor certification approvals for professional athletes do not contain the minimum requirements for the job. USCIS requires this information to adjudicate labor certification-based immigrant petitions.

An overview of the DOL FLAG system and a description of the new labor certification-related documentation that must be submitted with the Form I-140 are also included in the policy manual update.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-clarifies-requirements-for-professional-athletes

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/18/2025

DHS Ends the Abuse of the Humanitarian Parole Process and Terminates Family Reunification Parole Programs

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:58:16 GMT

Release Date

12/12/2025

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating all categorical family reunification parole (FRP) programs for aliens from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members.

This administration is ending the abuse of humanitarian parole which allowed poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process. Parole was never intended to be used in this way, and DHS is returning parole to a case-by-case basis as intended by Congress. Ending the FRP programs is a necessary return to common-sense policies and a return to America First.

The desire to reunite families does not overcome the government’s responsibility to prevent fraud and abuse and to uphold national security and public safety. The FRP programs had security gaps caused by insufficient vetting that malicious and fraudulent actors could exploit to enter the United States, which posed an unacceptable level of risk to the United States. DHS is prioritizing the safety, security, and financial and economic well-being of Americans.

A Federal Register notice explains how the termination of the FRP programs will be administered. If an alien was paroled in the United States under the FRP programs and their parole has not yet expired on Jan. 14, 2026, it will terminate on that date unless the alien has a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , that is postmarked or electronically filed on or before Dec. 15, 2025, and is still pending on Jan. 14, 2026. If the alien has a pending Form I-485, their parole will remain valid until either their period of parole expires or we make a final decision on their pending Form I-485, whichever is sooner. If we deny their Form I-485, their period of parole will be terminated, and they should depart the United States immediately.

When we terminate an alien’s period of parole under the FRP programs, we also will revoke their employment authorization based on that parole. We will notify each alien individually that DHS is terminating their parole period and revoking their employment authorization.

Aliens who do not have a lawful basis to stay in the United States after termination of the FRP programs must depart the United States before their parole termination date. These aliens should use the CBP Home app to report their intent to depart the United States. Incentives such as an exit bonus, financial and travel document assistance, and forgiveness of civil fines are available to qualifying aliens. See DHS’s CBP Home webpage for more information.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/12/2025

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-ends-the-abuse-of-the-humanitarian-parole-process-and-terminates-family-reunification-parole

I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:01:06 GMT

Use this form to petition for an immigrant visa under the Gold Card program established by Executive Order 14351, The Gold Card .

Forms and Document Downloads

Form I-140G (PDF, 958.27 KB)

Instructions for Form I-140G (PDF, 295.78 KB)

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/10/2025

https://www.uscis.gov/i-140g

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Establishes New Center to Strengthen Immigration Screening and Target Bad Actors

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:37:37 GMT

Release Date

12/05/2025

New vetting center will focus on powerful screening resources to keep America safe

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the establishment of a specialized unit to strengthen the ability of America’s immigration system to screen out terrorists, criminal aliens, and other foreign nationals who pose potential threats to public safety or who have committed fraud or other crimes. Once fully operationalized, the USCIS Vetting Center, headquartered in Atlanta, will centralize the enhanced vetting of aliens and allow the agency to respond more nimbly to changes in a shifting threat landscape.

“USCIS’ role in the nation’s immigration system has never been more critical. In the wake of several recent incidents of violence, including a foreign national attacking National Guard service members on U.S. soil, establishing this vetting center will give us more enhanced capabilities to safeguard national security and ensure public safety,” said USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow.

“Under the Biden administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was pushed to expedite the immigration and naturalization processes with little regard for how that affected national security and the safety of our communities,” said Edlow. “We changed that approach on day one of the Trump administration. Under President Trump, we are building more protective measures that ensure fraud, deception, and threats do not breach the integrity of our immigration system.”

Once the new vetting center is fully operational, it will draw on the full spectrum of classified and nonclassified screening and vetting capabilities and provide a more thorough supplemental review of immigration applications and petitions. These reviews will leverage state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The center will utilize Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement and intelligence community screening resources to conduct this critical work and will be tasked with conducting reviews of pending applications as well as a more holistic review of already-approved applications for aliens. Reviews will prioritize applications from presidentially designated countries of concern.

This announcement adds to a series of recent efforts that align with presidential Executive Order 14161, Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats . These include the recent implementation of national security measures allowing for immigration officers to consider negative, country-specific factors (such as a nation’s lack of government-issued identity documents and inability to conduct criminal background checks) when vetting aliens from 19 high-risk countries; the recent pause on affirmative asylum application decisions; record-breaking hiring numbers for new USCIS homeland defenders ; a proposed rule to ensure more robust screening and vetting of certain aliens before extending their employment authorizations; and the establishment of USCIS special agents with law enforcement authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute immigration violations.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-establishes-new-center-to-strengthen-immigration-screening

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/05/2025

USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S.

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:51:17 GMT

Release Date

12/04/2025

Maximum validity periods of some Employment Authorization Documents will be reduced

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of aliens. This update also incorporates changes to EAD validity periods made by recent legislation to ensure proper vetting and screening of aliens.

The reduced maximum validity periods for certain categories will result in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for authorization to work in the United States. Vetting an alien more often will enable USCIS to deter fraud and detect aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States.

“Reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies. After the attack on National Guard service members in our nation’s capital by an alien who was admitted into this country by the previous administration, it’s even more clear that USCIS must conduct frequent vetting of aliens.” said Director Joseph Edlow.

The maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be changed from 5 years back to 18 months for several categories of aliens:

Aliens admitted as refugees;
Aliens granted asylum;
Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;
Aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
Aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245; and
Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

This change affects aliens with applications for employment authorization that are pending or filed on or after Dec. 5, 2025, and based on any of the above categories.

As required by H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21, 139 Stat. 72, (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025, the validity period for initial and renewal employment authorization documents will be one year or the end date of the authorized parole period or duration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), whichever is shorter for the following categories:

Aliens paroled as refugees;
Aliens granted TPS;
Aliens granted parole;
Aliens with a pending TPS application; and
Alien spouse of entrepreneur parole.

On July 22, 2025, USCIS published a Federal Register notice and issued an announced implementation of H.R. 1 . These validity period requirements apply to any Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025.

For more information on applications for employment authorization, visit our Employment Authorization Document page .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-increases-screening-vetting-of-aliens-working-in-us

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/04/2025

USCIS Implements Additional National Security Measures in the Wake of National Guard Shooting by Afghan National

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:55:40 GMT

Release Date

11/27/2025

USCIS will consider relevant country-specific factors when using its broad discretionary authorities regarding aliens from 19 high-risk countries after halting refugee resettlement from Afghanistan and the entry of Afghan nationals in the first year of the Trump administration.

WASHINGTON — In the wake of the shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday by an Afghan national, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued new guidance allowing for negative, country-specific factors to be considered when vetting aliens from 19 high-risk countries . This guidance comes after the Trump administration halted refugee resettlement from Afghanistan and the entry of Afghan nationals in its first year of office.

“My primary responsibility is to ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “This includes an assessment of where they are coming from and why. Yesterday’s horrific events make it abundantly clear the Biden administration spent the last four years dismantling basic vetting and screening standards, prioritizing the rapid resettlement of aliens from high-risk countries over the safety of American citizens. The Trump administration takes the opposite approach. Effective immediately, I am issuing new policy guidance that authorizes USCIS officers to consider country-specific factors as significant negative factors when reviewing immigration requests. American lives come first.”

The updated guidance, including consideration of country-specific factors such as a country’s ability to issue secure identity documents, will further strengthen USCIS’ implementation of President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10949, Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats . It will allow USCIS officers to more meaningfully assess whether an alien is a threat to public safety and national security.

This policy guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after Nov. 27, 2025.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Alert .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-implements-additional-national-security-measures-in-the-wake-of-national-guard-shooting-by

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/27/2025

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:08:02 GMT

Release Date

11/26/2025

The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice on the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti. After consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Noem concluded that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS. This decision was based on a review conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, input from relevant U.S. government agencies, and an analysis indicating that allowing Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is inconsistent with U.S. national interests.

The termination of the Haiti Temporary Protected Status designation is effective February 3, 2026. If you are an alien who is currently a beneficiary of TPS for Haiti, you should prepare to depart if you have no other lawful basis for remaining in the United States. You can use the CBP Home mobile application to report your departure from the United States. This secure and convenient self-deportation process includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration to the United States.

Find more information about TPS at uscis.gov/tps . For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/26/2025

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-terminates-temporary-protected-status-for-haiti

Prepare for the Naturalization Interview and Test

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:27:35 GMT

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/resources-for-educational-programs/prepare-for-the-naturalization-interview-and-test

Upcoming Teacher Trainings

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:24:07 GMT

USCIS offers free training seminars designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students. These skills will help educators, volunteers, and organizations offer a comprehensive adult citizenship program.

USCIS does not certify teachers or adult citizenship programs.

What Will I Learn?

Learn more about what USCIS offers at training events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly-asked questions about the training seminars.

How Do I Register for a Webinar Training?

Use our online registration portal .

If you do not receive a confirmation email from us within 5-7 business days of registering, or are unable to submit your registration, please email the Office of Citizenship . To request special accommodations, email the Office of Citizenship 45 days before the training event. Be sure to also check out our past training events .

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/resources-for-educational-programs/register-for-training

USCIS Announces FY 2026 Inflation Increase for Certain Immigration-Related Fees

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:18:34 GMT

Release Date

11/20/2025

We have issued a Federal Register notice that will increase certain H.R. 1 immigration-related fees for fiscal year (FY) 2026. These fee adjustments reflect the amount of inflation from July 2024 through July 2025.

On July 22, we published a Federal Register notice announcing the implementation of these H.R. 1 immigration-related fees. Beginning in FY 2026, and continuing for each subsequent fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will adjust some of these fees for inflation, as specified in H.R. 1.

The new inflationary-adjusted fees are effective on Jan. 1, 2026. If you submit a benefit request postmarked on or after Jan. 1, 2026, that requires one of these HR-1 fees, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting. The fees that are increasing due to this Federal Register notice are listed in the table below.

The fees that are not increasing due to this Federal Register notice are listed in the table below. In the future, DHS will publish a Federal Register notice with information about the inflationary adjustment for the immigration parole fee .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/20/2025

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2026-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees

DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Burma

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:10:22 GMT

Release Date

11/24/2025

Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar). The termination will be effective on Jan 26, 2026.

At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and, if so, how long to extend the designation. If the Secretary determines that the conditions in the foreign state continue to meet the specific statutory criteria for Temporary Protected Status designation, Temporary Protected Status will be extended for an additional period of 6 months or, in the Secretary’s discretion, 12 or 18 months. If the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets the conditions for Temporary Protected Status designation, the Secretary must terminate the designation.

“This decision restores TPS to its original status as temporary,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, so we are terminating the Temporary Protected Status. Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation.”

After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Burma no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Burma and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Burmese citizens can return home in safety. She further determined that permitting Burmese nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.

Burmese nationals returning home are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminating-temporary-protected-status-for-burma

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/24/2025

Court Order on Annual Asylum Fee Notices

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:47:01 GMT

Release Date

11/07/2025

On Oct. 30, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland issued an order in Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, et al., SAG-25-03299 (D. Md.), temporarily staying the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) implementation provisions by USCIS as provided in the notice titled “USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill” and published in the Federal Register ( 90 FR 34511 (FRN )) on July 22, 2025. USCIS strongly disagrees with the Court’s order but will follow its terms pending possible further judicial review.

The FRN provided information about how DHS would effectuate the mandatory AAF for fiscal year 2025 and subsequent years. It specified that any alien who had a Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal , pending during the entire fiscal year 2025 would be subject to the fiscal year 2025 fee. Additionally, aliens with asylum applications filed after Oct. 1, 2024 that remain pending with USCIS for 365 days must pay the AAF as of the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date and each calendar year thereafter that the application remains pending. The FRN also provided that USCIS will directly notify aliens that an AAF is due, when it is due, and how it is paid. The fiscal year 2025 fee is not due until a notice has been sent. It further stated that USCIS will provide guidance for future years’ AAF payments in subsequent issuances. As provided in the FRN, on or around Oct. 1, 2025, USCIS began issuing personal notices to aliens that their AAF was due.

In accordance with the Oct. 30, 2025 order, USCIS has paused the issuance of AAF notices. Any applicant who has received a notice from USCIS instructing him or her to pay the AAF may disregard that notice while the temporary stay is in place. USCIS will not refund previously paid annual asylum fees, and applicants who paid the fee should retain their receipts. USCIS will issue updated instructions on payment of the AAF pending further litigation developments.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/c ourt-order-on-annual-asylum-fee-notices

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/07/2025

USCIS to Mandate Electronic Payments for Applications

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:12:27 GMT

Release Date

10/28/2025

WASHINGTON — As previously announced , on Oct. 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will only accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms. Payments may be made either via credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions , or ACH debit transactions from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH transactions .

By requiring electronic payment, USCIS eliminates the need for benefit requestors and third-party payors to bring funds into field offices. This practice also complies with the transition to government-wide electronic payments required by Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.

“Modernizing financial transactions to and from the federal government is a priority for the Trump administration,” said USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Over 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, causing processing delays and increasing the risk of fraud and lost payments. This is a no-brainer move.”

USCIS continues to accept online payments for forms filed online. USCIS encourages benefit requestors and their accredited representatives to use their USCIS account to file online through the guided process or the electronic PDF intake process, if either of these filing options is available for their form type. Benefit requestors and accredited representatives filing online have access to helpful instructions and tips on completing their forms. They can also pay their fees online using the secure pay.gov platform.

In limited instances, benefit requestors and third-party payors may be exempt from submitting electronic payments with their application, petition, or request. See Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment , for a list of exemptions.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/28/2025

USCIS Implements New Immigration Parole Fee Required by H.R. 1

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:10:55 GMT

Release Date 10/15/2025

The Department of Homeland Security is publishing a Federal Register notice to implement a new immigration parole fee required by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. The fee is $1,000 for FY 2025 and is subject to annual adjustments for inflation. You must pay this fee when you are paroled into the United States, unless you qualify for an exception.

Our critical work does not stop during the Democrats’ government shutdown. We remain steadfast in protecting our homeland by upholding lawful immigration.

The Federal Register notice explains when the immigration parole fee takes effect, exceptions to the fee, and consequences if you do not pay.

USCIS will collect the immigration parole fee if you are physically present in the United States and we are granting you parole or a new period of parole (also known as re-parole). Beginning on Oct. 16, 2025, if we determine that we can approve your request for parole or re-parole and that it requires payment of the immigration parole fee, we will notify you that you must pay this fee before we can approve your request. The notice will have payment instructions and a deadline. We will not grant parole unless you pay the immigration parole fee as instructed and within the specified time period.

Do not pay the immigration parole fee when you submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records . The immigration parole fee will be collected when you are paroled into the United States. For more information about when Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement will collect the immigration parole fee, see the Federal Register notice .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-implements-new-immigration-parole-fee-required-by-hr-1

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/15/2025

G-1055, Fee Schedule

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:10:56 GMT

Alert Type info

ALERT: On Oct. 1, 2025, we began sending notices to all aliens with a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, who are required to pay the new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) as provided in the July 22, 2025 Federal Register notice titled “ USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill .” We also sent notices to any representatives of these aliens listed on Form G-28.

On Oct. 30, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, et al., SAG-25-03299 (D. Md.), temporarily stayed the AAF implementation provisions by USCIS. USCIS strongly disagrees with the Court’s order but will follow its terms pending possible further judicial review.

In accordance with the Oct. 30 order, USCIS has paused the issuance of AAF notices pending further litigation developments. Any applicant who has received a notice from USCIS instructing him or her to pay the AAF may disregard that notice while the temporary stay is in place. USCIS will not refund previously paid annual asylum fees, and applicants who paid the fee should retain their receipts. USCIS will issue updated instructions on payment of the AAF pending further litigation developments.

Alert Type info

ALERT: On Nov. 14, 2025, we published a new edition of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule. The new edition changed the filing fees for EB-5 related petitions and applications to the pre April 1, 2024, Fee Rule filing fees for:

Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor;
Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor;
Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status;
Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation;
Form I-956F, Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise; and
Form I-956G, Regional Center Annual Statement

Use this form to verify fee information for immigration forms.

Each application, petition, or request must be accompanied by the correct fee(s) unless you are exempt from paying the fee(s) or are eligible for a fee waiver. If the fee is incorrect, your application, petition, or request will be rejected.

Fees for applications, petitions, or requests can be paid by ACH debit, or credit card.

Filing at a USCIS Office

If you are filing your application or petition at a USCIS office, you must pay for the filing fee through pay.gov via a credit card or debit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a U.S. banking institution using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions . Cash can never be used to pay a filing and/or biometric services fee, even when filing at a USCIS Office.

Fees required under Public Law 119-21 (Pub. L. 119-21)

Certain forms require additional fees along with any filing fee. Additional fees are not eligible for fee waivers and must be paid by separate payment concurrent with any filing fee. If your form does not have a filing fee or you have applied for a fee waiver for the form’s filing fee, you must still pay the new fee mandated by Pub. L. 119-21.

NOTE: Pub. L. 119-21 fees adjust each year as required by law. For specific information regarding the form you are filing, please see the Additional Fee for the form you are filing.

Fee Waivers

Certain filers may qualify for a fee waiver for certain forms. To determine your eligibility for a fee waiver, please review Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver . If you are not eligible for a fee waiver, you must submit the correct fee(s). For most forms, you cannot request a fee waiver when filing online. You must file a paper version of Form I-912, or a written request for a fee waiver, and the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver. You may not request a fee waiver of the additional fees required by Pub. L. 119-21. However, you may request a waiver of the filing fee set by USCIS, if otherwise eligible, while submitting the additional fee required by Pub. L. 119-21.

Fee Exemptions

Fee-exempt forms and filing categories list $0 as the Filing Fee. You do not need to file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver , or make a formal request to qualify for a fee exemption. However, the fee exemptions in this schedule only indicate that the form is free to file. They do not indicate eligibility to file those benefit requests in all circumstances. Eligibility to file a particular benefit request is set forth in the applicable regulations and form instructions.

Edition Date

10/02/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.

Downloads

USCIS Fee Schedule

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions .

https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055

USCIS to Consider Anti-Americanism in Immigrant Benefit Requests

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 22:18:59 GMT

Release Date

08/19/2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as the use of discretion in adjudication of certain benefit requests where evidence of antisemitic activity is present.

Separately, USCIS has expanded the types of benefit requests that receive social media vetting, and reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting. Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis.

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right."

USCIS is reiterating its guidance that an alien’s compliance with immigration laws is a relevant factor when determining if a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted and updating the Policy Manual to provide additional guidance in circumstances where an alien has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including aliens who support or promote anti-American ideologies or activities, antisemitic terrorism and antisemitic terrorist organizations, or who promote antisemitic ideologies. When conducting a discretionary analysis, USCIS officers will consider whether an alien’s application for admission or parole was made in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies in effect at the time.

This update will also clarify how an exercise of discretion is applied when adjudicating an EB-5 investor petition or application in cases involving threats to the national interest, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and criminal misuse.

This guidance , contained in Volume 1 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-consider-anti-americanism-in-immigrant-benefit-requests

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/19/2025

USCIS Updates Guidance on Validity of Alien Refugee and Asylee Marriages

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:44:57 GMT

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 4 , on valid marriages between a principal asylee or principal refugee and their claimed spouse. Under the updated guidance, all marriages between principal asylees or principal refugees and their claimed derivative spouses must be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where the marriage was celebrated in order to be considered valid for immigration benefit purposes. This guidance is effective March 3, 2025, and applies to requests pending or filed on or after that date.

This updated guidance is consistent with applicable Board of Immigration Appeals case law and other USCIS adjudications. It also aligns our policies with President Trump’s Executive Order 14148, Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions , and Executive Order 14163, Realigning the United States Refugee Admission Program . The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-validity-of-alien-refugee-and-asylee-marriages

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/24/2025

Update to Policy on Disability Exceptions to Naturalization Requirements

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 22:49:27 GMT

Release Date

06/13/2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance to enhance the integrity of the review process for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

Under this guidance, USCIS is changing how we process Form N-648 by focusing greater attention on the veracity of medical certifications and identification and prevention of fraud, thereby enhancing the integrity of the process. Across the country and over the decades, there have been numerous instances where the medical certification process has been exploited. When a medical professional provides a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the disability exception but also weakens the credibility of the entire naturalization system because it causes USCIS to naturalize aliens who have not established eligibility for naturalization.

Generally, aliens applying for naturalization must demonstrate understanding of the English language and knowledge and understanding of the civics fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the United States. Aliens applying for naturalization who are seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirements because of a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, must submit Form N-648 attesting to the medical condition, which must be completed and certified by a medical professional.

The guidance confirms that the medical professional completing Form N-648 must explain how the disability or impairment leaves the alien unable to meet the English and civics requirement for naturalization (the presence of a disability alone is not sufficient).

This guidance also provides that submitting multiple Forms N-648 concurrently may raise concerns about the credibility of the disability or impairment claim and could be subject to further review.

This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual , supports Executive Orders 14148 Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions and 14159 Protecting the American People Against Invasion . It is effective immediately, and applies to all naturalization applications and associated Forms N-648 filed on or after June 13, 2025.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-to-policy-on-disability-exceptions-to-naturalization-requirements

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/13/2025

DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan

Mon, 12 May 2025 22:05:57 GMT

Release Date

05/12/2025

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will be effective on July 14, 2025.

At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation.

“This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,”  said Secretary Kristi Noem . “We’ve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country. Additionally, the termination furthers the national interest as DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security. Reviewing TPS designations is a key part of restoring integrity in our immigration system.”

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan no longer meet the statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the country conditions and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to ongoing-armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions. She further determined that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.

Additional information is available in the Federal Register Notice (PDF) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminating-temporary-protected-status-for-afghanistan

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/12/202

Understanding Alien Registration Requirements

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:23:20 GMT

What is Alien Registration

Pursuant to a 1940 law, every foreign national who will be in the U.S. for 30 days must be registered and fingerprinted. They are also required to carry proof of such registration at all times. This law has not been regularly enforced. However, a new process

to register is set to begin on April 11, 2025 which requires that all immigrants who did not enter the United States with a visa are required to register with the federal government.

Who needs to register?

Many immigrants, including some who lack formal legal status, are already considered registered (see “Who is considered to have already registered,” below.) Any other immigrant who enters the United States and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days. This includes:

Canadians who enter at a land border and are not issued a Form I-94
Individuals who entered without inspection and have not yet registered
Children who turn 14 years old while in the United States, who must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Parents or legal guardians are required to register their children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.

What if You Are Undocumented?

If you entered the U.S. without inspection and do not have legal status, you are required to register as a non-citizen. Registering does not grant legal status and may result in the registrant being detained and placed in removal proceedings. Failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties.

You should consult with an immigration attorney prior to registering in order to understand the registration process, your rights, and any potential legal risks.

Keeping Your Registration Documents Safe

Always carry your registration documents with you.

Who is considered to have already registered?

Immigrants who have already registered include the following:

Lawful permanent residents;
People paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired;
People admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired;
All people present in the United States (except those under the age of fourteen) who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival;
People whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings;
People issued an employment authorization document;
People who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied; and
People issued Border Crossing Cards.

Individual Who are Exempt from the Requirement

Visa holders who have been already registered and fingerprinted through their application for a visa;
A visa holders;
G visa holders;
Those in U.S. for less than 30 days;
If an LPR is outside of the U.S. when he turns 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return;
American Indians born in Canada who possess atleast 50% blood of the American Indian race who are present in the US under the authority of 8 USC 1359

How and Where to Register

USCIS has established a new form, G-325R, Biometrics Information (Registration). Form G-325R is submitted online through an account created on the USCIS website.

Steps to register:

Create an online USCIS account at my.uscis.gov .
Complete and submit Form G-325R.
Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center, at which time a statement is signed under oath reaffirming to the information provided.
Receive a proof of alien registration document, after completion of background checks.
The Proof of Alien Registration document will be available in the USCIS online account.

What does Form G-325R require?

Current Legal Name
Contact Information
Physical Address and Address History for past 5 years
Immigration History
Biographic Information
Police/Criminal Record
Family Information

What documents count as proof of registration?

The “proof of alien registration” document counts as proof of registration. So do the following documents:

I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) which covers:
People admitted with non-immigrant visas.
People paroled into the U.S. under 212(d)(5) of INA.
People who have been granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings.
I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit—Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.
I-181, Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence—Noncitizens presumed to be lawfully admitted.
I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card—Crewmen arriving by vessel.
I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada.
I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico.
I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.
I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.
I-485, Application for Status as Permanent Resident.
I-551, Permanent Resident Card—Lawful permanent residents of the United States.
I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee- Escapee.
I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident.
I-691, Notice of Approval as a Temporary Resident.
I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident.
I-700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident.
I-766, Employment Authorization Document— People with work permits.
I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity Program.
I-862, Notice to Appear—People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted.
I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge— People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted.

Deadline to Register

There is no specified date by when registration must occur except that anyone who is in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and that noncitizen children who turn 14 must register within 30 days of the 14th birthday.

What Happens If You Don’t Register or Carry Proof?

Those who are 18 years or older must carry proof at all times of their registration and fingerprinting.

Failure to do so could amount to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. This is a misdemeanor criminal offense.

There is a separate criminal offense and removal ground for registering using false documents.

If you do not register and later apply for an immigration benefit or visa, the government might deny the benefit or visa for failing to register.

Everyone living in the U.S. still has basic rights under the Constitution. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to speak to immigration officers. You have the right to speak to a lawyer if arrested. See AILA’s Know Your Rights Flyer on being stopped in a public place: https://www.aila.org/aila-files/AC3EB4AE-0276-41C7-B53A-E165B250CBD5/KYR_public.pdf

Change of Address Requirement

If you move, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment and may result in removal.

It is essential that individuals who may be affected by this policy consult with a competent and reputable immigration lawyer, if at all possible, to receive the most appropriate advice for their circumstances. If you have questions about the naturalization process, we encourage you to contact our office at [NAME] at [NUMBER].

This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:10:15 GMT

Release Date

04/09/2025

WASHINGTON — Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

Consistent with President Trump’s executive orders on Combatting Anti-Semitism , Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism and Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats , DHS will enforce all relevant immigration laws to the maximum degree, to protect the homeland from extremists and terrorist aliens, including those who support antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah aka: “the Houthis.”

“There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin. “Sec. Noem has made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here.”

Under this guidance, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism

FY 2026 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:02:35 GMT

Release Date

03/31/2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). We have randomly selected enough beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries.

Registrants’ online accounts will display a registration status. For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.

H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2025, if filed for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration. Only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026.

An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov and within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days. Petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2026 H-1B cap-subject petition.

Petitioners must also submit evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary.

Petitioners filing for selected beneficiaries based on their valid registration must still submit evidence or otherwise establish eligibility for petition approval, as registration and selection only pertains to eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition.

For more information, visit the H-1B Cap Season page.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-initial-registration-selection-process-completed

Alien Registration Requirement

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:50:37 GMT

On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302), and ensure that failure to comply is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.

The INA requires that, with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer , must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Similarly, parents and guardians must ensure that their children below the age of 14 are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, the previously registered alien child must apply for re-registration and to be fingerprinted.

Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times.

It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered children who turn 14 years old) in the United States to comply with these requirements. Failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines.

Most aliens in the United States have already registered, as required by law. However, a significant number of aliens present in the United States have had no direct way in which to register and meet their obligation under INA 262. In order that unregistered aliens may comply with their duty under INA 262, USCIS is establishing a new form and process by which they may register. No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law.

Registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish employment authorization or any other right or benefit under the INA or any other U.S. law.

American Indians born in Canada who entered the United States under section 289 of the INA, and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered the United States under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act, are not required to register.

Who has already registered?

Anyone who has been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b) has registered. Also, anyone who submitted one of the forms designated at 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless waived) and was not issued one of the pieces of evidence designated at 8 CFR 264.1(b), complied with the registration requirement of INA 262. Aliens who have already registered include:

Lawful permanent residents;
Aliens paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired;
Aliens admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired;
All aliens present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas prior to arrival;
Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings;
Aliens issued an employment authorization document;
Aliens who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, even if the applications were denied; and,
Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards.

Who must apply for registration

All aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days.
The parents and legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, prior to the expiration of those 30 days.
Any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

Who is not registered?

Anyone who has not been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b) and has not submitted one of the forms designated at 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless waived) is not registered. Aliens who have not registered include:

This includes:
Aliens who are present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole;
Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration; and,
Aliens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status, who were not issued evidence of registration.

How to register

DHS will soon announce a form and process for aliens to complete the registration requirement. Beginning Feb. 25, 2025, aliens required to register should create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process. See our How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for more information. Once the registration process is implemented, aliens will submit their registration, and parents and guardians will submit registration applications on behalf of their children under 14, through their USCIS online account.

We will update this webpage to provide additional information in the coming days.

Do not be a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration

Last Reviewed/Updated:

02/25/2025

Update on TPS for Haiti

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:55:38 GMT

Release Date

02/20/2025

On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025.

For additional information, please see the Federal Register notice .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-tps-for-haiti

FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:03:41 GMT

Release Date

02/05/2025

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025 . During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary.

Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $215 H-1B registration fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary.

If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who does not have a USCIS online account, you will need to create an organizational account . If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who had an H-1B registrant account for the FY 2021 – FY 2024 H-1B registration seasons, but you did not use the account for FY 2025, your existing account will be converted to an organizational account after your next log in. First-time registrants can create an account at any time. You can find additional information and resources on the organizational accounts, including a link to step-by-step videos, on the Organizational Accounts Frequently Asked Questions page . These FAQs will be updated with FY 2026 information before the start of the initial registration period.

Representatives may add clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and registrants must wait until March 7 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the $215 fee. Selections take place after the initial registration period closes, so there is no requirement to register on the day the initial registration period opens.

The FY 2026 H-1B cap will use the beneficiary-centric selection process launched in FY 2025. Under the beneficiary-centric process, registrations are selected by unique beneficiary rather than by registration. If we receive registrations for enough unique beneficiaries by March 24 , we will randomly select unique beneficiaries and send selection notifications via users’ USCIS online accounts. If we do not receive registrations for enough unique beneficiaries, all registrations for unique beneficiaries that were properly submitted in the initial registration period will be selected. We intend to notify by March 31 prospective petitioners and representatives whose accounts have at least one registration selected.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved a temporary increase in the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99 per day for the FY 2026 H-1B cap season. This temporary increase is in response to the volume of previous H-1B registrations that exceeded the daily credit card limit. Transactions more than $99,999.99 may be made via Automated Clearing House (ACH). Use of ACH may require the payor to alert their bank in advance to remove any potential ACH block on their account. We will provide additional information before the start of the initial H-1B registration period.

An H-1B cap-subject petition, including a petition for a beneficiary who is eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may only be filed by a petitioner whose registration for the beneficiary named in the H-1B petition was selected in the H-1B registration process. Additional information on the electronic registration process is available on the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.

Organizational Account Enhancements for FY 2026

For FY 2026, we have made multiple enhancements for organizational and representative accounts for H-1B filing. These enhancements include:

The ability for paralegals to work with more than one legal representative. A paralegal will now be able to accept invitations from multiple legal representative accounts, allowing them to prepare H-1B registrations, Form I-129 H-1B petitions, and Form I-907 requests for premium processing for different attorneys, all within one paralegal account;
An easier way for legal representatives to add paralegals to company clients.
Pre-population of certain Form I-129 fields from selected H-1B registrations; and
The ability to prepare a spreadsheet of H-1B beneficiary data and upload the information to pre-populate data in H-1B registrations.

These enhancements will be live before the start of the initial registration period.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-7

DHS Terminates the 2023 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:16:34 GMT

Release Date

02/03/2025

After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer support the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS and related benefits associated with the 2023 designation will no longer be in effect starting 60 days after publication of the Federal Register notice .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-terminates-the-2023-designation-of-venezuela-for-temporary-protected-status

Covid-19 Vaccination Update

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:19:25 GMT

ALERT: Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS waives any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant’s failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:56:01 GMT

Release Date

01/15/2025

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela for 18 months, from April 3, 2025, to Oct. 2, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about re-registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Venezuela’s extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of TPS is warranted based on the severe humanitarian emergency the country continues to face due to political and economic crises under the inhumane Maduro regime.

The extension of TPS for Venezuela allows approximately 607,000 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through Oct. 2, 2026, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Venezuela, including those registered under the Oct. 3, 2023, or the prior March 9, 2021, TPS designation, must re-register in a timely manner during the re-registration period from Jan. 17, 2025, through Sept. 10, 2025, to ensure they maintain TPS and employment authorization.

Individuals registered under either the March 9, 2021, TPS designation or the Oct. 3, 2023, TPS designation will be allowed to re-register under the Venezuela 2023 extension. All Venezuela TPS beneficiaries who re-register for TPS under the Venezuela 2023 extension and are approved by USCIS will obtain TPS through the same extension date of Oct. 2, 2026.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants who renew their EAD may receive it before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through April 2, 2026, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Venezuela’s TPS designation. As proof of continued employment authorization through April 2, 2026, TPS beneficiaries can show their EAD with the Category A12 or C19 and a Card Expires date of:

Sept. 10, 2025;
April 2, 2025;
March 10, 2024; or
Sept. 9, 2022.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Venezuela. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of Jan. 17, 2025, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designations of TPS for Venezuela, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Oct. 2, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs.

This extension only applies to individuals already in the United States and who are current beneficiaries of TPS for Venezuela. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-extending-temporary-protected-status-for-venezuela

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:48:25 GMT

Release Date

01/15/2025

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, to Oct. 19, 2026, due to armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Ukraine’s extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of TPS is warranted because conditions that support Ukraine’s designation are ongoing. The extension is based on the war with Russia, now in its third year, which has involved large-scale attacks on major cities, resulting in increased civilian casualties, significant infrastructure damage, and widespread humanitarian suffering.

The extension of TPS for Ukraine allows approximately 103,700 current beneficiaries to re-register for TPS from Jan. 17, 2025, through March 18, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Ukraine must re-register in a timely manner during the re-registration period to ensure they maintain TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants who apply for a new Employment Authorization Document may receive it before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through April 19, 2026, the validity of EADs previously issued under Ukraine’s TPS designation. As proof of continued employment authorization through April 19, 2026, TPS beneficiaries can show their EAD with the Category A12 or C19 under and a Card Expires date of April 19, 2025, or Oct. 19, 2023.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Ukraine. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of Jan. 17, 2025, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Ukraine, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Oct. 19, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs.

This extension only applies to individuals already in the United States and who are current beneficiaries of TPS for Ukraine. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-extending-temporary-protected-status-for-ukraine

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/15/2025

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Release Date

01/15/2025

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, to Oct. 19, 2026, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Sudan’s extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of TPS is warranted because conditions that support Sudan’s designation are ongoing. The extension is based on continued political instability that that has triggered human rights abuses, including direct attacks on civilians.

The extension of TPS for Sudan allows approximately 1,900 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through Oct. 19, 2026, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Sudan must re-register in a timely manner during the re-registration period from Jan. 17, 2025, through March 18, 2025, to ensure they maintain TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants who apply for a new EAD may receive it before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through April 19, 2026, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Sudan’s TPS designation. As proof of continued employment authorization through April 19, 2026, TPS beneficiaries can show their EAD with the Category A12 or C19 and a Card Expires date of:

April 19, 2025;
June 30, 2024;
Dec. 31, 2022;
Oct. 4, 2021;
Jan. 4, 2021;
Jan. 2, 2020;
April 2, 2019;
Nov. 2, 2018; or
Nov. 2, 2017.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Sudan. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of Jan. 17, 2025, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Sudan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Oct. 19, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs.

This extension only applies to individuals already in the United States and who are current beneficiaries of TPS for Sudan. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-extending-temporary-protected-status-for-sudan

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/15/2025

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 23:52:31 GMT

Release Date

01/10/2025

Extension Allows Eligible Salvadoran Nationals to Maintain TPS and Employment Authorization

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador for 18 months, from March 10, 2025, to Sept. 9, 2026, due to environmental conditions in El Salvador that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to re-register for TPS under El Salvador’s TPS extension.

After reviewing the country conditions in El Salvador and consulting with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month TPS extension is warranted because of continued conditions from environmental disasters that resulted in a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in the affected areas of El Salvador. El Salvador’s extension of TPS is based on geological and weather events, including significant storms and heavy rainfall in 2023 and 2024, that continue to affect areas heavily impacted by the earthquakes in 2001. Those earthquakes were the basis of El Salvador’s initial TPS designation on March 9, 2001.

The extension of TPS for El Salvador allows approximately 232,000 current beneficiaries to re-register for TPS, if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under El Salvador’s prior designation.

Every individual processed by the Department of Homeland Security goes through rigorous national security and public safety vetting during the original application process and again during re-registration. If any individual is identified as posing a threat, they may be detained, removed, or referred to other federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution as appropriate. Individuals are barred from TPS if they have been convicted of any felony or two misdemeanors. Current beneficiaries under TPS for El Salvador must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period beginning when the Federal Register notice is published to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through March 9, 2026, the validity of EADs previously issued under El Salvador’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for El Salvador. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , starting when Federal Notice publishes, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for El Salvador, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Sept. 9, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and to renew their EADs.

This extension only applies to individuals already in the United States and who are current beneficiaries of TPS for El Salvador. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-extending-temporary-protected-status-for-el-salvador

Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:45:10 GMT

ALERT: On Dec. 10, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule that permanently increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents available to certain EAD renewal applicants from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. The final rule will continue to help prevent eligible renewal EAD applicants from experiencing a lapse in employment authorization and/or the validity of their EAD due to lengthy processing times.

The final rule will become effective on Jan. 13, 2025, and will apply to certain timely filed renewal EAD applications pending or filed on or after May 4, 2022.

ALERT: If you filed Form I-765 based on a grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or a pending TPS application, please see the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) section below for more information on TPS-specific requirements for the automatic EAD extension.

If you filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to renew your expiring Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you may qualify for an automatic extension of the expiration date printed on your EAD while your application is pending. You qualify for this automatic extension if:

The Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice you received for your pending Form I-765 renewal application has a “Received Date” that is before the “Card Expires” date shown on the face of your EAD;

The Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice has a “Received Date” on or after May 4, 2022, and on or before Sept. 30, 2025;

Your renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic extension (see the list of categories below); and

The category on your current EAD matches the “Eligibility Category” or “Class Requested” listed on your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice. (The table below lists exceptions for certain categories.)

If all the above factors are true, then your employment authorization does not expire on the date printed on your EAD, because you have been granted an automatic extension. To determine your actual EAD expiration date, please see the “Automatic Extension Eligibility Calculator” below.

https://www.uscis.gov/eadautoextend

USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:11:06 GMT

Release Date

12/23/2024

On Jan. 17, 2025, we will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date: 01/17/25). The form has been revised to align with the recently announced H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule .

The 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 replaces the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129. There is no grace period for the revised edition of Form I-129 because this revised edition is necessary for USCIS to apply the final rules. Effective Jan. 17, 2025, we will reject Form I-129 petitions received using the 04/01/24 edition of the form.

We are providing a preview version of the 01/17/25 edition of  Form I-129 (PDF, 2.19 MB) and its  instructions . Do not file the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 before Jan. 17, 2025. We will only accept the 01/17/25 edition of this form if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025.

If you file Form I-129 on paper by mail, please note that:

We will accept the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it is received before Jan. 17, 2025;
We will not accept the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025; and
We will only accept the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-publirevised-form-i-129-petition-for-a-nonimmigrant-worker

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/23/2024

USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Evidence for Applicants Under the International Entrepreneur Rule

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:20:52 GMT

Release Date

12/12/2024

We are issuing updated policy guidance on the types of evidence that may support an application under the International Entrepreneur Rule . The guidance covers evidence of the applicant’s central and active role in the startup entity and of the applicant’s position to substantially help the entity grow and succeed.

The guidance also expands on the types of evidence that can show qualified investments and qualified government awards or grants, and the types of alternative evidence that an applicant may submit. It also clarifies the types of evidence that can support a finding of significant public benefit.

The guidance, contained in Volume 3 of USCIS Policy Manual , is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after Dec. 12.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-updated-guidance-on-evidence-for-applicants-under-the-international-entrepreneur-rule

DHS Announces Permanent Increase of the Automatic Extension Period for Certain Employment Authorization Document Renewal Applicants

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:28:59 GMT

Release Date

12/10/2024

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that will support U.S. employers, foster economic growth, and improve access to employment authorization documents (EAD) for eligible individuals by permanently increasing the automatic extension period of employment authorization and employment authorization documentation from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for eligible noncitizens who file a timely request to renew their work authorization. This announcement responds to feedback from the business community to create more certainty for employers.

Over the past several years, USCIS has significantly reduced processing times for EAD applications as part of its ongoing efforts to help support the U.S. economy, its employers, and those who Congress has made eligible to work here. This final rule continues these efforts by reducing the likelihood that lapses in employment authorization for eligible noncitizens will occur, while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adjudicates their EAD renewal requests and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. The need is clear, as USCIS received and processed a record number of EAD applications this year. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to keep eligible work-authorized individuals in the workforce, supporting our local economies, businesses, and communities.

“Since January 2021, the American economy has created more than 16 million jobs, and the Department of Homeland Security is committed to helping businesses fill them,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Increasing the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents will help eliminate red tape that burdens employers, ensure hundreds of thousands of individuals eligible for employment can continue to contribute to our communities, and further strengthen our nation’s robust economy.”

“USCIS is committed to reducing unnecessary barriers and burdens in the immigration system to support our nation’s economy,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This final rule will help U.S. employers better retain their workers and help prevent workers with timely-filed EAD renewal applications from experiencing lapses in their employment authorization and employment authorization documentation through no fault of their own.”

The final rule will become effective on January 13, 2025, and will apply to eligible applicants with timely filed renewal EAD applications pending or filed on or after May 4, 2022.

This final rule aligns with USCIS’ ongoing efforts to support eligible individuals’ ability to work and contribute to the U.S. economy. In addition to today’s final rule, USCIS has taken a number of steps to reduce EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

Reducing by half the median EAD processing times for individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status from fiscal year 2021 to date;
Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals and providing on-the-ground intake support for applicants;
Reducing EAD application processing times for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to a 30-day median;
Extending the EAD validity period for certain categories of applicants from two years to five years;
Streamlining the processing of refugee EAD applications; and
Expanding online filing of EAD applications to asylum applicants and parolees.

For more information, visit the Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/10/2024

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-permanent-increase-of-the-automatic-extension-period-for-certain-employment

USCIS Updates Guidance on Determining Custody for Children Acquiring U.S. Citizenship

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:02:25 GMT

Release Date

11/19/2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration and Services is issuing guidance regarding the legal and physical custody requirements for purposes of acquisition of U.S. citizenship under section 320 and naturalization under section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). We are also expanding guidance on derivation of citizenship before the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, under former INA section 321.

The update clarifies and expands the current guidance on determining legal and physical custody of children of U.S. citizens for acquisition of citizenship purposes. Specifically, the updated guidance:

Expands guidance on when USCIS considers a child to be in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen parent, clarifies the effect of a nunc pro tunc (retroactive) correction of a custody order, and clarifies when USCIS may recognize private custody agreements;
Clarifies that USCIS considers a U.S. citizen parent who has actual uncontested custody of a child to have legal custody for purposes of acquisition of citizenship when there is no judicial determination on legal custody and the relevant jurisdiction’s law does not determine which parent has legal custody of the child;
Provides that a U.S. citizen parent has physical custody of a child when the child resides or physically lives with the parent;
Expands guidance on adjudicating derivation of U.S. citizenship claims before the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, by providing detailed clarification on each of the requirements of former INA section 321, including the legal custody requirements; and
Clarifies that USCIS cannot issue a Certificate of Citizenship to any applicant who does not take the Oath of Allegiance and is not eligible for a waiver of the oath.

This guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications pending on or after Nov. 19, 2024. For more information, see Volume 12, Part H of the USCIS Policy Manual .

This update will help ensure consistent determinations of legal and physical custody for adjudication of citizenship claims and provide more detailed guidance on how to determine legal and physical custody for eligibility for a certificate of citizenship in these cases.

USCIS is also implementing these changes consistent with Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans , and the goals of removing barriers to citizenship.

For more information, see the policy alert (PDF, 215.57 KB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-determining-custody-for-children-acquiring-us-citizenship

DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 18:33:44 GMT

Release Date

11/15/2024

Increase Will Help Address the Need for Seasonal Workers and Reduce Irregular Migration

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year. These additional H-2B visas represent the maximum permitted under the authority provided by Congress and are identical to the additional temporary visas provided in FY 2024. DHS, in coordination with DOL, has authorized supplemental cap numbers in FY 2017, FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2021, FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024 in accordance with the time-limited statutory authority granted for each of those fiscal years by Congress.

American businesses in industries such as hospitality and tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and more turn to seasonal and other temporary workers in the H-2B program to help them meet demand for their goods and services. The supplemental visa allocation will help address the need for seasonal and temporary workers in areas where too few U.S. workers are available, willing and qualified to do the temporary work and address the labor needs of American businesses.

Consistent with prior years, the Department is publicly announcing its plans to make these supplemental visas available early in FY 2025—just as it did in FY2023 and FY2024—to ensure American businesses with workforce needs are able to plan ahead and find the seasonal and other temporary workers they need. At the same time, DHS and DOL have put in place robust protections for American and foreign workers alike, including by ensuring that employers first seek out and recruit American workers for the jobs to be filled, as the H-2B program requires, and that foreign workers hired are not exploited by unscrupulous employers.

“The Department of Homeland Security is committed to further growing our nation’s strong economy,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas . “By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met, keeping prices down for consumers while strengthening worker protections and deterring irregular migration to the United States.”

The H-2B supplemental rule would include an allocation of 20,000 visas to workers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa Rica and a separate allocation of 44,716 supplemental visas that would be available to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years. The regulation would allocate the supplemental visas for returning workers between the first half and second half of the fiscal year to account for the need for additional seasonal and other temporary workers over the course of the year, with a portion of the second half allocation reserved to meet the demand for workers during the peak summer season.

The H-2B visa program permits eligible employers to hire noncitizens to perform temporary nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be of a temporary nature, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, peakload need, or intermittent need. Employers seeking H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must obtain certification from DOL that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker, and that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. The maximum period of stay in H-2B classification is three years. A person who has held H-2B nonimmigrant status for a total of three years must depart and remain outside of the United States for an uninterrupted period of three months before seeking readmission as an H-2B nonimmigrant.

DHS and DOL are committed to protecting H-2B workers from exploitation and abuse, and to ensuring, consistent with the law, that employers do not refuse to hire or appropriately recruit U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work.

Additional details on H-2B program safeguards, as well as eligibility and filing requirements, will be available in the temporary final rule when published and on the USCIS webpage.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-supplement-h-2b-cap-with-nearly-65000-additional-visas-for-fiscal-year-2025

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/15/2024

USCIS Updates Guidance on Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence Requirement for Naturalization

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:51:00 GMT

Release Date

11/14/2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that a naturalization applicant’s burden to demonstrate they have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence applies only to their initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or adjustment to LPR status.

USCIS is updating Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 2 in the Policy Manual to clarify that an applicant for naturalization must show that they have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in accordance with all immigration laws in effect at the time of admission or adjustment. Consistent with the 4th Circuit Decision in Azumah v. USCIS, 107 F.4th 272 (4th Cir. 2024), USCIS will consider whether a naturalization applicant was lawfully admitted for permanent residence or was lawfully adjusted to permanent resident status at the time of their initial admission or adjustment, regardless of whether they were lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of any subsequent reentries to the United States.

This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date.

For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 202.78 KB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-lawful-admission-for-permanent-residence-requirement-for-naturalization

DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:28:45 GMT

Release Date

10/17/2024

Certain Lebanese nationals will be eligible for DED and TPS, allowing them to work and temporarily remain in the United States

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allowing them the opportunity to request work authorization. Included in today’s announcement are details related to the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals as previously announced in July, and a planned new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon.

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas is announcing a new TPS designation for Lebanon for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals of Lebanon from returning in safety. Those approved for TPS will be able to remain in the country while the United States is in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border. The designation of Lebanon for TPS will allow Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024 to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 16, 2024 will not be eligible for TPS. More information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization, will be included in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice which DHS intends to publish in the next few weeks. Individuals should not apply for TPS under this designation until this Federal Register Notice publishes.

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)also posted a Federal Register Notice establishing procedures for those Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through January 25, 2026. As described in the Federal Register Notice, eligible Lebanese nationals can apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization . USCIS adjudicates each EAD application on a case-by-case basis to determine if an applicant meets all standards and eligibility criteria. More information about DED -based EADs is available on the USCIS website.

DHS is also publishing a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Lebanon, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon, so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the DED designation period.

In total, approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals will likely be eligible for DED and TPS pursuant to these actions. There are also approximately 1,740 F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon in the United States who may be eligible for Special Student Relief.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-offers-protections-for-lebanese-nationals-currently-in-the-united-states

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/17/2024

USCIS Updates Guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 21:16:36 GMT

Release Date

10/10/2024

We have updated guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule in our Policy Manual to clarify the required triennial increase in investment, revenue, and other thresholds, and to clarify how we arrange biometrics appointments for certain applicants.

The updated guidance reflects the International Entrepreneur Program: Fiscal Year 2025 Automatic Increase of Investment and Revenue Amount Requirements Final Rule published in July of this year. The final rule codifies the automatic adjustment of the investment, award, grant, and revenue amounts for applicants under the International Entrepreneur Rule.

The guidance also clarifies that we generally coordinate with the U.S. Department of State when arranging biometrics appointments for conditionally approved applicants under the International Entrepreneur Rule who are outside the United States or who choose to receive their parole documentation at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

The revised investment and revenue amounts are effective Oct. 1, 2024, and apply to requests filed on or after Oct. 1, 2024.

This guidance updates Volume 3 of the Policy Manual, and is effective immediately.

For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 204.56 KB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-the-international-entrepreneur-rule#:~:text=International%20Entrepreneur%20Rule-,USCIS%20Updates%20Guidance%20on%20the%20International%20Entrepreneur%20Rule,more%20information%2C%20see%20the%C2%A0Policy%20Alert%20(PDF%2C%20204.56%20KB).

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/10/2024

USCIS Issues New Guidance on EB-1 Eligibility Criteria for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:17:02 GMT

Release Date

10/02/2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to further clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.

This policy guidance:

Confirms that we consider a person’s receipt of team awards under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
Clarifies that we consider past memberships under the membership criterion;
Removes language suggesting published material must demonstrate the value of the person’s work and contributions to satisfy the published material criterion; and
Explains that while the dictionary defines an “exhibition” as a public showing not limited to art, the relevant regulation expressly modifies that term with “artistic,” such that we will only consider non-artistic exhibitions as part of a properly supported claim of comparable evidence.

This new guidance builds on a previous EB-1 policy update , providing more clarity and transparency to assist petitioners in submitting appropriate evidence that may establish the beneficiary’s eligibility.

This policy update is effective immediately and is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance on the topic. For more information, see the Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 2 .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/02/2024

USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Procedures for Liberians Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 23:49:28 GMT

Release Date

09/23/2024

Eligible Liberians can now apply for an EAD valid through June 30, 2026

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Liberians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid through June 30, 2026.

President Joe Biden issued a memorandum on DED for Liberians on June 28, 2024, deferring through June 30, 2026, the removal of certain Liberians who were eligible for DED under the president’s 2022 memorandum, including individuals who have been continuously present in the United States since May 20, 2017.

Through this Federal Register notice , USCIS is automatically extending through June 30, 2026, the validity of DED-related EADs bearing a Category Code of A11 and a Card Expires date of March 30, 2020; Jan. 10, 2021; June 30, 2022; or June 30, 2024.

There is no application for DED . Nationals of Liberia, and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia, are covered under DED based on the terms described in the president’s directive. The Department of Homeland Security may provide travel authorization at its discretion to those covered under DED for Liberians. Individuals who wish to travel outside of the United States may file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . Individuals can also apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization . The Federal Register notice provides additional information about DED for Liberia and how eligible individuals may apply for a DED-based EAD or travel authorization.

USCIS adjudicates each EAD application fairly, humanely, and efficiently on a case-by-case basis to determine if applicants meet all standards and eligibility criteria. Over the past year, USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined the adjudication process. More information about fees for DED -based EADs is available on the USCIS website.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-employment-authorization-procedures-for-liberians-covered-by-deferred-enforced

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/23/2024

Visa Bulletin Update October 2024

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 23:31:56 GMT

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that updates the availability of visas for various immigration categories. It helps individuals and families understand when they can apply for their green cards based on their priority dates.

The F4 category for siblings from Mexico is now CURRENT in the Visa Bulletin! This is a monumental moment for families who have been separated for years. With this change, many can finally reunite and build their lives together in the U.S.

El Boletín de Visas es una publicación mensual del Departamento de Estado de los EE. UU. que actualiza la disponibilidad de visas para varias categorías de inmigración. Ayuda a las personas y familias a comprender cuándo pueden solicitar sus tarjetas verdes según sus fechas de prioridad.

¡La categoría F4 para hermanos de México ya está ACTUALIZADA en el Boletín de Visas! Este es un momento monumental para las familias que han estado separadas durante años. Con este cambio, muchos finalmente pueden reunirse y construir sus vidas juntos en los EE. UU.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-october-2024.html

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Green Card Renewals

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:15:24 GMT

Release Date

09/18/2024

Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. 

Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months from the expiration date on the face on the face of the current Green Card for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90 renewal request. On Sept. 10, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90. 

These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status and employment authorization. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

If you no longer have your Green Card and you need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive your replacement Green Card, you may request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center , and we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file Form I-90.

For more information, visit our Replace Your Green Card page.

If your mailing address changes while your case is pending, please update it through your USCIS Online Account, if you have one.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-green-card-validity-extension-to-36-months-for-green-card-renewals

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/18/2024

USCIS to Open International Field Office in Quito, Ecuador

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 23:00:21 GMT

Release Date 08/30/2024

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of an international field office in Quito, Ecuador on Sept. 10. The Quito Field Office will focus on increasing refugee processing capacity, consistent with USCIS commitments under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States.

“Opening the Quito Field Office expands USCIS’ international presence and expertise in a critical location and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways and meet our humanitarian mission,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “USCIS is dedicated to fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve, and our presence in Ecuador is part of an effort to expand USCIS’ footprint outside the United States to more effectively support that mission.”

The Quito Field Office will be located in the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador and will support the U.S. government’s effort to resettle refugees from the Americas, as outlined in the June 2022 Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection . The fiscal year 2024 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions increased the target for Latin America and the Caribbean to a range of 35,000-50,000 admissions. With a field office in Ecuador, USCIS staff will be able to provide immigration expertise to U.S. embassy and regional partners in support of the Oficinas de Movilidad Segura , or Safe Mobility Offices, in Ecuador. The Safe Mobility initiative facilitates expedited refugee processing through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and provides information and referrals to other lawful migration pathways to the United States and other countries.

In addition to supporting refugee processing in Ecuador and the region, USCIS staff will focus on family reunification work and resume other critical USCIS duties at the embassy. This workload includes interviewing and processing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition , fingerprinting beneficiaries of certain USCIS applications, overseeing collection of DNA samples, and performing essential fraud detection activities.

Services at the office in Quito will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update its International Immigration Offices webpage to include information about the field office, its services, and appointments.

The Quito Field Office will be the 12th USCIS international field office. Currently, there are USCIS international field offices in Ankara, Turkey; Beijing; Doha, Qatar; Guangzhou, China; Guatemala City; Havana; Mexico City; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 08/30/2024

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-open-international-field-office-in-quito-ecuador

Keeping Families Together

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 21:25:14 GMT

ALERT : On August 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security , Case Number 24-cv-306 administratively stayed DHS from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days; the District Court might extend the period of this administrative stay.

While the administrative stay is in place, we will:

Not grant any pending parole in place requests under Keeping Families Together.
Continue to accept filings of Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.

The District Court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued.

ALERT : On Aug. 19, DHS posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice implementing Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place. Additional information on the eligibility criteria under this process, the request process, and examples of required documentation are available on this page, the Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together page, and in the Federal Register notice . We have also created a Filing Guide for Form I-131F (PDF, 8.95 MB) to help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process.

On June 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a key step toward fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to promoting family unity in the immigration system. On Aug. 19, 2024, DHS implemented Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place under existing statutory authority.

Parole is an exercise of DHS’s discretionary authority under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow certain noncitizen “applicants for admission” to be present in the United States on a temporary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The INA defines an “applicant for admission,” in relevant part, as a noncitizen “present in the United States who has not been admitted.” Noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole may be considered for parole in place under this process because they remain “applicants for admission.” Parole in place is available only for noncitizens who are present in the United States.

If granted parole, and if otherwise eligible, these noncitizens may apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident without being required to leave the United States and be processed by a U.S. consulate overseas. DHS estimates that 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible to access Keeping Families Together; on average, these noncitizens have resided in the United States for 23 years. In addition, approximately 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens are estimated to be eligible to seek parole under Keeping Families Together.

USCIS is committed to program integrity and protection against fraud. Using existing training and practices to identify fraudulent evidence, USCIS will be reviewing submitted evidence supporting the existence of a legally valid marriage. In its consideration of the Form I-131F, USCIS will employ rigorous procedures to detect potential fraud concerns, ensuring that potentially fraudulent marriages will not serve as the basis for a grant of adjustment of status following access to this process.

For more information on this process, see the Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together page and the Federal Register notice .

https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether

USCIS Updates Guidance for F/M Nonimmigrant Student Classification

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 21:14:35 GMT

Release Date

08/27/2024

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This guidance, found in Volume 2, Part F, of the Policy Manual, also provides clarifying guidance for F/M nonimmigrant students concerning online study, school transfers, the grace period, and study abroad.

The Policy Manual update:

Clarifies that students may count one class or three credits (or the equivalent) per academic session (or the equivalent) toward a full course of study if they take the class online or through distance learning not requiring physical attendance for any purpose integral to completion of the class.
Explains that students may transfer between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified, schools at the same educational level, or move between educational levels.
Explains that, during the 60-day grace period following an authorized period of post-completion of OPT, students may change their education level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or file an application or petition with USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
Clarifies that students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after completion of an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.
Corrects the period during which students may apply for STEM OPT extensions and makes other technical corrections.
Clarifies that a student enrolled in a SEVP-certified school during a study abroad program may remain active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System if the study abroad program lasts less than five months, but that the student will need a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status , if the program lasts longer than five months.

This guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date.

For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 324.65 KB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-for-fm-nonimmigrant-student-classification

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/27/2024

Keeping Families Together

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:54:16 GMT

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ALERT: On Aug. 19, DHS posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice implementing Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place. Additional information on the eligibility criteria under this process, the request process, and examples of required documentation are available on this page, the Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together page, and in the Federal Register notice . We have also created a Filing Guide for Form I-131F (PDF, 8.91 MB) to help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process.

On June 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a key step toward fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to promoting family unity in the immigration system. On Aug. 19, 2024, DHS implemented Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place under existing statutory authority.

https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether

California Service Center Moving to New Address August 12

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:17:27 GMT

Release Date

08/07/2024

On Aug. 12, the California Service Center will move to a new address. The new facility will help streamline processes by concentrating operations in the new location. The California Service Center will continue to provide prompt and efficient service in processing requests for immigration benefits. The updated address for the California Service Center will be:

California Service Center

2642 Michelle Drive 

Tustin, CA 92780

Please refer to form filing address pages on uscis.gov to find the specific address information, including suite numbers, you should use depending on which form you are submitting. As a reminder, service centers do not provide in-person services, conduct interviews, or receive walk-in applications, petitions, or questions.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/california-service-center-moving-to-new-address-august-12

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/07/2024

Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2025 H-1B Regular Cap

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 21:40:48 GMT

Release Date

08/05/2024

USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B regular cap numerical allocation. Our projections indicate we have now randomly selected a sufficient number of registrations for unique beneficiaries as needed to reach the regular cap from the remaining properly submitted FY 2025 registrations. Additionally, we have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.

Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2025, and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice. We did not conduct a second selection for the advanced degree exemption (the master’s cap), as enough masters cap registrations had already been selected and sufficient petitions were received based on these registrations as projected to meet the masters cap numerical allocation.

Registration selection only pertains to eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. Petitioners filing H-1B cap-subject petitions must still establish eligibility for petition approval based on existing statutory and regulatory requirements.

On Jan. 31, 2024, USCIS published a final rule that adjusted the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees are effective as of April 1, 2024. Petitions must include the new fees, or we will not accept them. Additionally, there is a new 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker . We will only accept the 04/01/24 edition of this form.

As a reminder, we recently announced a final premium processing fee rule that increased the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service , to adjust for inflation, effective Feb. 26, 2024. If we receive a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024, with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee.

For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/second-random-selection-from-previously-submitted-registrations-complete-for-fy-2025-h-1b-regular

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/05/2024

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:44:36 GMT

Release Date

07/08/2024

- Alert Type info News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

Redesignation Allows Additional Newly Eligible Yemeni Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to country conditions in Yemen that prevent individuals from safely returning.

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month extension and redesignation of Yemen for TPS is warranted because ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to support Yemen’s TPS designation, and that the extension and redesignation are not contrary to the national interest of the United States.

“Yemen has been in a state of protracted conflict for the past decade, severely limiting civilians’ access to water, food, and medical care, pushing the country to the brink of economic collapse, and preventing Yemeni nationals living abroad from safely returning home,” said Secretary Mayorkas . “The steps the Department of Homeland Security has taken today will allow certain Yemenis currently residing in the United States to remain and work here until conditions in their home country improve.”

The redesignation of Yemen for TPS allows an estimated 1,700 Yemeni nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) who have been continuously residing in the United States since July 2, 2024 to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible.

The extension of TPS for Yemen allows approximately 2,300 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 3, 2026, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. This extension and redesignation does not apply for anyone who was not already in the United States on July 2, 2024.

The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Yemen’s extension and redesignation. The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Yemen, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen, so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period.

Current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through March 3, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 10, 2024, through September 9, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through September 3, 2025, the validity of EADs previously issued under Yemen’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Yemen. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of July 10, 2024 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Yemen, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through March 3, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Under the redesignation of Yemen, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from July 10, 2024 through March 3, 2026. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately later.

Since the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule was issued in early June, over 24,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 20 countries. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/08/2024

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-announces-extension-and-redesignation-of-yemen-for-temporary-protected-status

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:54:20 GMT

Release Date

06/28/2024

WASHINGTON —Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti. The corresponding Federal Register Notice provides information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Haiti’s extension and redesignation.

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined on June 3, 2024, that an 18-month extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS is warranted because conditions that support Haiti’s designation are ongoing and that doing so was not contrary to the national interest of the United States. Several regions in Haiti continue to face violence or insecurity, and many have limited access to safety, health care, food, and water. Haiti is particularly prone to flooding and mudslides, and often experiences significant damage due to storms, flooding, and earthquakes. These overlapping humanitarian challenges have resulted in ongoing urgent humanitarian needs.

“We are providing this humanitarian relief to Haitians already present in the United States given the conditions that existed in their home country as of June 3, 2024,” said Secretary Mayorkas . “In doing so, we are realizing the core objective of the TPS law and our obligation to fulfill it.”

The redesignation of Haiti for TPS allows an estimated 309,000 additional Haitian nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible and if they established residence in the United States on or before June 3, 2024, and have continued to reside in the United States since then (“continuous residence”). Eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from July 1, 2024, through Feb. 3, 2026. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately later.

Haitians who were not residing in the United States on or before June 3, 2024, are not eligible for such protection, and will face removal to Haiti if they do not establish a legal basis to stay.

The extension of TPS for Haiti allows current beneficiaries to retain TPS through Feb. 3, 2026, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Haiti must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from July 1, 2024, through Aug. 30, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Haiti’s initial designation.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants who apply for a new EAD may receive it before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through Aug. 3, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Haiti’s TPS designation. Details will be available on USCIS.gov.

If you have one of these EADs, to get an EAD that is valid after Aug. 3, 2025, you must re-register for TPS and file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , following the instructions in the Federal Register notice extending and redesignating Haiti for TPS through Feb. 3, 2026. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves your newly filed Form I-765, USCIS will issue you an EAD valid through Feb. 3, 2026.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Haiti. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765 as of July 1, 2024, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Haiti, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Feb. 3, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

The Federal Register Notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

This extension and redesignation does not apply for anyone who was not already in the United States on June 3, 2024, and consequences continue to be enforced on those attempting to cross unlawfully or without authorization into the United States. Since the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule was issued in early June, over 24,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 20 countries. All irregular migration journeys, especially maritime routes, are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and policy throughout the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region, as well as at the southwest border. U.S. policy is to return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-announces-extension-and-redesignation-of-haiti-for-temporary-protected-status

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/28/2024

USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Documents under Temporary Protected Status Designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:24:36 GMT

Release Date

06/20/2024

We are extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through March 9, 2025. We will send a Form I-797, Notice of Action , notifying you if you are affected by this extension.

If you are a current TPS beneficiary under one of these designations, and you have not yet re-registered for TPS under the most recent extension for that designation, you must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the current re-registration period to keep your TPS benefits. DHS previously extended the re-registration periods for individuals to submit TPS applications:

El Salvador now runs through March 9, 2025;
Honduras now runs through July 5, 2025;
Nepal now runs through June 24, 2025;
Nicaragua now runs through July 5, 2025; and
Sudan now runs through April 19, 2025.

Please note that while the re-registration periods end on different dates, EADs are all extended through the same date: March 9, 2025. Find instructions to re-register for TPS and renew your EAD in the most recent Federal Register notice that extends TPS for your country (or extends and redesignates your country for TPS).

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/20/2024

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-employment-authorization-documents-under-temporary-protected-status-designations-of-el

Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:10:03 GMT

On June 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a key step toward fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to promoting family unity in the immigration system. DHS will establish a new process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been continuously physically present without admission or parole in the United States for 10 years or more; have no disqualifying criminal convictions; do not pose a threat to national security and public safety and pass vetting; are otherwise eligible to apply for adjustment of status; and merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

If paroled, these noncitizens will generally be able to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the United States and be processed by a U.S. consulate overseas. DHS estimates that 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible to access this process; on average, these noncitizens have resided in the United States for 23 years. Approximately 50,000 noncitizen children of these spouses are estimated to be eligible to seek parole under this process.

For more information on this new process, see the DHS Fact Sheet: DHS Announces New Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families .

Additional information on the application process, required fee, and other key information will be detailed in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice. USCIS will reject any filing received prior to the publication of the Federal Register Notice.

Close All Open All

Eligibility and Process

To be considered on a case-by-case basis for a discretionary grant of parole in place under this process, an individual must:

Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024; and
Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

In addition, individuals must not have disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety and should otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Noncitizen children of spouses who are granted parole under this process may also be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis under this process if they are physically present in the United States without admission or parole and have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen parent as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act as of June 17, 2024.

In order to be considered for parole, an individual will need to file a form with USCIS along with supporting documentation to show they meet the requirements and pay a fee. Further information regarding eligibility and the application process, including a notice in the Federal Register, will be published in the near term. USCIS will reject any filings or individual requests in relation to this process received before the date when the application process begins later this summer.

Upon receipt of a properly filed parole in place request, USCIS will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a grant of parole is warranted based on a significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons and whether the applicant merits a favorable exercise of discretion. All requests will take into consideration the potential requestor’s previous immigration history, criminal history, the results of background checks and national security and public safety vetting, and any other relevant information available to or requested by USCIS.

https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Customer Service and Confidentiality Protections for Certain Naturalized U.S. Citizens

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 23:08:51 GMT

Release Date

06/12/2024

USCIS is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that interprets that the confidentiality protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 end at naturalization, which will allow naturalized U.S. citizens previously protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367 (specifically, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and those seeking or with approved T and U nonimmigrant status) the ability to fully access e-filing and other customer service tools.

This guidance is responsive to requests from naturalized citizens and other stakeholders, and it provides these U.S. citizens with increased access to customer service tools, helping to eliminate barriers to case processing and improving USCIS response times for certain inquiries. Termination of the protections after naturalization will allow a naturalized citizen to request a replacement naturalization certificate in the case where they may have misplaced this document. It would allow the citizen to ask or answer questions regarding their intent to be a financial supporter for parole applicants.

Feedback from stakeholders, adjudicating officers, and naturalized citizens indicated that removing the barriers to communication and case processing, initiated by 8 U.S.C. 1367 protections, will prove a significant benefit in family reunification and humanitarian sponsorship. This will allow more freedom in exchanging information between the naturalized citizen and USCIS and in turn, increases customer service support from USCIS to the naturalized citizen.

Persons eligible for and recipients of survivor-based immigration relief (specifically Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and those seeking or with approved T and U nonimmigrant status) are entitled to protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367. The confidentiality provisions were enacted to protect noncitizen victims from their abusers’ use of the immigration system as a tool to further harm and control them and to limit disclosure of their requests for immigration protection. After a noncitizen victim becomes a U.S. citizen, their abuser no longer has the same means to use the immigration system against the victim. Continuing these safeguards after naturalization causes case processing delays and is more of a hardship than a protection mechanism.

This guidance, contained in Volume 1 of the Policy Manual, is effective July 12, 2024. On that date, USCIS will stop applying the 8 U.S.C. 1367 protections to naturalized citizens. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance on the topic. For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 428.31 KB) . To provide feedback on this update, email the Office of Policy and Strategy at policyfeedback@uscis.dhs.gov .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-policy-guidance-on-customer-service-and-confidentiality-protections-for-certain

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/12/2024

USCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 22:39:47 GMT

Release Date

04/29/2024

WASHINGTON —The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) and ensure eligible victims of human trafficking can access protections and stabilizing benefits on a timely manner. T nonimmigrant status enables certain victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States for an initial period of up to four years.

“We are dedicated to protecting victims of human trafficking and minimizing any potential barriers to assistance,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This final rule has been many years in the making, and I am thrilled the T visa program now has a firm regulatory framework to support it. Ultimately, this makes our approach more victim-centered and strengthens the integrity of the T visa application process so the program better protects victims, as Congress intended.”

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals to provide labor or services, including commercial sex. Traffickers often take advantage of vulnerable individuals, including those lacking lawful immigration status. In some cases, people who are smuggled into the United States may become victims of human trafficking or exploitation during their journeys or upon reaching their destination. DHS is committed to protecting communities from an increased threat of human trafficking through strong border enforcement and enhanced consequences for those who do not avail themselves to the many expanded lawful pathways.

T nonimmigrant status offers protection to victims and strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking. This final rule clarifies T nonimmigrant status eligibility and application requirements and includes provisions to reduce potential barriers to victims and enable USCIS officers to adjudicate victims’ applications more efficiently. The final rule also improves the program’s integrity by clarifying the reporting and evidentiary requirements for victims of trafficking, which will better help law enforcement act on reports of trafficking.

Key elements of the final rule include:

Updating and clarifying definitions – including serious harm, abuse, and law enforcement agency – to ensure consistency and standards as described in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended;
Improving program efficiency by clarifying reporting and evidentiary requirements on the outset to decrease requests for additional evidence;
Streamlining law enforcement agencies’ ability to act on reports of trafficking by requiring victims to report instances of trafficking to the correct law enforcement of jurisdiction; and
Simplifying the bona fide determination and adjudication process, while continuing to uphold fraud prevention measures.

In 2016, DHS published an interim rule to respond to public feedback on the T visa program, clarify requirements based on statutory changes, formalize the experience gained from operating the program for more than 14 years, and amend provisions as required by intervening legislation. In July 2021, DHS reopened the public comment period for this interim rule for 30 days and subsequently extended the deadline for comments. This final rule adopts the changes in effect from the 2016 interim rule, clarifies the existing regulatory framework, and substantively addresses the public comments received.

DHS is on the frontlines of combating human trafficking, protecting the country and collaborating with our partners to stop these crimes. Launched in 2020, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking coordinates the efforts of 16 DHS offices and components to combat human trafficking through law enforcement operations, victim protection and support, intelligence and analysis, and public education and training programs. Through the Blue Campaign, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking leads the Department’s national public awareness effort to combat human trafficking. DHS’s ongoing efforts to address online child sexual exploitation and abuse comes after the Department’s Quadrennial Homeland Security Review added combating crimes of exploitation and protecting victims as a sixth mission area in April 2023. Learn more about recent DHS efforts to combat child exploitation and abuse .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow USCIS on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-strengthens-t-nonimmigrant-visa-program-and-protections-for-trafficking-victims

Last Reviewed/Updated:

04/29/2024

USCIS Announces Open Application Period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 22:43:23 GMT

Release Date

04/24/2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program , which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The 16-year-old program, specifically Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services, will provide up to $10 million in grants to prepare legal immigrants for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics.

“The announcement of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program application period is always an exciting time for USCIS,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Through this program, we empower organizations to help legal immigrants pursue citizenship. Our outreach efforts this year seek to ensure eligible organizations that focus on remote, underserved, or isolated communities are aware of USCIS funding opportunities and that grant funds are assisting more historically underserved communities.”

USCIS expects to award up to 40 organizations up to $300,000 each for two years to expand availability of high-quality citizenship and integration services. This grant opportunity will fund public or nonprofit organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to lawful permanent residents. Applications are due by June 21.

Since 2009, the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded $155 million through 644 grants to immigrant-serving organizations. These grant recipients have provided citizenship preparation services to more than 300,000 immigrants in 41 states and the District of Columbia. In fiscal year 2024, USCIS received support from Congress through appropriations to make this funding opportunity available to communities and expects to announce award recipients in September 2024.

To apply for this funding opportunity, visit www.grants.gov . USCIS encourages applicants to visit www.grants.gov before the application deadline to obtain registration information needed to complete the application process.

For additional information on the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program for fiscal year 2024, visit or email the USCIS Office of Citizenship at citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-open-application-period-for-the-citizenship-and-integration-grant-program

Last Reviewed/Updated:

04/24/2024

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:34:57 GMT

Release Date: 04/04/2024

WASHINGTON — Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to get work-authorized individuals into the workforce, supporting the economies where they live.

“Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals. However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.”

This TFR aligns with an ongoing effort at USCIS to support employment authorized individuals’ access to work. USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

Reducing by half EAD processing times of individuals with pending green card applications from FY2021 to date,
Processing a record number of EAD applications in the past year, outpacing prior years,
Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals who were not accessing the process and provide on-the-ground intake support of applications,
Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median,
Extending EAD validity period for certain categories from 2 years to 5 years,
Streamlining the process for refugee EADs, and
Expanding online filing for EADs to asylum applications and parolees.

This temporary measure will apply to eligible applicants who timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The temporary final rule will also apply to eligible EAD renewal applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants – would be in danger of experiencing a lapse in their employment authorization, and approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted as a result of such a lapse. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend the length of parole.

Since May 12, 2023 to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011.

As part of this temporary final rule, USCIS is soliciting feedback from the public that would inform potential future regulatory action. For more information, visit our Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-increases-automatic-extension-of-certain-employment-authorization-documents-to-improve-access

USCIS Reopens Field Office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 23:45:47 GMT

Release Date 03/22/2024

WASHINGTON —U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the reopening of an international field office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The Tegucigalpa Field Office will focus on increasing refugee processing capacity and helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States.

“Reopening the Tegucigalpa Field Office establishes USCIS’ presence and expertise in a critical location in the Western Hemisphere and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways and meet our humanitarian mission,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “USCIS is dedicated to fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve, and our renewed presence in Honduras is part of an effort to expand USCIS’ footprint outside the United States to more effectively support that mission.”

The Tegucigalpa Field Office will be located within the U.S. Embassy in Honduras. USCIS staff will assume responsibility for agency workloads currently handled by the U.S. Department of State Consular Section. These include interviews and processing for Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition , fingerprinting beneficiaries of T nonimmigrant applications and U nonimmigrant and VAWA petitions, and essential fraud detection activities, including document verification, site visits, and interviews. Additionally, reopening the USCIS Tegucigalpa Field Office will help support the U.S. government’s effort to resettle refugees from the Americas, as outlined in the June 2022 Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

Services at the office in Tegucigalpa will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update its International Immigration Offices webpage to include information about the field office, its services, and appointments.

USCIS’ renewed presence in Honduras is part of an effort to restore its footprint outside the United States to meet its workload needs and the needs of USCIS partners. The opening of the field office in Tegucigalpa makes it the ninth USCIS international field office. Currently, there are international field offices in Beijing, China; Guangzhou, China; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Havana, Cuba; Mexico City, Mexico; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi, India; and San Salvador, El Salvador.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-reopens-field-office-in-tegucigalpa-honduras

Last Reviewed/Updated: 03/22/2024

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024 and Announces Filing Dates for the Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 23:33:58 GMT

Release Date 03/08/2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule .

H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024

USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the second half of FY 2024. March 7, 2024, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date on or after April 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2024. We will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after March 7, 2024, that request an employment start date on or after April 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2024.

We continue to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for:

Current H-2B workers in the United States who wish to extend their stay and, if applicable, change the terms of their employment or change their employers;
Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians and/or supervisors of fish roe processing; and
Workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and/or Guam (until Dec. 31, 2029).

Filing Dates for Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) jointly published a temporary final rule on Nov. 17, 2023, increasing the numerical limit (or cap) on H-2B nonimmigrant visas by up to 64,716 additional visas for all of FY 2024. These supplemental visas are available only to U.S. businesses that are suffering irreparable harm or will suffer impending irreparable harm without the ability to employ all the H-2B workers requested in their petition, as attested by the employer on the DOL Form ETA 9142-B-CAA-8 (PDF) . These supplemental H-2B visas are for U.S. employers seeking to petition for additional workers at certain periods of the fiscal year.

Below are the filing start dates for each of the remaining supplemental visa allocations under the temporary final rule:

For employers seeking workers who are nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, regardless of whether such nationals are returning workers: USCIS will begin accepting petitions for employers requesting an employment start date from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024, on March 22, 2024. USCIS began accepting petitions from employers with employment start dates from Oct. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, in November 2023. A cap count for this country-specific allocation is available on the Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024 page.
For employers seeking returning workers for the early second half of FY 2024 (April 1 to May 14): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 19,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on March 22, 2024.
For employers seeking returning workers for the late second half of FY 2024 (May 15 to Sept. 30): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 5,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on April 22, 2024.

USCIS will stop accepting petitions under this temporary final rule received after Sept. 16, 2024, or after the applicable cap has been reached, whichever occurs first.

USCIS has already announced that we have received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of FY 2024 with employment start dates on or before March 31, 2024.

Additional information on the FY 2024 supplemental visas is available on the Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2024 page.

Reminder: Upcoming Changes in Required Fee and Form Editions for H-2B Petitions

On Jan. 30, 2024, USCIS announced a final rule , published in the Federal Register, that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024. There will be no grace period for filing the new version of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , because it must include the new fee calculation.

H-2B petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees and be filed on the 04/01/24 edition of the form or we will not accept them. USCIS has published a preview version of the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 (PDF, 2.07 MB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-reaches-h-2b-cap-for-second-half-of-fy-2024-and-announces-filing-dates-for-the-second-half-of

Last Reviewed/Updated: 03/08/202

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Announcing the Extensions of Re-Registration Periods for Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:03:17 GMT

Release Date

12/13/2023

WASHINGTON – Consistent with its September announcement, the Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice reiterating the extensions of the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the existing designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. As previously announced, the re-registration period for each country is changing from 60 days to the full length of each country’s current TPS designation extension.

The 18-month re-registration period for current TPS beneficiaries under the designation of:

El Salvador is currently open and now runs through March 9, 2025;
Haiti is currently open and now runs through Aug. 3, 2024;
Honduras is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025;
Nepal is currently open and runs through June 24, 2025;
Nicaragua is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025; and
Sudan is currently open and now runs through April 19, 2025.

Extending re-registration allows current TPS beneficiaries to submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , at any time during the full extensions of the TPS designations of these six countries. They also may submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , to obtain an Employment Authorization Document, if desired, during the full extension period. This announcement does not change the previously announced extensions of the TPS designations for these six countries, and it does not change the eligibility requirements. This re-registration extension is solely for TPS beneficiaries who properly filed for TPS during a previous registration period.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced on June 13, 2023 , that he would rescind the previous administration’s terminations of TPS designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua and extend the TPS designations for these countries for 18 months. Re-registration periods under these TPS designations were initially set at 60 days; however, DHS reevaluated the length of the re-registration period due to the unique circumstances surrounding these designations. On Sept. 8, 2023, DHS announced the extension of the re-registration periods for these six TPS designations to the full length of the TPS designation extension.

Limiting the re-registration period to 60 days for these particular beneficiaries might place a burden on applicants who cannot timely file, but who otherwise would be eligible to re-register for TPS. In particular, ongoing litigation resulted in overlapping periods of TPS validity that were announced in several Federal Register notices, which may confuse some current beneficiaries. This notice allows beneficiaries of these countries who have not been required to re-register for TPS for the past few years due to litigation to re-register through the entire designation extension period.

The Federal Register notice does not change the previously announced extensions of the TPS designations for these six countries. It does not change the eligibility requirements or add any newly eligible beneficiaries. It simply extends the period when existing beneficiaries may re-register for their benefits.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-announcing-the-extensions-of-re-registration-periods-for

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/13/2023

Tampa Asylum Office Moving to New Location

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:25:43 GMT

Release Date

11/27/2023

USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office is moving to a new location. Effective Dec. 11, 2023, the new address will be:

3924 Coconut Palm Drive
Tampa, Florida 33619

The current location will close to the public on Nov. 29, and the new location will open to the public on Dec. 11. We will begin accepting mail at the new location on Nov. 29. However, the Tampa Asylum Office will not have walk-in hours until Dec. 13.

This move will not affect the Tampa Asylum Office’s jurisdiction. The Tampa Asylum Office will continue to adjudicate asylum claims filed by individuals residing in western and northern Florida as well as portions of central Florida.

If you are an asylum applicant and you have been scheduled for an asylum interview, carefully review your interview notice for important information about your asylum interview, including where to go for your interview. As a reminder, asylum interviews are by appointment only. See the Asylum Office locator for more information about asylum office locations and services.

For more information about what to expect at your affirmative asylum interview, see our Preparing for Your Affirmative Asylum Interview webpage.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/tampa-asylum-office-moving-to-new-location

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/27/2023

USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-485 and Form I-821

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:18:49 GMT

Release Date

11/21/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . myProgress will initially only be available for family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants.

myProgress provides applicants with access, in their online account, to personalized estimates of their wait time for major milestones and actions on their case, including their final case decision. While estimates are based on case type and historical patterns, they are not a guarantee of timing, and cannot take into consideration all possible unique application processing factors.

myProgress was implemented to improve customer experience by proactively addressing applicant concerns as to the status of their benefit requests while waiting for a decision, demonstrating our commitment both to supporting the Executive Order 14058 on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government Mandates , and to reducing the need for case status inquiries. This effort is part of USCIS’ Strategic Plan to enhance the experience of the people we serve. We anticipate that the expansion of myProgress will increase transparency in the adjudication process.

In addition to Form I-485 and Form I-821, myProgress is available for applicants with a USCIS online account who file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization ; Form I-131, Application for Travel Document ; Form N-400, Application for Naturalization ; Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card ; or Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative .

To view myProgress, applicants must first create a USCIS online account or log into their online account and select their pending application. If they filed online or linked one of the applicable forms to their online account using an online access code, they will see a myProgress tab for their application. The myProgress tab displays the estimated wait time until their case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside milestones as they are completed:

Confirmation that the application was received;
Movement of the application through preprocessing and adjudicative steps; and
Case decision.

Applicants will still need to visit the public Check Case Processing Times webpage to determine if they are eligible to file an Outside of Normal Processing Times service request.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-expands-myprogress-to-form-i-485-and-form-i-821

Certain Renewal Applicants for Employment Authorization to Receive Automatic 180 Day Extension

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:53:51 GMT

Release Date

10/27/2023

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending. Starting today, those who are eligible will receive 180-day extensions in accordance with existing regulations, including those who have applied for or have received Temporary Protected Status or asylum.

In May 2022, however, USCIS announced a temporary final rule (TFR) that increased the automatic extension period for EADs available to certain EAD renewal applicants from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. Today’s change is not retroactive; all previous up to 540-day automatic extensions will remain in place.

USCIS is in the process of determining whether there is a need for a new regulatory action similar to the May 2022 TFR, notwithstanding past and ongoing operational improvements and efforts to accelerate EAD processing more broadly.

As announced in the 2022 TFR, automatic extensions of employment authorization and EAD validity will be the original up to 180-day period for those eligible applicants who timely file a Form I-765 renewal applications on or after Oct. 27, 2023.

For individuals who received an increased automatic extension period under the TFR, the increased automatic extension will end when they receive a final decision on their renewal application or when the up to 540-day period expires (counted from the expiration date of the employment authorization and/or their EAD), whichever comes earlier.

Meanwhile, USCIS recently published a Policy Manual update increasing the maximum EAD validity period to five years for initial and renewal applications approved on or after Sept. 27, 2023, for the following categories:

Certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, granted asylum, and recipients of withholding of removal; and
Certain noncitizens who must apply for employment authorization, including applicants for asylum and withholding of removal, adjustment of status, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.

USCIS is making every effort to help avoid gaps in employment and/or employment authorization documentation for noncitizens with pending EAD renewal applications, and to help reduce EAD processing times, including by dedicating additional personnel and implementing processing improvements to decrease the median processing time for certain EAD applications to 30 days.

USCIS remains committed to reducing EAD processing times and preventing undue expiration of timely-renewed EADs. For more information, visit our Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/27/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/certain-renewal-applicants-for-employment-authorization-to-receive-automatic-180-day-extension

DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Process for Ecuador

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 23:38:34 GMT

Release Date

10/18/2023

Biden-Harris Administration continues strategy to provide lawful pathways and reduce dangerous irregular migration

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s effective strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration. The Family Reunification Parole processes promote family unity, and are part of the comprehensive measures announced in April by DHS and the Department of State, and are consistent with the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection’s objectives to strengthen national, regional, and hemispheric efforts to create the conditions for safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration.

The new process is for certain nationals of Ecuador whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who have received approval to join their family in the United States. Specifically, Ecuadorian nationals and their immediate family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for a period of up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

“The Family Reunification Parole process promotes family unity consistent with our laws and our values,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Establishing this process for certain Ecuadorian nationals will ensure more families can access lawful pathways rather than placing themselves at the mercy of smugglers to make the dangerous journey. Those who do not avail themselves of family reunification parole or other lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to face tough consequences.”

Certain nationals of Ecuador who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative may be eligible to be considered for parole under the new process. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.

The Family Reunification Parole process begins with the Department of State issuing an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member whose Form I-130 on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary has been approved. Beneficiaries awaiting an immigrant visa could include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. The invited petitioner can then initiate the process by filing a request on behalf of the beneficiary and eligible family members to be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.

The Family Reunification Parole process allows for parole only on a case-by-case and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. Individuals paroled into the United States under this process will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and will be eligible to request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides the Secretary of Homeland Security with the discretionary authority to parole applicants for admission into the United States temporarily on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Previous Secretaries across different administrations have similarly exercised the parole authority to establish other family reunification parole processes administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program in 2007 and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program in 2014. DHS announced new FRP processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in July and the modernization of FRP processes for Cuba and Haiti in August.

The Federal Register Notice for this FRP process will be published soon with detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/18/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-family-reunification-parole-process-for-ecuador

DHS Previews Federal Register Notice Extending and Separately Redesignating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 23:56:51 GMT

Release Date

09/29/2023

News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Venezuelan Nationals Who Arrived in the U.S. on or Before July 31, 2023 to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

Venezuelan Nationals Who Enter After July 31, 2023 are not Eligible for TPS. Those Who Do Not Enter the U.S. via Lawful Pathways Will be Subject to Enforcement Consequences

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced on September 20, 2023 the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for TPS for 18 months due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Individuals may be eligible if they have continuously resided in the United States on or before July 31, 2023, and been continuously physically present in the United States on or before October 3, 2023. The redesignation of Venezuela for TPS (Venezuela 2023) will allow an estimated 472,000 additional Venezuelan nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) to file an initial TPS application.

Venezuelan nationals who arrived in the United States after July 31, 2023, are not eligible for TPS. Those who do not enter through one of the many lawful pathways will be subject to enforcement consequences. Since May 12, we have removed or returned over 253,000 individuals to 152 countries, including to Mexico. DHS has removed or returned more family members in the last 4 months than in any previous full fiscal year.

Under the new redesignation of Venezuela (Venezuela 2023), eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from October 3, 2023 through April 2, 2025. Applicants can apply for a TPS-related EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately later. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

The extension of TPS for Venezuelans who are already registered (Venezuela 2021) runs from March 11, 2024 through September 10, 2025 and allows approximately 243,000 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 10, 2025, if they re-register and continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Re-registration is limited to beneficiaries of TPS under Venezuela 2021. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Venezuela must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from January 10, 2024, through March 10, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new EAD before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through March 10, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Venezuela 2021.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to process pending applications filed under Venezuela 2021. Both initial applicants and re-registering current beneficiaries who have a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 as of October 3, 2023 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves an individual’s pending Form I-821 re-registration application, USCIS will grant them TPS through September 10, 2025. Similarly, if USCIS approves a pending TPS-related Form I-765, USCIS will issue the individual a new EAD that will be valid through the same date.

The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs under Venezuela 2021, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD under Venezuela 2023.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/29/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-previews-federal-register-notice-extending-and-separately-redesignating-venezuela-for-temporary

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:27:06 GMT

Release Date

09/21/2023

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Afghanistan’s extension and redesignation.

After reviewing the country conditions in Afghanistan and consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month TPS extension and redesignation is warranted because conditions, including armed conflict, that support Afghanistan’s TPS designation are ongoing.

“Today’s announcement to extend and redesignate TPS for Afghanistan allows us to continue to offer safety and protection to Afghan nationals who are unable to return to their country,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas . “DHS will continue to support Afghan nationals through this temporary form of humanitarian relief.”

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Afghanistan’s designation is based on the serious threat posed by ongoing armed conflict; lack of access to food, clean water and healthcare; and destroyed infrastructure, internal displacement and economic instability.

The extension of TPS for Afghanistan allows approximately 3,100 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through May 20, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. The redesignation of Afghanistan for TPS allows an estimated 14,600 additional Afghan nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who entered the United States since the last continuous residence date of March 15, 2022, and who have been continuously residing in the United States since September 20, 2023, and continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2023, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Certain OAW parolees may also be eligible to file late initial applications for TPS.

Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Afghanistan’s prior designation. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Afghanistan must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from September 25, 2023 through November 24, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through November 20, 2024 the validity of EADs previously issued under Afghanistan’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under the previous TPS designation for Afghanistan. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of September 25, 2023 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Afghanistan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through May 20, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Under the redesignation of Afghanistan, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from September 25, 2023, through May 20, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately later.

Afghan nationals who were granted parole under Operation Allies Welcome, or re-parole, may apply for and receive TPS, if eligible. Applying for re-parole does not affect a TPS application, and being a TPS beneficiary does not affect an application for re-parole. Eligibility for ORR-funded services that extend to qualifying Afghan parolees, including those granted re-parole under the new re-parole process, require Afghans to maintain parole. TPS beneficiaries are not eligible for certain Afghan parolee benefits if their parole lapses. DHS cannot provide legal advice but encourages Afghan parolees to seek any more durable immigration pathways, like asylum and adjustment of status, for which they may be eligible.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/21/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-announces-extension-and-redesignation-of-afghanistan-for-temporary-protected

Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:38:02 GMT

Release Date

09/18/2023

On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule.

However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for “all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021.” See the Memorandum and Order (PDF, 1.35 MB) and Supplemental Order of Injunction (PDF, 72.53 KB) .

Accordingly, current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated. However, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACA regulations at 8 CFR 236.22 and 236.23, as it has since October 31, 2022, in accordance with this decision. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests, but per the order, not process initial DACA requests.

Currently valid grants of DACA and related EADs will continue to be recognized as valid under the Final Rule. This means that individuals with DACA and related EADs do not have to submit a request for DACA or employment authorization until the appropriate time to seek renewal.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/important-update-on-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals

For more information on DACA, please visit our USCIS DACA webpage.

For more information on USCIS and our programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/18/2023

USCIS Updates Voter Registration Guidance for Naturalization Ceremonies

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 22:11:20 GMT

Release Date

08/25/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in our Policy Manual to provide clarification on voter registration access at our administrative naturalization ceremonies.

The updated guidance:

Affirms that USCIS provides access to voter registration services at each administrative naturalization ceremony, including information regarding points-of-contact for voting and voter registration;
Provides that USCIS offices request that election officials from state or local government election offices attend ceremonies to distribute, collect, and review voter registration applications, and to officially register new citizens to vote;
Affirms that USCIS offices coordinate with non-partisan, non-governmental organizations for voter registration services when state and local government election officials are not available; and
Provides that, to the extent feasible, USCIS offices invite governmental or non-governmental organizations offering on-site voter registration services the opportunity to introduce themselves and address the naturalization candidates before the ceremony.

For consistency and efficiency, USCIS also created the Form N-401, Voter Registration Services Attestation (PDF, 273.71 KB) , for non-governmental agencies to submit a one-time request per field office to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies.

This guidance is immediately effective.

This update demonstrates USCIS’ commitment to support Executive Order 14019, Promoting Access to Voting , by promoting and encouraging the exercise of the right to vote, removing any agency obstacles that may prevent new citizens from registering to vote at naturalization ceremonies, and expanding access to voter registration.

For more information, please see the policy alert (PDF, 318.85 KB) .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-voter-registration-guidance-for-naturalization-ceremonies

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/25/2023

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 22:02:55 GMT

Release Date

08/24/2023

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we will apply the extraordinary circumstances exception to the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in light of a Feb. 14, 2023, policy change. This update (PDF, 331.87 KB) :

Explains that we consider the Feb. 14 policy change to be an extraordinary circumstance that may excuse an applicant’s failure to meet the sought to acquire requirement;
Clarifies that we may excuse an applicant’s failure to meet the sought to acquire requirement if they did not apply to adjust their status because they could not calculate their CSPA age under the prior policy or their CSPA age would have been calculated as over 21, but they are now eligible for CSPA age-out protection under the new policy; and
Clarifies that we consider applicants to have met the sought to acquire requirement if their application to adjust their status was pending on Feb. 14 and they applied to adjust their status within 1 year of a visa becoming available based on the Final Action Dates chart under the policy guidance that was in effect when they applied.

The CSPA protects certain beneficiaries from losing their eligibility for immigrant visas and adjustment of status because they age during the immigration process and no longer qualify as a child for immigration purposes. To benefit from the CSPA, noncitizens must seek to acquire lawful permanent resident status within 1 year of when an immigrant visa becomes available. On Feb. 14 USCIS issued policy guidance updating when an immigrant visa becomes available for the purpose of calculating an applicant’s CSPA age.

Under the policy guidance in effect before Feb. 14, 2023, some noncitizens may not have applied to adjust their status because a visa was not available to calculate CSPA age under the prior policy or the noncitizen’s CSPA age would have been calculated to be over 21 years old. If these noncitizens apply to adjust their status under the new policy issued on Feb. 14, they may not be able to meet the 1-year sought to acquire requirement. However, noncitizens who do not meet this requirement may still benefit from the CSPA if they can establish that their failure to meet the requirement was the result of extraordinary circumstances.

Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any comments received in future updates.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/24/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-guidance-for-the-sought-to-acquire-requirement-under-the-child-status

USCIS Launches Online Appointment Request Form

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:37:20 GMT

Release Date

08/21/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.

This online appointment request form allows individuals or legal representatives to request an in-person appointment at a field office only, for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and more. It is not a self-scheduling tool and individuals cannot schedule their own appointments with USCIS. The USCIS Contact Center will review submitted forms and the availability of in-person appointments at a specific field office. Individuals may request a specific date and time for an in-person appointment, but USCIS cannot guarantee that the requested appointment date will be scheduled. USCIS will confirm and schedule the individual for an available in-person appointment date and time.

USCIS continues to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government by introducing new initiatives in hopes of improving the customer experience.

The online appointment request form is expected to enhance the customer experience by collecting required information upfront and potentially scheduling the requested appointment without any further engagement with the USCIS Contact Center. The Contact Center may need to contact an individual either by phone or email depending on the appointment reason and urgency, using the reference number provided to them at the time the request was submitted.

Visit my.uscis.gov/appointment for more information on the online appointment request form.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/21/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-launches-online-appointment-request-form

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 22:27:26 GMT

Release Date

08/18/2023

Redesignation Enables Additional Eligible Sudanese Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of TPS for Sudan for the same reason, allowing Sudanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan) residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023 to be eligible for TPS. Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Sudan so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas made the decision to extend and redesignate TPS for this population in consultation with interagency partners and with careful consideration of conditions.

The eruption of violent clashes in April 2023 killing hundreds of have triggered political instability, violence, and human rights abuses against civilians. Food and clean water shortages; intercommunal violence; and internal displacement is ongoing. Recent reports indicate that most recent fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of persons fleeing from their homes to neighboring cities and countries. These conditions currently prevent Sudanese nationals and habitual residents from safely returning.

“Since the military takeover of its government and the recent violent clashes, Sudan has experienced political instability and ongoing conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Under this extension and redesignation, we will continue to offer safety and protection to Sudanese nationals until conditions in their home country improve.”

The extension allows approximately 1,200 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through April 19, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. An estimated 2,750 additional individuals may be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of Sudan. This population includes nationals of Sudan (and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan) in the United States in nonimmigrant status or without lawful immigration status.

Current beneficiaries who wish to extend their temporary protected status must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from August 21, 2023 through October 20, 2023 to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization without a gap. Recognizing that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending EADs previously issued through October 19, 2024.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Sudan. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Sudan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through April 19, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Initial, first-time applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Sudan must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025. Applicants may file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately at a later date. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-extends-and-redesignates-temporary-protected-status-for-sudan .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/18/2023

USCIS Reopens Field Office in Havana, Cuba

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:16:31 GMT

Release Date

08/17/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international field office in Havana, Cuba. The new office will assist with U.S. immigration casework and benefits, including interviews and processing of pending Cuban Family Reunification Parole cases and Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.

The USCIS Havana Field Office will also provide other limited services, which may include refugee processing and collecting biometrics for U visa petitions. Services at the Havana Field Office will be available only by appointment. We will update the USCIS International Immigration Offices page in the coming weeks with more information about services and appointments.

USCIS’ renewed presence in Cuba is part of our effort to restore USCIS’ footprint outside the United States. These efforts are consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to facilitate safe, legal, and orderly migration and discourage irregular and inherently dangerous maritime migration.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-reopens-field-office-in-havana-cuba

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/17/2022

USCIS Updates Receipts Process for Form I-129S

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:31:10 GMT

Release Date

08/03/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced changes to the way we issue receipts for L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals) under a previously approved blanket L petition.

When filing Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, together with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, the petitioner will now receive two notices: the receipt notice and the approval notice (if approved). Petitioners will no longer receive a stamped and signed Form I-129S in conjunction with the Form I-129 approval. Instead, the petitioner will receive a separate approval notice for the Form I-129S, which serves as the endorsement.

This approval notice will serve as evidence that a USCIS officer has determined the beneficiary is eligible for L-1 status based on an approved blanket L petition and constitutes an endorsement of Form I-129S as required by 8 CFR 214.2(l)(5)(ii)(E). A copy of that notice will also be provided to the beneficiary to be included with their visa and/or admission papers.

This change will provide petitioners with quicker, more organized, and more secure processing of Form I-129S, by eliminating the need for USCIS to print, stamp, sign, and annotate the paper form.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-receipts-process-for-form-i-129s

USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:40:34 GMT

Release Date

07/12/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document .

myProgress provides applicants with access, in their online account, to personalized estimates of their wait time for major milestones on their case, including their final case decision. While estimates are based on historical patterns of cases with similar specifics, they are not a guarantee of speed, cannot take into consideration all possible unique application processing delays, and may over- or underestimate the true processing time.

In addition to Form I-765 and Form I-131, myProgress is available for applicants with a USCIS online account who file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization ; Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card ; or Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative .

To view estimated case timelines, applicants must first create a USCIS online account or log into their account and select their pending application. If they e-filed or linked one of the applicable forms to their online account using an online access code, they will see a myProgress tab for their application. The myProgress tab displays the estimated wait time until their case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside three milestones as they are completed:

Confirmation that the application was received;
Biometric services appointment (if required) has been completed; and
The decision on the pending case.

Applicants will still need to visit the public Check Case Processing Times webpage to determine if they are eligible to file an Outside of Normal Processing Times service request.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/12/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-expands-myprogress-to-form-i-765-and-form-i-131

DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 23:50:09 GMT

Release Date

07/07/2023

Biden-Harris Administration continues strategy to provide lawful pathways and reduce dangerous irregular migration

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration. The FRP processes promote family unity and are part of the comprehensive measures announced in April by DHS and the Department of State .

The new processes are for nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who have received approval to join their family in the United States. Specifically, nationals of these countries can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for a period of up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

“These new processes promote family unity and provide lawful pathways consistent with our laws and our values,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department has proven that the expansion of safe, orderly, and lawful pathways, combined with strong enforcement, is effective in reducing dangerous, irregular migration to the United States.”

Certain nationals of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative may be eligible to be considered for parole under the new processes. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.

The processes begin with the Department of State issuing an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member whose Form I-130 on behalf of a Colombian, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, or Honduran beneficiary has been approved. Beneficiaries awaiting an immigrant visa could include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents. The invited petitioner can then initiate the process by filing a request on behalf of the beneficiary and eligible family members to be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.

The new processes allow for parole only on a discretionary, case-by-case, and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. Individuals paroled into the United States under these processes will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and will be eligible to request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

The Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, in his discretion, to parole noncitizens into the United States temporarily on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The parole authority has long been used to establish FRP processes administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program , which was established in 2007, and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program , which was established in 2014.

The Federal Register Notices for Colombia , El Salvador , Guatemala , and Honduras provide more information on the FRP process and eligibility criteria.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/07/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-family-reunification-parole-processes-for-colombia-el-salvador-guatemala-and-honduras

USCIS Provides Guidance on Employment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:41:59 GMT

Release Date

06/14/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances based on existing regulatory requirements at 8 CFR 204.5(p).

For an applicant to be eligible for an initial EAD based on compelling circumstances, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:

The principal applicant is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, in either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd employment-based preference category;
The principal applicant is in valid E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 nonimmigrant status or authorized grace period when they file the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization;
The principal applicant has not filed an adjustment of status application;
An immigrant visa is not available to the principal applicant based on the applicant’s priority date according to the relevant Final Action Date in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin in effect when they file Form I-765;
The applicant and their dependents provide biometrics as required;
The applicant and their dependents have not been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors; and
USCIS determines, as a matter of discretion, that the principal applicant demonstrates compelling circumstances that justify the issuance of employment authorization.

The guidance covers compelling circumstances for principal applicants and their dependents and provides a non-exhaustive list of situations that could lead to a finding that compelling circumstances exist, including serious illness and disability, employer dispute or retaliation, other substantial harm to the applicant, or significant disruption to the employer.

The guidance also provides details on evidence an applicant could submit to demonstrate one of these compelling circumstances. For example, a principal applicant with an approved immigrant visa petition in an oversubscribed visa category or chargeability area, who has lived in the United States for a significant amount of time, could submit evidence such as school or higher education enrollment records, mortgage records, or long-term lease records to support a potential finding of compelling circumstances. Compelling circumstances could include, if, due to job loss, the family may otherwise be forced to sell their home for a loss, pull their children out of school, and relocate to their home country.

For more information about these compelling circumstances EADs, please see the policy alert (PDF, 282.22 KB) . Please also see our resource on Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment , for more evidence on options for maintaining a period of authorized stay in the United States. Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to provide feedback on this update.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-guidance-on-employment-authorization-documents-based-on-compelling-circumstances

DHS Rescinds Prior Administration’s Termination of Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:24:53 GMT

Release Date

06/13/2023

Decision Extends TPS Designations for 18 Months for Current Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of the prior Administration’s terminations of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and the extension of TPS for these for countries for 18 months. Today’s actions are relevant to the litigation challenging the now-rescinded terminations. As always, DHS closely monitors conditions around the world to assess whether new TPS designations are warranted.

“Through the extension of Temporary Protected Status, we are able to offer continued safety and protection to current beneficiaries who are nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua who are already present in the United States and cannot return because of the impacts of environmental disasters,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to offer support to them through this temporary form of humanitarian relief.”

Soon-to-be-published Federal Register notices will explain the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register for TPS and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).

Once the notices are published, existing TPS beneficiaries under the four designations will be able to re-register to continue their TPS throughout the 18-month extension. Individuals who arrived in the United States after the continuous residence dates for these designations are not eligible for TPS and, if they enter without legal authorization and do not have a lawful basis to remain in the United States, will be subject to removal. The respective continuous residence dates are Feb. 13, 2001, for El Salvador; Dec. 30, 1998, for Honduras and Nicaragua; and June 24, 2015, for Nepal.

To ensure continued compliance with court orders in the litigation challenging the now-rescinded termination decisions, DHS previously extended the validity of TPS-related documentation for current beneficiaries who are nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua through June 30, 2024. Details about each country’s extension and the re-registration period are set forth below and will be further explained in forthcoming Federal Register Notices.

El Salvador

DHS is extending the designation of El Salvador for TPS for 18 months, from Sept. 10, 2023, through March 9, 2025. The new extension allows approximately 239,000 current TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through March 9, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through March 9, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 12, 2023, through Sept. 10, 2023.

Honduras

DHS is extending the designation of Honduras for TPS for 18 months, from Jan. 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. The new extension allows approximately 76,000 existing TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through July 5, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through July 5, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from Nov. 6, 2023, through Jan. 5, 2024.

Nepal

DHS is extending the designation of Nepal for TPS for 18 months, from Dec. 25, 2023, through June 24, 2025. The new extension allows approximately 14,500 existing TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through June 24, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through June 24, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from Oct. 24, 2023, through Dec. 23, 2023.

Nicaragua

DHS is extending the designation of Nicaragua for TPS for 18 months, from Jan. 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. The new extension allows approximately 4,000 current TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through July 5, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through July 5, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from Nov. 6, 2023, through Jan. 5, 2024.

The decisions to rescind the termination of the designations of these four countries for TPS are effective on June 9, 2023.

For additional information, please see the specific TPS country pages on the USCIS website, and the USCIS Ramos v. Nielsen webpage.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

06/13/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-rescinds-prior-administrations-termination-of-temporary-protected-status-designations-for-el

USCIS Changes Filing Location and Documentation Requirements for Certain Affirmative Asylum Applications Using Form I-589

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:05:51 GMT

Release Date

05/31/2023

Effective today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. We expect this change to help streamline asylum processing and improve adjudication efficiency by digitizing paper filings. You should now mail your Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal , to the lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence, instead of to the service center.

See the “Where to File” section of the Form I-589 webpage to learn where to file your application. If filing by mail, you should file at the appropriate lockbox location to ensure timely receipt of your application. However, if you submit Form I-589 to a service center, we will accept that form until we formalize this change through a Federal Register notice.

Applicants who submit a properly filed Form I-589 to a lockbox will receive two notices. The first notice will acknowledge that the lockbox has received and forwarded the Form I-589 to USCIS. After USCIS accepts the application, we will then issue a standard Form I-589 receipt notice. Both notices will include the same receipt date that is used to determine eligibility for employment authorization based on a pending asylum application and for purposes of the one-year filing deadline.

The following categories of affirmative asylum applicants must continue to mail their asylum application directly to the Asylum Vetting Center, following the instructions on the Form I-589 page:

Loss of Derivative Status After Asylum Approval but Before Adjustment of Status (Nunc Pro Tunc);
Loss of Derivative Status After Initial Filing but Before Final Decision;
Simultaneous Filing as a Principal Applicant and a Derivative Applicant;
Previously Issued a Final Action by USCIS on a Form I-589; and
Previously in Immigration Court Proceedings.

Online filing is also available and encouraged for affirmative asylum applicants who are not in immigration court proceedings and who do not have to submit their application to the Asylum Vetting Center as indicated above.

To avoid processing delays, carefully review the “Where to File” and “Special Instructions” sections of the Form I-589 page before submitting your application.

Updated Form and Instructions

We have also published a new edition of Form I-589, dated 03/01/23. Starting July 31, 2023, we will accept only the 03/01/23 edition of the form. Until then, we will continue to accept the 10/12/22 edition of Form I-589.

Effective immediately, when you submit Form I-589, you no longer need to submit a passport-style photo, multiple copies of the form, or multiple copies of the supporting documentation. See the Instructions for Form I-589 (PDF, 143.6 KB) for more information.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/31/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-changes-filing-location-and-documentation-requirements-for-certain-affirmative-asylum

USCIS Updates Review Process for the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 18 May 2023 17:44:52 GMT

Release Date

05/18/2023

The U.S. government is granting advance travel authorization for up to 30,000 noncitizens each month to come to the United States to seek parole on a case-by-case basis under the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans . Due to high interest in these processes, USCIS is updating the review process effective May 17, 2023.

We are updating the review process because the number of supporters who have submitted Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support , is significantly higher than the 30,000 monthly travel authorizations available. It is intended to maintain a meaningful and equitable opportunity for all beneficiaries of a Form I-134A to move forward through the process and seek advance travel authorization.

Under the new review process that went into effect on May 17, USCIS will randomly select about half of the monthly total, regardless of filing date, from the entire pending workload of Form I-134A to determine whether the case can be confirmed. We will review the other half of the monthly total of Forms I-134A based on when the case was submitted under the first-in, first-out method, which prioritizes the oldest Forms I-134A for review.

Potential supporters should not submit a duplicate Form I-134A for the same beneficiary. We will not accept a duplicate Form I-134A if a previously submitted Form I-134A between the same potential supporter and beneficiary is pending. If we do not confirm a Form I-134A, but a supporter believes they meet the requirements to be a supporter under the process, they may file a new Form I-134A and submit additional information as evidence.

Under this updated review process, processing times will vary. Potential supporters may monitor the status of a Form I-134A they filed in their USCIS online account or check the most recent status in Case Status Online . The USCIS Contact Center cannot provide any additional information about the status of your case.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/18/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-review-process-for-the-processes-for-cubans-haitians-nicaraguans-and-venezuelans

USCIS Providing Documents After Notice of Immigration Judge and BIA Decisions About Immigration Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 04 May 2023 00:07:29 GMT

Release Date

05/04/2023

We now are affirmatively creating and providing documented evidence of their status to certain new asylees and lawful permanent residents upon our receiving notification that an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has granted status. Individuals granted asylum and lawful permanent resident status are still instructed and encouraged to contact the USCIS Contact Center to request their proof of status because USCIS may not be notified in every case.

Our field offices may now be able to provide this documentation by mail instead of having asylees and lawful permanent residents schedule an in-person appointment, eliminating an unnecessary burden to an individual who has been granted their status by an immigration judge or the BIA. USCIS began this effort in August 2022 by mailing Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with asylee stamps to certain individuals who have been granted asylum by an immigration judge or the BIA. We also have been issuing Permanent Resident Cards, also known as Green Cards, to some lawful permanent residents when we are notified that the immigration judge or BIA has granted adjustment of status.

By providing this evidence, we can help ensure that new asylees and lawful permanent residents may seek employment, travel, and obtain other benefits they are entitled to.

For more information, visit the Immigration Benefits in EOIR Removal Proceedings webpage.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-providing-documents-after-notice-of-immigration-judge-and-bia-decisions-about-immigration

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/04/2023

USCIS Clarifies Guidance on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:05:34 GMT

Release Date

04/21/2023

Effective immediately, we are updating Volumes 5 and 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how U.S. citizenship and naturalization provisions apply to adopted children.

This policy manual update consolidates and clarifies existing information in Volume 5 and supplements policy in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual on citizenship and naturalization. The updated guidance:

Describes requirements for adopted children to meet the definition of a child for citizenship and naturalization purposes, including having an adoption that is considered full, final, and complete for immigration purposes;
Explains eligibility for U.S. citizenship for adopted children who reside in the United States and how to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship;
Explains eligibility for U.S. citizenship for adopted children who reside outside of the United States and how to apply for citizenship and issuance of a certificate; and
Provides guidance on the acquisition of citizenship and naturalization when an adoption is disrupted or dissolved.

The updated guidance does not change the requirements for adopted children to become U.S. citizens. We are updating this guidance to help adoptive families and adoptees understand these requirements so adoptees may secure U.S. citizenship and documentation of their citizenship, if they are eligible.

Some children immigrating based on adoption automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when they are admitted to the United States as lawful permanent residents. Others do not, and their adoptive parents need to take additional steps before an adopted child turns 18 years of age for the child to obtain U.S. citizenship through an adoptive parent. Adoptees who do not obtain citizenship through their adoptive parents before turning 18 may be eligible to apply for naturalization after the age of 18.

Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any comments received in future updates.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-clarifies-guidance-on-citizenship-and-naturalization-for-adopted-children

Last Reviewed/Updated:

04/21/2023

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Safe Mailing Address and Case Handling Procedures for Certain Protected Persons

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:09:55 GMT

Release Date

04/11/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide guidance on mailing address procedures for persons eligible for and recipients of victim-based immigration relief, specifically Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners as well as those who are seeking or currently hold T or U nonimmigrant status (protected persons). This guidance also applies to abused spouses of certain nonimmigrants applying for employment authorization under section 106 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Under 8 U.S.C 1367 confidentiality provisions, USCIS must ensure that information related to a protected person is disclosed only to authorized parties identified by the protected person. This update provides guidance to the public and USCIS employees on mailing address and adjudication procedures for victim-based and non-victim-based forms filed by protected persons.

This guidance is effective on July 11, 2023, and applies to benefit requests that are pending or filed on or after that date. For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 534.54 KB) . Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any comments received in future updates.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

04/11/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-guidance-on-safe-mailing-address-and-case-handling-procedures-for-certain

USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:54:38 GMT

Release Date

03/23/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. USCIS previously notified the public in its Jan. 24, 2023, announcement that barring any changes presented by the pandemic, the extension of these flexibilities announced on Jan. 24 would be the last.

You must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request. This includes:

Requests for Evidence;
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
Notices of Intent to Deny;
Notices of Intent to Revoke;
Notices of Intent to Rescind;
Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

Additionally, if you wish to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion , or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA) , regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023, you must comply with the deadlines in the form instructions.

USCIS retains discretion to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis upon request, for applicants or petitioners affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID). Please see the Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances webpage for more information about remaining case-by-case flexibilities

As a reminder, the flexibilities regarding reproduced signatures first announced on March 20, 2020 , became policy as announced on July 25, 2022.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-end-of-covid-related-flexibilities

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending and Redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:56:51 GMT

Release Date

03/10/2023

Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Somali Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice extending and redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024. The notice provides information about how to register for TPS under Somalia’s redesignation. On Jan. 12, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the 18-month extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS.

The registration process begins on March 13. All individuals who want to request TPS under Somalia’s designation must apply.

The extension of TPS for Somalia allows approximately 430 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through Sept. 17, 2024, if they re-register and continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. The redesignation of Somalia for TPS allows an estimated 2,200 additional Somali nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) who have been continuously residing in the United States since Jan. 11, 2023, and continuously physically present in the United States since March 18, 2023, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible.

Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Somalia’s prior designation. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Somalia must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from March 13, 2023, through May 9, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through March 17, 2024, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Somalia’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under Somalia’s previous TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , as of March 13, 2023, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Somalia, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Sept. 17, 2024, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Under the redesignation of Somalia, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from March 13, 2023, through Sept. 17, 2024. Applicants may also apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821, or separately later.

The Federal Register notice  explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-federal-register-notice-extending-and-redesignating-somalia-for-temporary-protected

Last Reviewed/Updated:

03/10/2023

USCIS Provides Guidance on Program for International Entrepreneurs

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:50:56 GMT

Release Date

03/10/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued comprehensive guidance (PDF, 311.98 KB) on parole for international entrepreneurs.

To enhance entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the International Entrepreneur Rule on Jan. 17, 2017.

This rule provides a framework for DHS to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to noncitizen entrepreneurs who possess a substantial ownership interest in a start-up entity and who can demonstrate that their stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through that start-up entity’s potential for rapid business growth and job creation.

After fully implementing the International Entrepreneur Rule in 2021, we have received a growing number of applications and continue to adjudicate them as expeditiously as possible.

We are now publishing guidance in the Policy Manual, which includes information about:

The criteria for consideration for the applicant, the start-up entity, and the qualified investment or government award or grant;
Evidence and documentation;
The discretionary nature of the entrepreneur parole adjudication;
Conditions on parole and bases for termination;
The criteria for consideration for an additional parole period; and
Options available to the entrepreneur’s family to join the entrepreneur as parolees and, if eligible, to obtain employment authorization.

Although an individual who is paroled into the United States has not been admitted into the United States for purposes of immigration law, parolees may enter and remain in the United States and may be authorized to work.

For more information, see Part G (International Entrepreneur Parole) in Volume 3, Humanitarian Protection and Parole , of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Additional information on the international entrepreneur parole process, including the criteria for consideration, related definitions, how to apply, and questions and answers, is available on the International Entrepreneur Parole page.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

03/10/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-guidance-on-program-for-international-entrepreneurs

Reminder to Submit All Required Initial Evidence and Supporting Documentation, including Form I-693, for Form I-485

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:58:13 GMT

Release Date

02/10/2023

Save time by filing all required initial evidence and supporting documentation listed under the “ Checklist of Required Initial Evidence ” heading at the same time you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . (The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements). Submitting all required initial evidence and supporting documentation at the same time you file Form I-485 may eliminate the need for us to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE)to obtain additional evidence and documentation. This may also help avoid adjudication delays if we decide that you do not need to be interviewed.

In particular, save time by submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record , when you file Form I-485. We generally consider a completed Form I-693 to remain valid for two years after the date the civil surgeon signed Form I-693. Additionally, from Dec. 9, 2021 until March 31, 2023, we are temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature be dated no more than 60 days before you file your Form I-485.

We published a new edition of Form I-485 (edition date 12/23/22) on Dec. 23, 2022. If you file Form I-485 on or after Dec. 23, 2022, then you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing.

Additional information is available under the When to File and What to Submit sections on the Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen page and the What to Submit section of the Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants page.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

02/10/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/reminder-to-submit-all-required-initial-evidence-and-supporting-documentation-including-form-i-693

USCIS Clarifies Physical Presence Guidance for Asylees and Refugees Applying for Adjustment of Status

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 22:31:55 GMT

Release Date

02/02/2023

Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the United States for one year when we adjudicate their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , rather than at the time they file their adjustment of status application. This applies to all Form I-485 and Form N-400, Application for Naturalization , applications pending on Feb. 2, 2023, and those filed on or after that date.

This update will promote consistency across asylee and refugee adjustment of status applications. If we cannot determine whether an applicant satisfies the one-year physical presence requirement by reviewing their file or our records when we adjudicate their Form I-485, we may request additional evidence.

This policy manual update also:

Clarifies that asylee and refugee adjustment of status applicants previously admitted in J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant status and otherwise subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 212(e) do not need to meet that two-year requirement (or obtain a waiver) to adjust their status under INA 209; and
Makes minor technical updates, including clarifying processing steps for refugees seeking waivers of inadmissibility, removing references to the obsolete Form I-291, Decision on Application for Status as Permanent Resident, and adding regulatory citations related to asylum termination procedures.

The new guidance can be found in the USCIS Policy Manual. Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any comments received in future updates.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

02/02/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-clarifies-physical-presence-guidance-for-asylees-and-refugees-applying-for-adjustment-of

USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:42:24 GMT

Release Date

01/30/2023

New Features Provide State-of-the-Art Security

WASHINGTON —U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023.

The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continue to safeguard national security and improve service for our customers. Changes include improved detailed artwork; tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork; enhanced optically variable ink; highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards; a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.

“This redesign further demonstrates USCIS’ commitment to taking a proactive approach against the threat of secure document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Consistent updates to secure documents, informed by our knowledge of the latest methods of bad actors and the innovation and ingenuity of our staff, ensure the continued integrity of secure documents issued by our agency.”

The introduction of the new designs does not mean that currently issued cards are invalid. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such as through an automatic extension of a Green Card or EAD as indicated on a Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in a Federal Register notice).

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after Jan. 30, 2023, may still display the existing design format because USCIS will continue using existing cardstock until current supplies are depleted. Both versions of the cards are acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification ; E-Verify ; and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) . Some older Green Cards do not have an expiration date. These older Green Cards without an expiration date generally remain valid; however, USCIS encourages applicants with these older cards to consider applying for a replacement card to prevent fraud or tampering should the card ever get lost or stolen.

USCIS launched the current cards in May 2017. To mitigate the risk of fraud and counterfeiting, the Document Management Division in the USCIS Office of Intake and Document Production redesigns the cards every three to five years. Redesigning the cards is part of the Secure Identification Platform (SIP) Project. The SIP Project began in 2019 with extensive market research. The USCIS Document Management Division met with key industry leaders and stakeholders to learn industry best practices.

Information on how to avoid and report fraud is available on the USCIS Scams, Fraud, and Misconduct page.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter ( @uscis ), Instagram ( /uscis ), YouTube ( /uscis ), Facebook (/ uscis ), and LinkedIn ( /uscis ).

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/30/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-redesigns-green-card-and-employment-authorization-document

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:26:45 GMT

Release Date

01/25/2023

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted a Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The notice provides information about how to register or re-register for TPS under Haiti’s extension and redesignation for an additional 18 months, from February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024. Last month, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the 18-month extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS .

The registration process begins on January 26, 2023. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Haiti must file an application.

The extension of TPS for Haiti allows approximately 107,000 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through August 3, 2024, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. It is estimated that approximately 105,000 additional individuals in the United States may be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of Haiti. Only individuals who have been continuously residing in the United States since November 6, 2022, are eligible for TPS under Haiti’s redesignation.

Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status to August 3, 2024, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from January 26, 2023, through March 27, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization without a gap. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their current EADs expire on February 3, 2023, and is automatically extending through February 3, 2024, the validity of EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Haiti.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under Haiti’s initial TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, do not need to file either application again.

New applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Haiti must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the initial registration period that runs from January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024. Haiti TPS applicants may file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , either with their Form I-821 or separately at a later date. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew their EAD, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/25/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-registration-process-for-temporary-protected-status-for-haiti

Changes Strengthen Efforts to Hold Unscrupulous Employers Accountable

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:07:55 GMT

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that noncitizen workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, the violation of labor rights, can now access a streamlined and expedite deferred action request process. Deferred action protects noncitizen workers from threats of immigration-related retaliation from the exploitive employers. Effective immediately, this process will improve DHS’s longstanding practice of using its discretionary authority to consider labor and employment agency-related requests for deferred action on a case-by-case basis. Workers will be able to visit DHS.gov for additional information in English and Spanish and to submit requests. These improvements advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to empowering workers and improving workplace conditions by enabling all workers, including noncitizens, to assert their legal rights.

“Unscrupulous employers who prey on the vulnerability of noncitizen workers harm all workers and disadvantage businesses who play by the rules,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will hold these predatory actors accountable by encouraging all workers to assert their rights, report violations they have suffered or observed, and cooperate in labor standards investigations. Through these efforts, and with our labor agency partners, we will effectively protect the American labor market, the conditions of the American worksite, and the dignity of the workers who power our economy.”

Workers are often afraid to report violations of law by exploitative employers or to cooperate in employment and labor standards investigations because they fear removal or other immigration-related retaliation by an abusive employer. Agencies tasked with enforcing labor and employment laws depend on the cooperation of these workers in their investigations. Refraining from reporting violations due to a fear of immigration-based retaliation creates unfair labor market conditions and perpetuates the commission of unlawful and inhumane acts by employers, including nonpayment of wages, the imposition of unsafe working conditions, and chilling workers’ ability to organize and collectively bargain to improve such conditions. DHS’s practice of offering discretionary protection on a case-by-case basis to noncitizen victims facilitates the ability of labor and employment agencies to more fully investigate worksite violations, supporting the agencies in fulfilling their mission and holding abusive employers accountable. By streamlining this process and helping to improve workplace conditions for all workers, today’s announcement is one of many ways in which DHS is taking action to fulfill its commitment to U.S. workers, pursuant to the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment.

In addition to providing new guidance to labor agencies regarding processes to seek deferred action for certain workers, DHS will also provide for a single intake point for deferred action requests from noncitizen workers that are supported by labor enforcement agencies. The centralized intake process will allow DHS to efficiently review these time-sensitive requests, provide additional security to eligible workers on a case-by-case basis, and more robustly support the mission of labor agencies. These process enhancements are consistent with Secretary Mayorkas’ October 2021 memorandum (PDF), which directed DHS offices and agencies to ensure that DHS fulfills its critical role supporting the important work of labor agencies to enforce wage protections, workplace safety, labor rights, and other laws and standards.

DHS has long considered requests for deferred action submitted by noncitizen workers who fall within the scope of a labor agency investigation and/or enforcement action. Noncitizens will now be able to submit such requests to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a central intake point established specifically to support labor agency investigative and enforcement efforts. For deferred action requests from noncitizens who are in removal proceedings or have a final order of removal, upon reviewing the submission for completeness, USCIS will forward such requests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to make a final determination on a case-by-case basis. USCIS will consider all other deferred action requests on a case-by-case basis. USCIS will also consider all related employment authorization applications, including those related to deferred action requests decided by ICE. Given the often time-sensitive labor agency enforcement interests, efficient processing of deferred action and related applications for employment authorization will reduce potential risks to workers and retaliation by their employers under investigation.

In addition to satisfying individual criteria to facilitate case-by-case determinations, requests for deferred action submitted through this centralized process must include a letter (a Statement of Interest) from a federal, state, or local labor agency asking DHS to consider exercising its discretion on behalf of workers employed by companies identified by the agency as having labor disputes related to laws that fall under its jurisdiction. In addition to other elements, as detailed in DHS’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the letter from the labor agency should include:

The enforcement or jurisdictional interest of the labor agency and how it relates to the mission of the labor agency;
The workers covered by the Statement of Interest; and
Why DHS’s consideration of prosecutorial discretion with respect to these specific workers supports the labor agency’s interest.

Consistent with existing practice, discretionary grants of deferred action under this process will typically last for a period of two years, subject to termination at any time. Individuals granted deferred action may be eligible for employment authorization under existing regulations, which require that they demonstrate an economic necessity for employment. They may also be eligible for subsequent grants of deferred action if a labor agency has a continuing investigative or enforcement interest in the matter identified in their original letter supporting DHS use of prosecutorial discretion.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/13/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-process-enhancements-for-supporting-labor-enforcement-investigations

DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for Venezuelans

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:28:55 GMT

Release Date

01/06/2023

On Jan. 5, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a safe and lawful way for qualifying Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans with U.S.-based supporters to travel by air to and temporarily reside in the United States. Individuals arriving under this new process may also apply for work authorization. DHS also announced elimination of the numerical cap for a similar process for Venezuelans announced earlier this year.

This process will provide a lawful and streamlined way for qualifying nationals of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua who are outside the United States and lacking U.S. entry documents to come to the United States. Through a fully online process, individuals can be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advance authorization to travel to the United States and seek a temporary period of parole for up to two years, provided that they:

Have a supporter in the United States who will provide financial and other support;
Undergo and clear robust security vetting;
Meet other eligibility criteria; and
Warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.

DHS will begin implementing these new processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans on Jan. 6, 2023. For additional information on the process and eligibility requirements, please see the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page .

DHS strongly encourages Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans seeking entry in the U.S. who do not have and are not eligible for a visa to instead seek entry via this process, as this will be the safest and most effective way to pursue a temporary stay in the United States. Individuals complete the process electronically and should not approach the border to access this process.

Effective immediately, U.S.-based individuals may submit Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support , on behalf of named nationals of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua to come to the United States. We are also continuing the process with respect to Venezuelans.

Access to these processes is free. Neither the U.S. supporter nor the beneficiary is required to pay the U.S. government a fee for the Form I-134A or participation in this process. Beware of any scams or potential exploitation by anyone who asks for money associated with applying to this process. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-implements-new-processes-for-cubans-haitians-and-nicaraguans-and-eliminates-cap-for-venezuelans

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/06/2023

DHS’s Public Charge Final Rule Goes into Effect on Dec. 23

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:15:22 GMT

Release Date: 12/19/2022

On Dec. 23, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility final rule will go into effect. This final rule, which was previously announced , provides clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This final rule restores the historical understanding of a “public charge” that had been in place for decades before the previous administration began to consider supplemental public health benefits such as Medicaid and nutritional assistance as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.

When making a public charge inadmissibility determination under this final rule, DHS will consider an applicant’s “age; health; family status; assets, resources, and financial status; education and skills;” a sufficient Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (when one is required); and prior or current receipt of: supplemental Security Income (SSI); cash assistance for income maintenance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); State, Tribal, territorial, or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called “General Assistance”); or long-term institutionalization at government expense.

DHS will not consider receipt of noncash benefits (for example, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, public housing, school lunch programs, etc.) other than long-term institutionalization at government expense.

We published a Policy Manual update providing guidance to USCIS officers on how to implement this regulation fairly and consistently and informing the public about how the rule will be implemented. USCIS will begin applying the policy guidance (PDF, 1.55 MB) on Dec. 23, 2022, to applications filed (or electronically submitted, if applicable) on or after that date.

We have published the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , for applicants to prepare their applications in advance of Dec. 23, 2022. DO NOT file the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022. We will reject any Form I-485 with the edition date of 12/23/22 filed before Dec. 23, 2022.

What to Know About Sending Us Your Form

We will reject the 07/15/22 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked on or after Dec. 23, 2022.
We will reject the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked on or before Dec. 22, 2022.

Additional information, including FAQs and an infographic (PDF, 599.54 KB) , are available on the Public Charge Resources page.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhss-public-charge-final-rule-goes-into-effect-on-dec-23

Last Reviewed/Updated: 12/19/2022

New Processing Time Method for Orphan and Hague Applications and Petitions

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 02:38:46 GMT

Release Date

11/02/2022

Starting in mid-November, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will change how we calculate processing times for orphan and Hague cases. These changes provide stakeholders better information about the total time it may take to receive a decision on their application or petition and are consistent with an agency-wide shift in how processing times for other cases are calculated. Most importantly, USCIS remains committed to processing intercountry adoption cases as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Changes Starting in Mid-November

We are transitioning our orphan and Hague case processing times from the previous method (“cycle time”) to a new method (“80% completion”). For more information on these methods, see Background, below.

Starting in mid-November, our website will reflect the following times, which we will update monthly with data from the previous six months:

Some processing times calculated using this new method may appear significantly longer than before. For example, the processing time currently posted for all orphan and Hague adoption cases using the previous cycle time method is 2.5 months. The new 80% completion method includes times where an application or petition is pending due to factors that are generally outside USCIS’ control that impact the total time it may take an applicant or petitioner to receive a decision on their case. For intercountry adoption cases, these factors include the time it takes for an applicant or petitioner to respond to USCIS notices (Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, Notices of Intent to Revoke, etc.) and to provide biometrics. Since March 2020, applicants and petitioners have also had extra time due to agency-wide COVID-19 flexibilities to respond to USCIS notices. For many orphan petitions, another factor that the new method reflects is the time needed for the U.S. Department of State to complete a required Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption, before a USCIS decision.

Reporting processing times using this new method, which includes case-processing realities generally outside USCIS’ control, will better prepare and inform all adoption stakeholders of the total time it may take to receive a decision.

Background

USCIS is conducting an agency-wide effort to continue reducing backlogs across all form types and is committed to providing greater transparency in our processing times. Some forms, including our orphan and Hague forms, still use an earlier cycle time method that measures how many months' worth of cases are awaiting a decision for a particular form. One of the tools we are using to provide more transparency is a new method to calculate case processing times. Most forms on our case processing times page now use this new method, which reflects the length of time in which 80% of cases were completed based on data from the previous six months.

In closing, we recognize the importance of communication and engagement with our adoption stakeholders and appreciate your continued partnership. We continue to provide adoption stakeholders with a direct line to USCIS to engage on their intercountry adoption cases through the National Benefits Center Adoptions Unit . We also continue to welcome your policy suggestions at policyfeedback@uscis.dhs.gov .

For additional information on intercountry adoption, visit our Adoption page. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/02/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/new-processing-time-method-for-orphan-and-hague-applications-and-petitions

ACICS Loss of Recognition May Affect Certain Students Applying for English Language Study and 24-month STEM OPT Extension Programs, H-1B, and I-140 Applicants

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 02:20:04 GMT

Release Date

11/01/2022

On Aug. 19, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that it no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This determination immediately affects two immigration-related student programs:

English language study programs, as the programs are required to be accredited under the Accreditation of English Language Training Programs Act ; and
F-1 students applying for a 24-month science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) extension, as the regulations require them to use a degree from an accredited, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school for their STEM OPT extension. The school must be accredited at the time of the application; this is the date of the designated school official’s (DSO) recommendation on the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status . M-1 students are not eligible for OPT.

SEVP will provide guidance to affected students in notification letters if their schools’ certification is withdrawn. However, students enrolled at an ACICS-accredited school should contact their DSOs immediately to better understand if and how the loss of recognized accreditation will affect their status and/or immigration benefits applications.

ACICS-accredited schools will be unable to issue program extensions, and students will only be allowed to finish their current session if the ACICS-accredited school chooses to voluntarily withdraw its certification or is withdrawn by SEVP. If a student’s ACICS-accredited school can provide evidence of an ED-recognized accrediting agency or evidence in lieu of accreditation within the allotted timeframe, the student may remain at the school to complete their program of study.

English Language Study Programs

USCIS will issue requests for evidence (RFEs) to any individual who has filed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , on or after Aug. 19, 2022, requesting a change of status or reinstatement to attend an ACICS-accredited English language study program. Upon receiving an RFE, individuals will have an opportunity to provide evidence in response, such as documentation showing that the English language study program they are seeking to enroll in meets the accreditation requirements.

If the student does not submit a new Form I-20 from a school accredited by an entity recognized by ED, USCIS will deny a change of status or reinstatement request.

The 24-Month STEM OPT Extension Program

F-1 students wishing to participate in the STEM OPT extension program must have a degree from an ED-recognized accredited U.S. educational institution at the time they file their STEM OPT application. As noted above, USCIS considers the filing of the application to be the date of the DSO’s recommendation on the Form I-20.

USCIS will issue a denial to any F-1 student filing a Form I-765 STEM OPT extension if:

The STEM degree that is the basis for the STEM OPT extension was obtained from a college or university that was accredited by ACICS; and
The student’s DSO recommendation for a STEM OPT extension, as indicated on Form I-20, is dated on or after Aug. 19, 2022 (the date when ACICS ceased to be recognized as an accrediting agency).

Because students must use a STEM degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified school at the time of application, the ACICS loss of recognition as an accrediting agency prevents these students from qualifying for a STEM OPT extension. Students who receive a denial will have 60 days to prepare for departure from the United States, transfer to a different school, or to begin a new course of study at an accredited, SEVP-certified school.

Students whose Forms I-20 have a DSO recommendation date prior to Aug. 19, 2022, are not affected.

Other Impacts from Loss of Recognition of ACICS as an Accrediting Agency

The loss of recognition means that colleges and universities solely accredited by ACICS are no longer accredited institutions, and any degrees conferred by those colleges and universities on or after Aug. 19, 2022, will no longer qualify as a U.S. degree in terms of qualifying for the H-1B advanced degree exemption (also known as the master’s cap) or for the beneficiary requirements at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(C)(1).

For beneficiaries who hold affected degrees, the loss of recognition also affects those I-140 petitions filed under the advanced degree and professional classifications where the beneficiary’s educational credentials must be a U.S. degree or foreign equivalent degree. See 8 CFR 204.5(k)(2) and 8 CFR 204.5(l)(2) . However, a degree conferred by those colleges and universities before Aug. 19, 2022, while the college or university was accredited, is generally considered to be a degree from an accredited institution, and can be used to qualify for the H-1B master’s cap or for the beneficiary requirements at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(C)(1) and I-140 petitions filed under the advanced degree and professional classifications, as long as all other requirements are met.

The loss of recognition also affects cases in which the petitioner is claiming an H-1B cap or ACWIA fee exemption as an institution of higher education. To qualify for an H-1B cap or ACWIA fee exemption, the university or college must meet the definition of an “institution of higher education” in 20 U.S.C. 1001(a). That definition requires, in pertinent part, that the institution “is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency….” Those institutions that are no longer recognized by a qualified accreditation agency, or otherwise recognized as preaccredited, would no longer qualify for an exemption from the H-1B cap or the ACWIA fee, unless they are exempt on another basis.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/acics-loss-of-recognition-may-affect-certain-students-applying-for-english-language-study-and-24

Last Reviewed/Updated:

11/01/2022

USCIS Implements New Process for Venezuelans

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 19:21:06 GMT

Release Date

10/18/2022

On Oct. 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new process for Venezuelans.

This new process will provide a lawful and streamlined way for nationals of Venezuela who are outside the United States and lacking U.S. entry documents to come to the United States. Through a fully online process, individuals can be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advance authorization to travel to the United States and seek a temporary period of parole for up to two years, provided that they:

Have a supporter in the United States who will provide financial and other support;
Undergo and clear robust security vetting;
Meet other eligibility criteria; and
Warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.

DHS strongly encourages Venezuelans seeking entry in the United States who do not have and are not eligible for a visa to instead seek entry via this process for Venezuelans, as this will be the safest and most effective way to pursue a temporary stay in the United States. Individuals complete the process electronically and should not approach the border to access this process. Those who attempt to irregularly enter the United States between ports of entry will be subject to return to Mexico and will be ineligible for this process as a result.

USCIS will begin implementing this new process on Oct. 18, 2022. For additional information on the process and eligibility requirements, please see USCIS’ Process for Venezuelans webpage.

Access to this process for Venezuelans is free. Neither the supporter nor the beneficiary is required to pay the U.S. government a fee for the application. Beware of any scams or potential exploitation by anyone who asks for money associated with applying to this process. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

10/18/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-implements-new-process-for-venezuelans

Extension of Temporary Waiver of 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:06:16 GMT

Release Date

09/29/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending our temporary waiver of the requirement that civil surgeons must sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for the underlying immigration benefit (including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

The waiver was originally effective until Sept. 30, 2022, but we have extended it to March 31, 2023, to further ease processing delays and associated difficulties in timely completing the immigration medical examination. This waiver applies to all Forms I-693 associated with applications for underlying immigration benefits that have not been adjudicated, regardless of when the application was submitted to USCIS or when a civil surgeon signed the Form I-693.

This waiver will help applicants who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, which have sometimes delayed immigration medical examinations. It also will help many applicants, including Afghan nationals evacuated under Operation Allies Welcome, who completed immigration medical examinations but could not apply for adjustment of status within 60 days of a civil surgeon signing their Form I-693.

For more information, see the policy alert (PDF, 355.58 KB) . Visit our Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/extension-of-temporary-waiver-of-60-day-rule-for-civil-surgeon-signatures-on-form-i-693

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/29/2022

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 22:56:39 GMT

Release Date

09/28/2022

Effective Sept. 26, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90. On Sept. 26, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90.

These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

For more information, visit our Replace Your Green Card page.

If your mailing address changes while your case is pending, please update it through your USCIS Online Account , if you have one.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/28/2022

DHS Publishes Final Rule to Restore Asylum Regulations Consistent with Asylumworks Vacatur

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:22:54 GMT

Release Date

09/21/2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced publication of a final rule consistent with the vacatur of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Asylumworks et al. v. Mayorkas et al. This final rule is effective starting Feb. 7, 2022.

In June 2020, DHS issued two final rules, titled Removal of 30-Day Processing Provision for Asylum Applicant-Related Form I-765 Employment Authorization Applications (Timeline Repeal rule) and Asylum Application, Interview, and Employment Authorization for Applicants (Broader Asylum EAD rule).

On Feb. 7, 2022, the federal district court vacated the Timeline Repeal rule and Broader Asylum EAD rule. Effective Feb. 8, USCIS stopped applying these rules to asylum applicants. We instead are applying the provisions in place before the rules took effect in August 2020. See 8 CFR §§ 208 and 274a. This applies to adjudication of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal , and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , pending with USCIS as of Feb. 8, 2022, or received on or after that date.

Consistent with the Asylumworks vacatur, this final rule removes certain regulatory text governing asylum applications, interviews, and eligibility for employment authorization based on a pending asylum application. We have restored the relevant regulatory text to appear as it did before the effective dates of the vacated rules.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/21/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-publishes-final-rule-to-restore-asylum-regulations-consistent-with-asylumworks-vacatur

USCIS to Implement Next Phase of Premium Processing for Certain Previously Filed EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:36:05 GMT

Release Date

09/15/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the next phase of the premium processing expansion for certain petitioners who have a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers , under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.

Similar to the first phase and second phase of the expansion, this phase only applies to certain previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification or E21 classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver (NIW).

Petitioners who wish to request a premium processing upgrade must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service .

Beginning Sept. 15, 2022, we will accept Form I-907 requests for:

E13 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before Jan. 1, 2022; and
E21 NIW petitions received on or before Feb. 1, 2022.

We will reject premium processing requests for these Form I-140 classifications if the receipt date is after these dates. We have 45 days to take an adjudicative action on cases that request premium processing for these newly included Form I-140 classifications. We will not accept new (initial) Forms I-140 with a premium processing request at this time.

On May 24, 2022, we published a new version of Form I-907 (PDF, 378.35 KB) , dated 05/31/22. As of July 1, we no longer accept the older 09/30/20 edition of form I-907.

As previously announced , we are expanding premium processing to additional form types as part of our efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall legal immigration system. As we implement the expansion of premium processing in a phased approach, we will continue working toward premium processing availability of additional Form I-140 petitions, Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization . We will also adhere to the legislative requirement that the expansion of premium processing must not cause an increase in processing times for regular immigration benefit requests.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/15/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-implement-next-phase-of-premium-processing-for-certain-previously-filed-eb-1-and-eb-2-form

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2023

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:30:19 GMT

Release Date

09/14/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2023. Sept. 12, 2022 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2023. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Sept. 12, 2022 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2023.

USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for:

Current H-2B workers in the United States who extend their stay, change employers, or change the terms and conditions of their employment;
Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, and/or supervisors of fish roe processing; and
Workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and/or Guam from Nov. 28, 2009, until Dec. 31, 2029.

U.S. businesses use the H-2B program to employ foreign workers for temporary nonagricultural jobs. Currently, Congress has set the H-2B cap at 66,000 per fiscal year, with 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the first half of the fiscal year (Oct. 1 - March 31) and 33,000 (plus any unused numbers from the first half of the fiscal year) for workers who begin employment in the second half of the fiscal year (April 1 - Sept. 30).

For more information, visit the Cap Count for H-2B Nonimmigrants page.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/14/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-reaches-h-2b-cap-for-first-half-of-fy-2023

DHS Publishes Fair and Humane Public Charge Rule

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:02:19 GMT

Release Date

09/08/2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule, to be published in the Federal Register, that provides clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The rule restores the historical understanding of a ‘public charge’ that had been in place for decades, until the prior Administration began to consider supplemental public health benefits such as Medicaid and nutritional assistance as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination. The rule announced today speaks to the Biden Administration’s commitment to restoring faith in our legal immigration system.

“This action ensures fair and humane treatment of legal immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas . “Consistent with America’s bedrock values, we will not penalize individuals for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them.”

“In keeping with our nation’s values, this policy treats all those we serve with fairness and respect,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou . “Though there is still much to do to overcome confusion and fear, we will continue to work to break down barriers in the immigration system, restore faith and trust with our immigrant communities, and eliminate excessive burdens in the application process.”

Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) renders a noncitizen inadmissible if they are “likely at any time to become a public charge.”

A noncitizen who is deemed likely to become a ‘public charge,’ meaning that they are likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, can be denied admission or lawful permanent residence (known colloquially as a green card). Prior to 2019, almost all non-cash government benefits such as Medicaid or nutrition assistance were excluded from consideration. The 2019 rule, which was ultimately vacated and is no longer in effect, resulted in a drop in enrollments in such programs among individuals who are not subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility, such as U.S. citizen children in mixed-status households. The publication of this rule in the Federal Register avoids these effects by formally codifying the historical understanding of the term.

Under this rule, as under the 1999 Interim Field Guidance that was in place for most of the past two decades, a noncitizen would be considered likely to become a public charge if DHS determines that they are likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This determination will be based on:

The noncitizen’s “age; health; family status; assets, resources, and financial status; and education and skills,” as required by the INA;
The filing of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, submitted on a noncitizen’s behalf when one is required; and
The noncitizen’s prior or current receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI); cash assistance for income maintenance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); State, Tribal, territorial, or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called “General Assistance”); or long-term institutionalization at government expense.

DHS will not consider in public charge determinations benefits received by family members other than the applicant. DHS will also not consider receipt of certain non-cash benefits for which noncitizens may be eligible. These benefits include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other nutrition programs, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid (other than for long-term institutionalization), housing benefits, any benefits related to immunizations or testing for communicable diseases, or other supplemental or special-purpose benefits.

DHS will develop a Policy Manual update to help USCIS officers apply this regulation fairly and consistently and to better inform the public about how the rule will be implemented. DHS will also conduct public outreach and engagements to minimize the risk of confusion or chilling effects among both noncitizens and U.S. citizens.

The final rule will be effective on December 23, 2022, and will be published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022. DHS is currently making public charge assessments consistent with the statute and the 1999 Interim Field Guidance and will continue to do so until it implements the final rule for applications postmarked on or after the effective date.

Today’s announcement is among a series of actions this Administration has taken to better balance DHS’s mission sets and ensure the fair and effective management of our nation’s immigration systems.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/08/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-publishes-fair-and-humane-public-charge-rule

DHS Announces Re-Registration Process for Current Venezuela Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:40:28 GMT

Release Date

09/07/2022

Extension Allows Beneficiaries to Retain TPS and EADs Until March 2024

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice describing how beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing TPS designation can re-register to retain TPS and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month extension of the designation of Venezuela for TPS.

Only beneficiaries of the initial designation of Venezuela for TPS who were already residing in the United States in March 2021 are eligible to re-register for TPS and apply to renew their EADs, if they otherwise continue to meet eligibility requirements. Individuals re-registering must do so during the 60-day re-registration period from Sept. 8, 2022 to Nov. 7, 2022. Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.

Given the time frames involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new EADs before their current EADs expire on Sept. 9, 2022. The Federal Register notice automatically extends the validity of EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Venezuela through Sept. 9, 2023.

Approximately 323,000 individuals were estimated to be eligible for TPS under the initial designation of Venezuela. There are currently approximately 111,700 beneficiaries under Venezuela’s TPS designation.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under Venezuela’s initial TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the initial designation of TPS for Venezuela, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through March 10, 2024, and issue a new EAD valid through March 10, 2024.

Venezuelans (and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who are currently eligible for TPS under the existing designation but have not yet applied should file their applications before the Sept. 9, 2022, initial application deadline. Those who do not currently reside in the United States or who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook ,

and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/07/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-re-registration-process-for-current-venezuela-temporary-protected-status-beneficiaries

DHS Issues Regulation to Preserve and Fortify DACA

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:15:10 GMT

Release Date

08/24/2022

- News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced that the Department has issued a final rule (PDF) that will preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy for certain eligible noncitizens who arrived in the United States as children, deferring their removal and allowing them an opportunity to access a renewable, two-year work permit. Since its inception in 2012, DACA has allowed over 800,000 young people to remain in the only country many of them have ever known, with their families. Across the country, DACA recipients are doctors and nurses, working to ensure the health and safety of Americans; they are teachers, striving to give back to younger generations; they are members of our military serving to protect our country; they are our neighbors, friends, and family.

“Today, we are taking another step to do everything in our power to preserve and fortify DACA, an extraordinary program that has transformed the lives of so many Dreamers,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas . “Thanks to DACA, we have been enriched by young people who contribute so much to our communities and our country. Yet, we need Congress to pass legislation that provides an enduring solution for the young Dreamers who have known no country other than the United States as their own.”

“DACA has transformed the lives of its recipients and has made us better and stronger as a nation,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou . “USCIS is proud to play an important role in implementing the DACA final rule and is committed to ensuring DACA recipients can continue to remain a vital part of their communities and contribute to this country that is their home.”

The rule continues the DACA policy as announced in the 2012 Napolitano Memorandum (PDF) and is based on longstanding USCIS practice. The rule embraces the consistent judgment that has been maintained by the Department—and by three presidential administrations since the policy first was announced—that DACA recipients should not be a priority for removal.

A product of careful review and in response to the more than 16,000 comments received during the public comment period, the final review codifies existing DACA policy, with limited changes, and replaces the DACA policy guidance set forth in the 2012 Napolitano memorandum. The final rule:

Maintains the existing threshold criteria for DACA;
Retains the existing process for DACA requestors to seek work authorization; and
Affirms the longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes.

The final rule is effective Monday, October 31, 2022. However, while a July 16, 2021, injunction (PDF, 401.59 KB) from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas remains in effect, DHS is prohibited from granting initial DACA requests and related employment authorization under the final rule. Because that injunction has been partially stayed, DHS presently may grant DACA renewal requests under the final rule.

For mo r e information, visit USCIS’ DACA webpage .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-issues-regulation-to-preserve-and-fortify-daca

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/24/2022

Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Uniting for Ukraine Parolees

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 20:47:12 GMT

Release Date

08/10/2022

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine. Effective immediately, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted attesting that they received COVID-19 vaccinations both before traveling to the United States and after arrival in the United States, unless they are eligible for an exception. Previously, beneficiaries younger than 5 years old qualified for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement because the vaccine was not approved or licensed for use in that age group.

Before Traveling to the United States

To receive travel authorization under Uniting for Ukraine, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted attesting that they received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration or a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization , unless they are eligible for an exception.

After Arrival in the United States

After being paroled into the United States, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted attesting that they completed or will complete their COVID-19 vaccination series (in other words, they will be fully vaccinated) within 90 days of arrival or within 90 days of reaching the eligible age for vaccination according to the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines , unless they are eligible for an exception.

The attestation is a condition of parole and must be completed in the beneficiary’s USCIS online account. See our Uniting for Ukraine Vaccine Attestation webpage for more information. Beneficiaries are responsible for arranging their vaccinations.

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a 2-year period of parole. Individuals participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. Additional information is available on the USCIS Uniting for Ukraine webpage and the DHS Uniting for Ukraine webpage.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/10/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/updated-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-uniting-for-ukraine-parolees

USCIS Updates Interpretation of “Under Honorable Conditions” for Military Naturalization

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:01:39 GMT

Release Date

08/02/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is publishing an update to its Policy Manual to clarify that a current or former service member who received an uncharacterized discharge may be eligible for naturalization under sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA).

Previously, USCIS had interpreted the requirement for a separation “under honorable conditions” in INA 328 and INA 329 to require a separation characterized as either Honorable or General-Under Honorable Conditions. This policy guidance (PDF, 340.22 KB) changes the USCIS interpretation of “under honorable conditions” to encompass Uncharacterized discharges as well as Honorable and General-Under Honorable Conditions discharges.

This interpretation aligns with a Department of Defense instruction on the interpretation of discharges and with a recent district court decision. This guidance will be effective upon publication of the Policy Manual update and will apply to all pending and future applications. Applicants whom USCIS previously denied can submit a new application without fee.

Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

08/02/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-interpretation-of-under-honorable-conditions-for-military-naturalization

New STEM Resources Available on USCIS Website

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 23:43:24 GMT

Release Date

07/28/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published additional online resources on uscis.gov to provide an overview of some of the temporary and permanent pathways for noncitizens to work in the United States in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This guide also highlights some of the most important considerations for STEM professionals who want to work in the United States.

New pages:

The United States has long been a destination for top talent from all over the world. Our ability to attract global talent—especially in the fields STEM—has spurred path-breaking innovation, leading to the creation of jobs, new industries, and new opportunities for all Americans.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/new-stem-resources-available-on-uscis-website

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/28/2022

Information on Form I-589 Intake and Processing Delays

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 23:31:45 GMT

Release Date

07/28/2022

USCIS is currently experiencing delays in issuing receipts for Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal . Due to these delays, you may not receive a receipt notice in a timely manner after you properly file your Form I-589. For purposes of the asylum one-year filing deadline, affirmative asylum interview scheduling priorities, and Employment Authorization Document eligibility based on a pending asylum application, your filing date will still be the date that we received your properly filed Form I-589 (not the date we processed it). If you did not properly file your application, we will reject it and note any deficiencies in your filing. If you do not receive your receipt notice in a timely manner, please do not submit multiple Forms I-589, as this may further delay your case.

Properly filing your Form I-589 allows us to process your form with fewer delays. Please review the reminders below to ensure you are properly filing your Form I-589:

You must submit your application for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States (one-year filing deadline), unless you can establish that there are changed circumstances that materially affect your eligibility for asylum or extraordinary circumstances directly related to your failure to file within one year.

You must type or print all of your answers in black ink.

You must provide the specific information requested about you and your family and answer all the questions on the form. If any question does not apply to you or you do not know the information requested, answer “none,” “not applicable,” or “unknown.”

If you file your application with missing information, we may return it to you as incomplete.

You are strongly urged to attach additional written statements and documents that support your claim. Your written statements should include events, dates, and details of your experiences that relate to your claim for asylum.

Put your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if you have one, your name (exactly as it appears in Part A.I. of the form), the date, and your signature on each supplemental sheet and on the cover page of any supporting documents.

Follow the instructions in the Where to File section and the Special Instructions section on the Form I-589 webpage to determine where to file your Form I-589.

If you are applying for asylum as an Afghan Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) parolee, please review the Afghan Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) Parolee Asylum-Related Frequently Asked Questions page.

Please note: Do not submit any Forms I-589 to the Vermont Service Center (VSC). The VSC is not currently processing Form I-589 and submitting your Form I-589 to the VSC will result in additional delays.

We continue to experience receipt issuance delays in other workloads across some service centers. We are diligently working to reduce these delays in all USCIS form types and are committed to providing receipt notices in a timely manner.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/28/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/information-on-form-i-589-intake-and-processing-delays

USCIS Updates Guidance for O-1 Petitions with a Focus on STEM Fields

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 19:59:37 GMT

Release Date

07/22/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today updated its Policy Manual to provide further guidance on evidence that can be used to support a petition for an O-1A nonimmigrant of extraordinary ability with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

USCIS clarified that being named on a competitive government grant for STEM research can be a positive factor toward demonstrating that a beneficiary is at the top of their field. This evidence is added to the listed examples of evidence that may be submitted to show that an applicant has extraordinary ability in the STEM fields. The full list is available in the USCIS Policy Manual .

O-1 nonimmigrant status is available to people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, business, education, and athletics, and those with a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/22/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-for-o-1-petitions-with-a-focus-on-stem-fields

USCIS Updates Guidance for Afghans and Iraqis Seeking Special Immigrant Classification

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:51:33 GMT

Release Date

07/20/2022

USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding Afghan and Iraqi nationals seeking special immigrant classification. The new guidance is effective immediately.

The updated guidance:

Explains that noncitizens seeking an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) on or after July 20, 2022, must file Form DS-157, Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicants, with the Department of State when they are applying for Chief of Mission approval. In some circumstances, noncitizens must still file a petition with USCIS to pursue an Afghan SIV;
Updates eligibility criteria to reflect that the employment requirement for an Afghan SIV is now one year and clarifies what type of employment with the International Security Assistance Force qualifies;
Updates eligibility criteria for surviving spouses and children of deceased principal noncitizens to expand the scope of who may apply for Afghan and Iraqi SIVs;
In cases where a visa is not immediately available, removes the date limitation to convert an approved petition for an Afghan or Iraqi translator or interpreter to an approved petition for an Iraqi or Afghan employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government; and
Clarifies statutory requirements that a noncitizen seeking an Afghan or Iraqi SIV must establish that they provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government by submitting a positive recommendation or evaluation from their supervisor.

For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 347.6 KB) . Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to provide feedback on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any feedback received in future updates.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/20/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-for-afghans-and-iraqis-seeking-special-immigrant-classification

Time Frame Extended for Uniting for Ukraine Parolees to Comply with Medical Screening and Attestation After Arrival to the United States

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:43:06 GMT

Release Date

07/13/2022

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the time beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine have to attest to their compliance with the medical screening for tuberculosis and additional vaccinations, if required. Effective immediately, beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine must complete their medical attestation within 90 days of arrival in the United States. Previously, beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine were required to complete the medical screening and attestation within 14 days of arrival to the United States.

The attestation is a condition of parole and must be completed in the beneficiary’s USCIS online account. Beneficiaries are responsible for arranging their vaccinations and medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test.

Beneficiaries who test positive for tuberculosis must take the appropriate measures, including additional screening, such as a chest radiograph, isolation, and treatment. Beneficiaries must also complete the tuberculosis screening attestation for their minor children within 90 days of arrival to the United States, even if the child is under the age of 2 years old and qualifies for an exception to the tuberculosis test screening. For more information and resources, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Uniting for Ukraine: Information for TB Programs page.

Uniting for Ukraine was announced on April 21, 2022, to provide a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a two-year period of parole. Individuals participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. Additional information is available on the USCIS and DHS Uniting for Ukraine webpages.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/13/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/time-frame-extended-for-uniting-for-ukraine-parolees-to-comply-with-medical-screening-and

DHS Announces Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:07:16 GMT

Release Date

07/11/2022

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is extending the designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

“As one of my first actions as Secretary, I designated Venezuela for TPS,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “After careful consideration, and in consultation with the Secretary of State, today I am extending that designation. This action is one of many ways the Biden administration is providing humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad, together with our regional partners. We will continue to work with our international partners to address the challenges of regional migration while ensuring our borders remain secure.”

The 18-month extension of TPS for Venezuela will be effective from September 10, 2022, through March 10, 2024. Only beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing designation, and who were already residing in the United States as of March 8, 2021, are eligible to re-register for TPS under this extension. Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS. Approximately 343,000 individuals are estimated to be eligible for TPS under the existing designation of Venezuela.

The forthcoming Federal Register notice will provide instructions for re-registering for TPS and applying for the renewal of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Venezuelans who are currently eligible for TPS under the existing designation but may have not yet applied with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should file their applications prior to the September 9, 2022, application deadline, including those Venezuelans who are covered under the January 2021 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Venezuela’s DED is set to expire July 20, 2022.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/11/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-extension-of-temporary-protected-status-for-venezuela

USCIS Releases New Forms for Immigrant Investor Program

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 19:54:31 GMT

Release Date

07/12/2022

USCIS is revising Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, to accommodate the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 , which made significant changes to both the filing and eligibility requirements for investors under the EB-5 program. The form will be split into two versions: Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor , and Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor .

Form I-526 will be used by standalone immigrant investors who are not seeking to pool their investment with additional investors seeking EB-5 classification, and will closely resemble the prior edition of Form I-526.
Form I-526E will be used by immigrant investors who are seeking to pool their investment with one or more additional investors seeking EB-5 classification under the new regional center program.

We created Form I-526E to reflect elements of the new regional center program, including the ability to incorporate evidence by reference from a regional center’s Form I-956F.

By statute, a potential immigrant investor cannot file Form I-526E until the regional center has filed Form I-956F for the particular investment offering through an associated commercial enterprise that the potential immigrant investor is investing in. Once the regional center has received a receipt notice for the Form I-956F confirming its filing, investors may then file their associated Form I-526E based on that receipt notice.

Effective July 12, 2022, Forms I-526 and I-526E must be submitted in compliance with new program requirements. The filing fee is $3,675 for each form. Visit the forms pages for additional information about the filing fees and biometric fees.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

07/12/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-releases-new-forms-for-immigrant-investor-program-0

USCIS to Implement Premium Processing for Certain Previously Filed EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 25 May 2022 19:05:16 GMT

Release Date

05/24/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing premium processing for certain petitioners who have a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers , under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. This expansion of premium processing only applies to certain previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification or E21 classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver (NIW). Petitioners who wish to request a premium processing upgrade must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service .

The expansion will occur in phases:

Beginning June 1, 2022, we will accept Form I-907 requests for E13 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before Jan. 1, 2021.
Beginning July 1, 2022, we will accept Form I-907 requests for E21 NIW petitions received on or before June 1, 2021, and E13 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before March 1, 2021.

We will reject premium processing requests for these classifications that are filed before their start date of June 1, 2022, or July 1, 2022. We will not accept new (initial) Forms I-140 with a premium processing request at this time.

On May 23, 2022, we published a new version of Form I-907, dated 05/31/22. For the month of June, we will accept both the 09/30/20 and the 05/31/22 editions of Form I-907. Starting July 1, we will reject the older 09/30/20 edition of Form I-907.

As previously announced , we are expanding premium processing to additional form types as part of our efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall legal immigration system

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-implement-premium-processing-for-certain-previously-filed-eb-1-and-eb-2-form-i-140

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 25 May 2022 18:59:08 GMT

Release Date

05/19/2022

WASHINGTON —The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. This notice provides information about how to register for TPS under Afghanistan’s designation. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month designation of Afghanistan for TPS.

The registration process begins on May 20, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Afghanistan must file an application.

To be eligible for TPS under the Afghanistan designation, individuals must demonstrate their continuous residence in the United States since March 15, 2022, and continuous physical presence in the United States since May 20, 2022. USCIS estimates 72,500 individuals currently in the United States may be eligible for TPS under the designation of Afghanistan. Afghan nationals currently not residing in the United States or who arrived in the United States after March 15, 2022, are not eligible for TPS under this designation.

Through Operation Allies Welcome, most Afghan nationals who arrived as part of the evacuation effort were paroled into the United States on a case-by-case basis, for humanitarian reasons, for a period of two years and received work authorization. These individuals may also be eligible for TPS.

Individuals applying for TPS under the Afghanistan designation must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , during the 18-month initial registration period that runs from May 20, 2022, through Nov. 20, 2023. Afghanistan TPS applicants are eligible to file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an Employment Authorization Document by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with their Form I-821. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Two New Forms Published for Regional Center Designation

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 13 May 2022 23:56:31 GMT

Release Date

05/13/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today published two new forms for regional center designation under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program : Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation , and Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program . Both forms are available on the USCIS website .

Effective May 14, under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, all entities seeking regional center designation must submit these forms in compliance with new program requirements.

USCIS Simplifying, Improving Communication of Case Processing Data

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 09 May 2022 18:08:53 GMT

Release Date

05/05/2022

Public will have access to immediate, clear answers on case processing times

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to simplify and improve how the agency communicates case processing time data to the public. As part of an agency-wide commitment to improve transparency, efficiency, and customer service, the changes also make it easier for individuals to get an immediate answer on when they can make an inquiry into their case.

“USCIS is committed to listening to applicants and stakeholders and continuously improving our services,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This is an important step – and by no means the last – in improving clarity and transparency of USCIS data for the public.”

The agency’s publicly posted processing times provide the public with the information necessary to understand how long it may take USCIS to process a particular form. For a single case, the processing time is defined as the number of months that elapse between the date USCIS receives the application, petition, or request and the date USCIS issues a decision. The estimated processing time for a particular form is based on how long it took USCIS to approve or deny a certain percentile of completed cases for that form over the prior six-month period.

Users can now immediately find the processing time information for their particular type of case, rather than seeing an aggregate of all related case types. Additional changes include:

Adding drop-down options for form categories will help narrow results to only the processing times that are relevant to a case and help a user understand their particular situation;
Adding a case inquiry tool where the user can insert their receipt date and get an immediate answer on whether they should contact us with questions about their particular case; if so, benefit requestors will be provided a link to submit a case inquiry online;
Displaying a single 80th percentile processing time (rather than a range) to simplify the information provided and improve the ability of users to estimate how long it is likely to take USCIS to process a benefit request; and
Revising, streamlining, and adding more content to the processing times webpages to increase transparency, including a new Frequently Asked Questions page and an improved More Information page.

Processing times are meant to be used as a reference point, rather than an absolute measure of how long it will take to process a particular case. Each case is unique, and some cases take longer than others to process, depending on the facts of the particular case.

USCIS hosted a national listening session in March related to this issue, and the agency seeks and encourages the public’s input so we can continue to improve how we display processing times in a meaningful and helpful way. Another national listening session is planned for mid-May. Additional listening sessions are expected in the future. We also encourage the public to provide feedback at ProcessingTimesFeedback@uscis.dhs.gov . A full list of actions USCIS has taken to reduce processing times and the agency’s pending caseload is available on our website .

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/05/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-simplifying-improving-communication-of-case-processing-data

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension Period of Work Permits for Certain Applicants

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 09 May 2022 18:05:57 GMT

Release Date

05/03/2022

WASHINGTON —U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), available to certain EAD renewal applicants , to up to 540 days. The increase, which will be effective immediately on May 4, 2022, will help avoid gaps in employment for noncitizens with pending EAD renewal applications and stabilize the continuity of operations for U.S. employers.

“As USCIS works to address pending EAD caseloads, the agency has determined that the current 180-day automatic extension for employment authorization is currently insufficient,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This temporary rule will provide those noncitizens otherwise eligible for the automatic extension an opportunity to maintain employment and provide critical support for their families, while avoiding further disruption for U.S. employers.”

For several years, USCIS has been in a precarious financial situation that has impaired the efficient completion of caseloads. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges in 2020, in addition to a hiring freeze and furlough threat leading to workforce attrition and severely reduced capacity. In 2021, before USCIS could recover from these fiscal and operational impacts, there was a sudden and dramatic increase in EAD initial and renewal filings, as explained in detail in the TFR.

The TFR, which only applies to those EAD categories currently eligible for an automatic up to 180-day extension, will temporarily provide up to 360 days of additional automatic extension time (for a total of up to 540 days) to eligible applicants with a timely-filed Form I-765 renewal application pending during the 18-month period after publication of the TFR while USCIS continues to work through pending caseloads that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This timeframe will allow USCIS an opportunity to address staffing shortages, implement additional efficiencies, and meet Director Jaddou’s recently announced goal of achieving a three-month cycle time for EAD applications (generally comparable to a median three-month processing time) by the end of FY23. Beginning Oct. 27, 2023, automatic extensions of employment authorization and EAD validity will revert to the up to 180-day period for those eligible applicants who timely file Form I-765 renewal applications.

Noncitizens with a pending EAD renewal application whose 180-day automatic extension has lapsed and whose EAD has expired will be granted an additional period of employment authorization and EAD validity, beginning on May 4, 2022 and lasting up to 540 days from the expiration date of their EAD, such that they may resume employment if they are still within the up to 540-day automatic extension period and are otherwise eligible. Noncitizens with a pending renewal application still covered under the 180-day automatic extension will be granted an additional up to 360-day extension, for a total of up to 540 days past the expiration of the current EAD. Noncitizens with a pending renewal application and valid EAD on May 4, 2022, or who timely file an EAD renewal application before Oct. 27, 2023, will be granted an automatic extension of up to 540 days if their EAD expires before the renewal application is processed.

The automatic extension generally will end upon notification of a final decision on the renewal application or the end of the up to 540-day period (meaning, up to 540 days after the expiration date on the applicant’s facially expired EAD), whichever comes earlier.

Certain noncitizens who are in the United States may file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , with USCIS to request employment authorization and an EAD. Other noncitizens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply for an EAD that shows such authorization.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-increases-automatic-extension-period-of-work-permits-for-certain-applicants

Last Reviewed/Updated:

05/03/2022

USCIS Announces New Actions to Reduce Backlogs, Expand Premium Processing, and Provide Relief to Work Permit Holders

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 23:48:49 GMT

Release Date

03/29/2022

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is announcing a trio of efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall legal immigration system. USCIS will set new agency-wide backlog reduction goals, expand premium processing to additional form types, and work to improve timely access to employment authorization documents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resource constraints resulting from the prior administration, USCIS inherited a significant number of pending cases and increased processing times. Through today’s actions by the Biden administration, USCIS is acting to reduce these caseloads and processing times, while also ensuring that fair and efficient services are available to applicants and petitioners.

“USCIS remains committed to delivering timely and fair decisions to all we serve,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Every application we adjudicate represents the hopes and dreams of immigrants and their families, as well as their critical immediate needs such as financial stability and humanitarian protection.”

Reducing Processing Backlogs

To reduce the agency’s pending caseload, USCIS is establishing new internal cycle time goals this month. These goals are internal metrics that guide the backlog reduction efforts of the USCIS workforce and affect how long it takes the agency to process cases. As cycle times improve, processing times will follow, and applicants and petitioners will receive decisions on their cases more quickly. USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023.

The agency’s publicly posted processing times show the average amount of time it took USCIS to process a particular form – from when the agency received the application until a decision was made on the case. Internally, USCIS monitors the number of pending cases in the agency’s workload through a metric called “cycle times.” A cycle time measures how many months’ worth of pending cases for a particular form are awaiting a decision. As an internal management metric, cycle times are generally comparable to the agency’s publicly posted median processing times. Cycle times are what the operational divisions of USCIS use to gauge how much progress the agency is, or is not, making on reducing our backlog and overall case processing times.

Expanding Premium Processing

Today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that aligns premium processing regulations with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. The rule codifies premium processing fees and adjudication timeframes provided by Congress.

Premium processing is an expedited adjudication service now available only to petitioners filing a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , and to certain employment-based immigrant visa petitioners filing a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers . This final rule expands the categories of forms ultimately eligible for premium processing services, including Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status ; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization ; and additional classifications under Form I-140.

USCIS intends to begin implementing, through a phased approach, premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765 and Form I-140 in fiscal year 2022. USCIS will also adhere to the congressional requirement that the expansion of premium processing must not cause an increase in processing times for regular immigration benefit requests.

USCIS plans to begin this phased implementation process by expanding premium processing eligibility to Form I-140 filers requesting EB-1 immigrant classification as a multinational executive or manager, or EB-2 immigrant classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver.

Improving Access to Employment Authorization Documents

USCIS continues to make progress toward a temporary final rule currently named “Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants.”

In recent months, USCIS has begin streamlining many EAD processes, including extending validity periods for certain EADs and providing expedited work authorization renewals for healthcare and childcare workers. The temporary final rule aims to build on this progress and to ensure certain individuals will not lose their work authorization status while their applications are pending.

A full list of prior actions USCIS has taken to reduce processing times and the agency’s pending caseload is available on our website .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-new-actions-to-reduce-backlogs-expand-premium-processing-and-provide-relief-to-work

DHS and DOL to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 22:18:59 GMT

Release Date

03/31/2022

News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

Departments to add additional visas and significant worker protections

WASHINGTON —The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022.

“Informed by current demand in the labor market, today we are announcing the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B visas that will help to support American businesses and expand legal pathways for workers seeking to come to the United States,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Recognizing the importance of strong worker protections, we will apply greater scrutiny to those employers who have a record of violating obligations to their workers and the H-2B program.”

The supplemental H-2B visa allocation consists of 23,500 visas available to returning workers, who received an H-2B visa or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years. The remaining 11,500 visas, which are exempt from the returning worker requirement, are reserved for nationals of Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The H-2B program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be for a limited period of time, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal, or intermittent need. Employers seeking to hire H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must provide certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker, and that employing the H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

In January 2022, the Departments announced the availability of 20,000 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. Additional details about how the supplemental allocation will be implemented, including the worker protections, will be provided in the forthcoming temporary final rule.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

03/31/2022

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/all-news/dhs-and-dol-to-supplement-the-h-2b-cap-with-additional-visas-for-second-half-of-fiscal-year-2022

DHS and DOJ Issue Rule to Efficiently and Fairly Process Asylum Claims

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:08:27 GMT

Release Date

03/24/2022

WASHINGTON— Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) are issuing a rule to improve and expedite processing of asylum claims made by noncitizens subject to expedited removal, ensuring that those who are eligible for asylum are granted relief quickly, and those who are not are promptly removed.

The rule authorizes asylum officers within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to consider the asylum applications of individuals subject to expedited removal who assert a fear of persecution or torture and pass the required credible fear screening. Currently, such cases are decided only by immigration judges within the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Due to existing court backlogs, the process for hearing and deciding these asylum cases currently takes several years on average. When fully implemented, the reforms and new efficiencies will shorten the process to several months for most asylum applicants covered by this rule.

“The current system for handling asylum claims at our borders has long needed repair,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Through this rule, we are building a more functional and sensible asylum system to ensure that individuals who are eligible will receive protection more swiftly, while those who are not eligible will be rapidly removed. We will process claims for asylum or other humanitarian protection in a timely and efficient manner while ensuring due process.”

“This rule advances our efforts to ensure that asylum claims are processed fairly, expeditiously, and consistent with due process,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “It will help reduce the burden on our immigration courts, protect the rights of those fleeing persecution and violence, and enable immigration judges to issue removal orders when appropriate. We look forward to receiving additional input from stakeholders and the public on this important rule.”

Under the rule, individuals who receive a positive credible fear determination will receive a timely interview with an asylum officer to elicit all relevant and useful information about their asylum claim. Following an interview, USCIS will decide whether to grant asylum, and, if necessary, determine the applicant’s eligibility for withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

Any individual who is not granted asylum by USCIS will be referred for a removal proceeding before an immigration judge. The rule establishes streamlined procedures for these removal proceedings, designed to promote efficient resolution of the case.

The rule will not apply to unaccompanied children, and it will only apply to individuals who are placed into expedited removal proceedings on or after its effective date. The rule will be implemented in phases, starting with a limited number of individuals, and subsequently expanding as the USCIS Asylum Division receives additional resources and builds capacity.

This rule modifies the notice of proposed rulemaking’s (NPRM) proposal in response to public comments received following the NPRM issued by DHS and Justice in August 2021. The rule will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Departments encourage further public comment on the rule during the 60-day comment period for the Departments to consider. Details for submitting public comments are in the rule.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-and-doj-issue-rule-to-efficiently-and-fairly-process-asylum-claims

USCIS to Offer Deferred Action for Special Immigrant Juveniles

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:17:19 GMT

Release Date

03/07/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to consider deferred action and related employment authorization for noncitizens who have an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant , for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification but who cannot apply to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) because a visa number is not available.

Deferred action is an act of prosecutorial discretion that defers proceedings to remove a noncitizen from the United States for a certain period. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

The SIJ classification is available to noncitizen children subject to state juvenile court proceedings related to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law. SIJ classification does not confer lawful status and does not result in eligibility to apply for employment authorization. Deferred action and related employment authorization will help to protect noncitizens with SIJ classification who cannot apply for adjustment of status solely because they are waiting for a visa number to become available. This process furthers congressional intent to provide humanitarian protection for abused, neglected, or abandoned noncitizen children for whom a juvenile court has determined that it is in their best interest to remain in the United States.

USCIS will consider deferred action on a case-by-case basis and will grant it if the SIJ warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. USCIS will automatically conduct deferred action determinations for individuals with SIJ classification who cannot apply for LPR status because a visa number is not available. A separate request for deferred action is not required and will not be accepted by USCIS.

SIJs who have moved since their Form I-360 was approved should update their address with USCIS as soon as possible to ensure that they receive correspondence related to deferred action.

If USCIS grants deferred action, it will be for a period of four years. An SIJ who has been granted deferred action will be able to apply for employment authorization for their period of deferred action by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , and indicating eligibility category (c)(14).

This update (PDF, 440.38 KB) , contained in Volume 6 of the Policy Manual, is effective May 6, 2022, and applies to eligible noncitizens classified as SIJs before, on or after May 6, based on an approved Form I-360. This guidance is controlling and supersedes any prior guidance on the topic.

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Special Situations, Including the Invasion of Ukraine

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:19:44 GMT

Release Date

03/04/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by extreme situations, including the invasion of Ukraine.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. If you fail to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission, we may excuse that if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
Reparole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited adjudication of petitions or applications, including employment authorization applications, when appropriate;
Consideration of fee waiver requests due to an inability to pay;
Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document, or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record; and
Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

Note: When you request help, please explain how the impact of the extreme situations or unforeseen circumstances, such as the invasion of Ukraine, created a need for the requested relief.

Visit our Special Situations page or call us for more information about how we assist individuals affected by extreme situations and unforeseen circumstances. To learn how to request these measures, call us at 800-375-5283. For people with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833 or (VRS) 877-709-5797.

Please update your address with USCIS to ensure you receive all correspondence and benefits from us in a timely manner and avoid possible delays related to your case. To update your address with USCIS, visit our How to Change Your Address page. Please note that changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service will not change your address with USCIS.

Visit our Office Closings page to determine whether an office is open and to learn about rescheduling appointments. In particular, if your InfoPass appointment was affected by the unforeseen circumstances, you can reschedule your appointment online or by calling the USCIS Contact Center .

All Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requirements remain in place. Those affected by unforeseen circumstances should visit I-9 Central for more information on how to complete Form I-9 if an employee’s documents are lost, stolen, or damaged .

Secretary Mayorkas Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:21:12 GMT

Release Date

03/03/2022

WASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

“Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. This designation is based on both ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent Ukrainian nationals, and those of no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine, from returning to Ukraine safely. These conditions result from the full-scale Russian military invasion into Ukraine, which marks the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II. This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis with significant numbers of individuals fleeing and damage to civilian infrastructure that has left nearly a million individuals without electricity or water or access to food, basic supplies, shelter, and emergency medical services.

Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on VAWA Self-Petitions

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 22:02:16 GMT

Release Date

02/10/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is publishing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on eligibility, filing, and adjudication requirements addressing Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions to update practices and align USCIS policies with recent court decisions.

We are updating our interpretation of the requirement for shared residence to occur during the qualifying spousal or parent-child relationship. Instead, the self-petitioner must demonstrate that they are residing or have resided with the abuser at any time in the past.

We are also implementing nationwide the decisions in Da Silva v. Attorney General, 948 F.3d 629 (3rd Cir. 2020), and Arguijo v. United States, 991 F.3d 736 (7th Cir. 2021). Da Silva v. Attorney General held that when evaluating the good moral character requirement, an act or conviction is “connected to” the battery or extreme cruelty when it has “a causal or logical relationship.” Arguijo v. USCIS allows stepchildren and stepparents to continue to be eligible for VAWA self-petitions even if the parent and stepparent divorced.

These updates are in accordance with Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans .

The new guidance can be found in the USCIS Policy Manual. Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update. USCIS welcomes feedback on this guidance and will consider any comments received in future updates.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-guidance-on-vawa-self-petitions

DHS Announces Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for First Half of Fiscal Year

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 22:35:18 GMT

Release Date

01/27/2022

WASHINGTON —The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the availability of 20,000 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers that are facing irreparable harm without additional workers and seeking to employ additional workers on or before March 31, 2022.

“DHS is taking action to address the needs of our economy by making an additional 20,000 H-2B visas available to workers,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “We are providing employers with the resources and support needed to sustain their businesses while expanding lawful pathways to the United States. At the same time, DHS and DOL are protecting against the exploitation of H-2B workers.”

This supplemental cap increase, which comes at a time of record job growth and reduced labor force participation, marks the first time that DHS is making additional H-2B visas available in the first half of the fiscal year. DHS first announced the joint temporary final rule in December 2021. The additional H-2B visas will become available to employers on January 28, 2022.

The supplemental H-2B visa allocation consists of 13,500 visas available to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years. The remaining 6,500 visas, which are exempt from the returning worker requirement, are reserved for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The joint temporary final rule can be found in the Federal Register .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-availability-of-additional-h-2b-visas-for-first-half-of-fiscal-year

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/27/2022

USCIS Updates Guidance on National Interest Waivers

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:22:56 GMT

Release Date

01/21/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated guidance on adjudicating requests for “National Interest Waivers” regarding job offer and labor certification requirements for certain advanced degree professionals and individuals of exceptional ability. This includes discussing the unique considerations for persons with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and entrepreneurs.

Consistent with this Administration’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration under President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans , USCIS is clarifying how the national interest waiver can be used by STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, as well as the significance of letters from governmental and quasi-governmental entities. The updated guidance also serves to promote effective and efficient processing of benefits consistent with the executive order.

An employer seeking to hire a noncitizen must generally obtain a permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position they are seeking and that their employment will not adversely affect similarly employed U.S. workers. The noncitizen may, however, seek a waiver of a job offer, and of the labor certification, if it is in the interest of the United States.

Individuals seeking a national interest waiver must show evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability and must also meet three factors that USCIS uses to determine, in its discretion, whether it is in the national interest that USCIS waive the requirement of a job offer, and thus the labor certification. The three factors USCIS considers for a national interest waiver are whether:

The person’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance;
The person is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and thus the permanent labor certification requirements.

Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition using Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker .

This guidance, contained in Volume 6 of the Policy Manual , is effective immediately. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.

Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update.

USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:58:49 GMT

Release Date

01/13/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced clarifying guidance on how we determine whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a case has elements of both.

Individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry may be eligible for O-1B classification. The updated guidance will help officers and petitioners determine whether a beneficiary falls into the arts category or the motion picture and television category.

The update will help with cases that have elements of both classifications, such as actors, directors, composers, or set designers who work in both motion pictures and television and live theater. It will also help officers and petitioners understand where streaming internet productions fall in these categories.

For more information, see the Policy Alert (PDF, 295.37 KB) . Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-clarifying-guidance-on-o-1-nonimmigrants-in-arts-vs-motion-picture-and-television

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/13/2021

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:03:59 GMT

Release Date

01/12/2022

USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the Marshall fire in Colorado.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
Consideration of fee waiver requests due to an inability to pay;
Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Documents, and Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94); and
Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

Note : When making a request, please explain how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created a need for the requested relief. If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request.

Visit our Special Situations page or call us for more information about how we provide assistance to individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances. To learn how to request these measures, call us at 800-375-5283. For people with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833 or (VRS) 877-709-5797.

Visit our Office Closings page to determine if an office is open and to learn about rescheduling appointments. In particular, if your InfoPass appointment was affected by a natural disaster, you can reschedule your appointment online or by calling the USCIS Contact Center .

All Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requirements remain in place. Those affected by natural disasters should visit I-9 Central for more information on how to complete Form I-9 if an employee’s documents are lost, stolen, or damaged .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/immigration-help-available-to-those-affected-by-natural-disasters-and-other-unforeseen-circumstances-0

Last Reviewed/Updated:

01/12/2021

DHS Withdraws H-1B Selection Final Rule

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:11:41 GMT

Release Date

12/21/2021

The Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule that withdraws the Modification of Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions final rule, also known as the H-1B Selection Final Rule, issued Jan. 8, 2021. That rule was vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

On Sept. 15, 2021, the court in Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, et al. , No. 4:20–cv–07331 (N.D. Cal. March 19, 2021) vacated the H-1B Selection Final Rule. The rule would have changed the way USCIS selects H-1B registrations (or petitions, if registration is suspended) submitted by prospective petitioners seeking to file an H-1B cap-subject petition by ranking and selecting registrations based generally on corresponding wage levels.

For more information, see the final rule .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-withdraws-h-1b-selection-final-rule

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/21/2021

USCIS Announces FY 2021 Accomplishments

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:59:54 GMT

Release Date

12/16/2021

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is releasing preliminary fiscal year (FY) 2021 agency statistics and accomplishments. These preliminary statistics highlight important immigration trends and illustrate the work accomplished by USCIS in FY 2021. The agency will publish final, verified FY 2021 statistics in January 2022.

“I’m immensely proud of the USCIS workforce and for their achievements in a year of many challenges and rebuilding. From responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing processing delays to enacting numerous operational and policy changes in response to executive orders from the Biden-Harris Administration, FY 2021 marks a year of growth and renewed vision for our agency,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.

“In the upcoming year, we will continue to serve the public with compassion and reflect America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibilities for all. As we administer our nation’s immigration system as an engine of American strength, we will adjudicate requests with fairness, efficiency and integrity.”

Addressing Challenges

Fiscal Health : USCIS fiscal health has improved significantly during FY 2021 as a result of measures the agency implemented to reduce spending, as well as an increase in Immigration Examinations Fee Account revenue receipts, which have exceeded projections.
Temporary Flexibilities in Response to COVID-19 : The health and safety of our workforce and those we serve remained a top priority. USCIS continued temporary flexibilities related to COVID-19, including allowing more time for responses to certain USCIS requests and notices.
Employment-Based Adjustments : USCIS faced the unprecedented challenge of processing over 237,000 employment-based Green Card applications—not only the agency’s usual 115,000, but an additional 122,000 immigrant visa numbers that the Department of State was unable to process in FY 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of FY 2021, USCIS approved over 172,000 employment-based adjustment of status applications, an increase of 50% above the typical baseline.
Processing Delays : Across the agency, the volume of pending cases increased as well as the associated processing times. USCIS has made significant strides in addressing processing delays caused by COVID-19 and other factors while responding to new executive orders. USCIS made significant strides in addressing processing delays in the following ways: reusing biometrics for 2.5 million applicants since March 2020; reducing the number of pending biometrics appointments from 1.4 million in January 2021 to 155,000 as of the end of September; and fully eliminating the “front-log” of cases awaiting intake processing (which was more than 1 million receipts in January 2021 and was eliminated in July) by expanding staffing and overtime at our Lockbox facilities.

Response to Executive Orders

Breaking Down Barriers : USCIS continues to identify efficiencies and remove barriers to benefits and services pursuant to executive orders (EO) 14012 and 13985 and received over 7,400 comments to its Request for Public Input, “Identifying Barriers Across U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Benefits and Services,” which closed on May 19, 2021. USCIS has already announced a number of updates responsive to comments received, including reverting to prior criteria for interviewing petitioners requesting derivative refugee and asylee status for family members, clarifying that it will consider E and L dependent spouses to be employment authorized incident to status and that H-4, E, and L dependent spouses may qualify for the automatic extension of their employment authorization, and providing deferred action and work authorization for petitioners living in the U.S. with pending, bona fide U nonimmigrant status petitions and who merit a favorable exercise of discretion. USCIS continues to review and consider comments received in response to the Request for Public Input, alongside other feedback received, such as in stakeholder engagements.
Promoting Naturalization : During FY 2021, USCIS welcomed 855,000 new U.S. citizens, including derivative citizens. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the help of video-facilitated interviews and pandemic-safe interview procedures, USCIS continued to process naturalization cases at pre-pandemic levels during FY 2021 and completed approximately 895,000 naturalization applications, conducted more than 52,000 video-facilitated interviews, and hosted more than 40,000 naturalization ceremonies. USCIS continues to promote and improve access to naturalization pursuant to EO 14012 and the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization [PDF, 3.77 MB] (PDF, 3.77 MB) , which was released publicly on July 2, 2021. USCIS has taken a number of steps to reduce barriers to naturalization and promote citizenship, including phasing out the 2020 version of the Naturalization Civics Test and reverting back to the 2008 Test on March 1; decreasing the pending naturalization case queue by approximately 14% from January to September 2021; conducting video interviews of overseas military members and qualifying family members, as well as video naturalization ceremonies, with the assistance of the Department of Defense; reusing approximately 838,000 naturalization applicants’ biometrics since March 1; relaunching the Outstanding Americans by Choice initiative; and releasing $10 million to 40 citizenship grantees for FY 2022.
Public Charge : DHS published the Public Charge Vacatur Final Rule in the Federal Register on March 15, 2021, which removed the regulatory provisions promulgated by the 2019 Public Charge Final Rule that the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals vacated on March 9. USCIS released a letter (PDF, 332.11 KB) to interagency partners on April 12, seeking their support in communicating to the public that the 2019 Public Charge Rule is no longer in effect. On Aug. 23, USCIS published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek broad public feedback on key considerations associated with the public charge ground of inadmissibility that will help with the development of a future regulatory proposal. As announced in the ANPRM, USCIS conducted a listening session for the general public on public charge on Sept. 14. Resources on public charge , including questions and answers, are available on our website. USCIS hopes to issue its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on public charge in the near future.
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Improvements : USCIS continues to work with the Department of State (DOS) to take steps to improve the efficacy, integrity, security and transparency of the USRAP pursuant to EO 14013.
Family Reunification Task Force : USCIS continues to serve on the Family Reunification Task Force and established a parole process and approved approximately 100 individuals for parole during FY 2021 to help reunify families separated by the prior administration’s Zero-Tolerance and related policies.
Expansion of Lawful Pathways from Central America : USCIS and DOS reinstituted and expanded the Central American Minors Refugee and Parole Program (CAM), including the resumption of interviews. In Phase One, USCIS and DOS began processing eligible applications that were closed when the CAM program was terminated in January 2018. In Phase Two, eligibility criteria were expanded for certain U.S. based individuals—to include legal guardians in qualifying categories (such as lawful permanent residence, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parolees, deferred action, Deferred Enforced Departure, or withholding of removal), and parents or legal guardians with a pending asylum application or petition for U nonimmigrant status—to apply for their children to access the CAM program.

Humanitarian Programs

Operation Allies Welcome : USCIS set up temporary field offices and mobile biometrics processing stations in eight federally approved facilities to process arriving Afghan nationals and family members who assisted the United States in Afghanistan. At these facilities, Afghan nationals applied for employment authorization and have been referred to resettlement services, if they are eligible. USCIS personnel are adjudicating applications for employment authorization and conducting other immigration processing. During FY 2021, USCIS collected biometrics for more than 52,000 individuals and adjudicated more than 28,000 applications for employment authorization.
Asylum Processing : This past year, USCIS completed approximately 39,000 affirmative asylum cases, 44,000 credible fear determinations, and more than 4,400 reasonable fear determinations. On Aug. 2, 2021, USCIS opened a new asylum office in Tampa, Fla., in response to an increasing asylum workload in Florida.
Adjudication by Asylum Officers of Protection Claims after Positive Credible Fear Determinations : On Aug. 20, 2021, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published that would amend regulations so that individuals in expedited removal who are found to have a credible fear of persecution or torture could have their claims for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture initially adjudicated by a USCIS asylum officer through a nonadversarial proceeding, rather than in immigration court by an immigration judge. If implemented, this rule would allow for more efficient adjudication of the protection claims of individuals who establish a credible fear while in the expedited removal process, while ensuring fairness and safeguarding due process. The 60-day public comment period ended on Oct. 19.
Refugee Interviews : USCIS expanded its capacity to conduct certain refugee applicant interviews remotely using video-teleconferencing, which enabled USCIS to mitigate the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on international travel for much of the year. USCIS also deployed officers to 12 overseas locations to conduct in-person initial refugee interviews or to provide support for video interviews conducted remotely from the United States. USCIS interviewed approximately 6,600 refugee applicants in person and over 3,300 refugee applicants remotely in 23 countries.
Temporary Protected Status : In FY 2021, USCIS began accepting applications and renewals for TPS under new and/or extended designations for South Sudan, Burma, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Haiti. On July 21, 2021, USCIS publicly launched online filing for initial TPS registration applications for Burma, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. On Aug. 3, when DHS published the designation of Haiti for TPS for 18 months in the Federal Register, USCIS made online filing available for initial TPS registrations. On Aug. 4, DHS announced the extension of the initial registration periods from 180 days to 18 months for initial applicants under the TPS designations for Venezuela, Syria and Burma, similar to the same-length initial registration periods in place regarding applicants from other countries, such as Haiti.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) : Since DACA began in 2012, USCIS has approved approximately 835,000 requests for initial DACA and over 2.3 million requests for renewal of DACA, as of Sept. 30, 2021. The median processing time for DACA renewals and related employment authorization applications through Sept. 30, was approximately 54 days. On Sept. 28, DHS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would preserve and fortify the DACA policy, with a 60-day public comment period that closed on Nov. 29. If finalized as proposed, the rule would codify the existing DACA policy with a few limited changes.
U Nonimmigrant Bona Fide Determination Process : USCIS announced the U Nonimmigrant Bona Fide Determination Process on June 14, 2021, to address increases in the volume of U nonimmigrant petitions and a growing number of cases awaiting placement on the waiting list or final adjudication. With this initiative, USCIS will be able to provide efficient reviews of U visa petitions and provide work authorization and deferred action to victims of crime in a more timely manner.

Increased Public Engagement

USCIS hosts public engagements on local and national levels involving our community relations officers and subject matter experts. In March 2021, we conducted an agency-wide review of public engagement to reinvigorate our outreach efforts. The review identified key priorities and ways to increase engagement opportunities.

During FY 2021, USCIS adapted to a virtual engagement environment and had record numbers of attendees for these events.
USCIS held more than 2,000 virtual engagements with approximately 74,000 attendees, including 2,069 local engagements and 47 engagements at the national level.
USCIS hosts engagements in English, Spanish, and other languages including Arabic, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Dari, and Urdu.
We covered more than 20 topics, including citizenship/naturalization, online filing, TPS, public charge, avoiding immigration scams, Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), family-based petitions, business immigration, and COVID-19 visitor procedures for local offices.

Online Filing and Tools

The agency’s transition from paper applications to a fully digital filing and adjudication experience continues to be an important priority for USCIS. Consequently, USCIS continues to expand our online filing capabilities.

USCIS has continued to expand and enhance the self-help tools available to applicants online and through the agency’s Contact Center with the goal of providing more efficient, timely service.
Through continued outreach and promotion, the number of myUSCIS online accounts grew from 6.1 million in FY 2020 to 9 million in FY 2021, a growth rate of 48%.
In FY 2021, approximately 1,210,700 applications were filed online, a 2.3% increase from the 1,184,000 filed in FY 2020.
In FY 2021, USCIS added two forms for electronic filing:
Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status; and
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for:
Temporary Protected Status applicants seeking employment authorization who have an approved form I-821 (a)(12) or a pending form I-821 (c)(19); and
F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) if they request employment authorization under one of these categories: (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

Increased Data Transparency

USCIS has increased data transparency and availability of new and expanded quarterly reports continues to be an important priority for the agency.

USCIS has created new quarterly reports for benefit programs, including LRIF that include reporting on receipts broken down by state, gender, as well as fee waiver information.
For FY 2022, USCIS will be launching a new quarterly report for TPS that includes receipts and approvals for all countries, including new designations from 2021 such as Venezuela and Haiti.
As part of the efforts to increase naturalization promotion and outreach, USCIS also launched a new webpage outlining key statistics around naturalization highlighting citizenship accomplishment over the last few fiscal years.

For more information on USCIS and our programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/16/2021

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:50:37 GMT

Release Date

12/13/2021

USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the severe weather in Kentucky and surrounding states.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
Consideration of fee waiver requests due to an inability to pay;
Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Documents, and Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94); and
Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

Note: When making a request, please explain how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created a need for the requested relief. If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request.

Visit our Special Situations page or call us for more information about how we provide assistance to individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances. To learn how to request these measures, call us at 800-375-5283. For people with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833 or (VRS) 877-709-5797.

All Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requirements remain in place. Those affected by natural disasters should visit I-9 Central for more information on how to complete Form I-9 if an employee’s documents are lost, stolen, or damaged .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/immigration-help-available-to-those-affected-by-natural-disasters-and-other-unforeseen-circumstances

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/13/2021

USCIS Reverts to Previous Criteria for Interviewing Petitioners Requesting Derivative Refugee and Asylee Status for Family Members

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:34:28 GMT

Release Date

12/10/2021

USCIS is rescinding a November 2020 policy memorandum requiring interviews of all petitioners filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition . Effective immediately, USCIS will return to its prior long-standing practice of making case-by-case determinations on whether to interview Form I-730 petitioners.

The policy memorandum, which directed the phased expansion of in-person interviews for Form I-730 petitioners, imposed significant burdens on refugee and asylee populations. This is inconsistent with Executive Orders 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans , and 14013, Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs To Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration .

The rescinded policy also decreased adjudicative efficiency by requiring petitioner interviews in addition to the routine beneficiary interviews in cases without any identified deficiencies in the petition or supporting documentation. USCIS can perform robust fraud and security screenings and maintain strong program integrity without this blanket interview policy. In addition, USCIS reserves its authority to interview any petitioner where USCIS determines there is a need to do so.

An individual admitted to the United States as a principal refugee or granted asylum as a principal asylee may file a Form I-730 petition on behalf of a spouse or child. Eligible spouses or unmarried children may receive derivative refugee or asylee status as Form I-730 beneficiaries. They do not have to qualify independently as principal asylees or refugees, but they must meet the requirements for the relationship to the petitioner and must qualify under all other applicable eligibility criteria, including those related to criminal and security grounds.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/10/2021

USCIS Temporarily Waiving 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:38:32 GMT

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an applicant files an application for the underlying immigration benefit (including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), until Sept. 30, 2022.

This temporary waiver will help applicants who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, which have sometimes caused delays in completing the immigration medical examination. Temporarily allowing applicants to submit their underlying application for an immigration benefit with a completed Form I-693, even if the civil surgeon signed more than 60 days prior, will allow individuals to complete the application process without the need to undergo another immigration medical examination if Form I-693 is otherwise valid.

The temporary waiver will benefit many applicants, including Afghan nationals evacuated under Operation Allies Welcome who have completed immigration medical examinations at government-run facilities but were not able to apply for adjustment of status within 60 days of the completed examination.

For more information, see the policy alert (PDF, 318.16 KB) . Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-temporarily-waiving-60-day-rule-for-civil-surgeon-signatures

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/09/2021

USCIS Extends Transitional Parole for CNMI Long-Term Resident Status Applicants

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:34:44 GMT

USCIS announced today that it will automatically extend parole and employment authorization, if applicable, for parolees who timely applied for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term resident status.

This specific extension of parole applies only to current parolees who timely filed  Form I-955, Application for CNMI Long-Term Resident Status , and  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , and whose applications remain pending on Dec. 30, 2021. USCIS will automatically extend their parole (and employment authorization, if applicable) without interruption through June 30, 2022, or the date that we make a final decision on their Form I955 and Form I-765, whichever is earlier.

For eligible parolees whose timely filed Form I-955 and Form I-765 remain pending on Dec. 30, 2021, the following documentation will serve as evidence of identity and work authorization for purposes of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, until June 30, 2022 (or the date that we make a final decision on their long-term resident status application, whichever is earlier):

• A copy of this web alert;

• Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, bearing category code “C-11” with an expiration date on or before June 29, 2020; and

• Evidence that they filed Form I-955 and Form I-765 on or before Aug. 17, 2020. This may be a copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action, reflecting that they have filed Form I765 requesting the classification (“class”) code of (c)(37), or if unavailable, a copy of their Form I-955 and Form I-765 with a mail receipt.

The CNMI long-term resident status was created by the Northern Mariana Islands Long-Term Legal Residents Relief Act (Public Law 116-24), signed into law on June 25, 2019. The law specifically gave the Department of Homeland Security the discretion to authorize parole, with work authorization, for these individuals during the time period needed to implement the new law. USCIS previously extended this parole four times, on  June 17, 2020 , Aug. 11, 2020 ,  Dec. 30, 2020 , and June 16, 2021 .

Eligible individuals had 180 days, until Aug. 17, 2020, to apply for CNMI long-term resident status. USCIS  announced  the Aug. 17 deadline when it opened the application period on Feb. 19, 2020. If USCIS denies a parolee’s Form I-955 and Form I-765, their parole (and employment authorization, if applicable) will end and they must depart the CNMI.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-transitional-parole-for-cnmi-long-term-resident-status-applicants

Vaccination Requirements

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:29:34 GMT

These Questions and Answers provide basic information about the general vaccination requirements for immigrants (including individuals seeking adjustment of status), and specifically about the assessment made by the civil surgeon to determine whether an applicant meets the vaccination requirements. These Questions and Answers do not address the vaccination assessments conducted by panel physicians overseas.

For refugees only, health departments may be considered a civil surgeon for purposes of completing the vaccination record.

Background

Under the immigration laws of the United States, a foreign national who applies for an immigrant visa abroad, or who seeks to adjust status to a permanent resident while in the United States, is required to receive vaccinations to prevent the following diseases:

Mumps
Measles
Rubella
Polio
Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
Pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type B
Hepatitis B
COVID-19
Any other vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) is an advisory committee to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that recommends immunizations for the general U.S. population. Starting Dec.14, 2009, when the ACIP recommends new vaccines for the general U.S. population, CDC will assess whether these vaccines should be required for immigration purposes on a regular and on an as-needed basis according to specific criteria set by CDC.

CDC is responsible for publishing the Technical Instructions for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States. These documents set the requirements for the immigrant medical examination and are binding on civil surgeons. The Technical Instructions include a vaccination component, specifying how the civil surgeon has to conduct the vaccination assessment. The civil surgeon records the results of the medical examination, including the results of the vaccination assessment, on USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

If a foreign national applies for an immigrant visa abroad, that individual has to receive the medical examination by a panel physician designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). CDC issues separate instructions to panel physicians designated by DOS to conduct medical examinations abroad. For more information about panel physicians, please consult DOS' website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3739.html .

Questions and Answers

All Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Applicants May Now File Forms I-821 and I-765 Online

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:22:07 GMT

Release Date

11/29/2021

As of Nov. 29, all applicants eligible to file for TPS under one of the current designations may file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online. The following countries are currently designated for TPS:

Burma (Myanmar)
El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
Nepal
Nicaragua
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Venezuela
Yemen

First-time TPS applicants and TPS beneficiaries who are re-registering may apply for TPS online. Applicants can request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765 with their Form I-821, or may submit their Form I-765 separately later. However, filing both forms together may help applicants receive their EAD more promptly.

To file Form I-821 online, eligible TPS applicants should visit our myUSCIS page to log into or create a USCIS online account. This free account offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with us about their application through a secure inbox.

Background

Previously, the option to file Form I-821 online was only available to initial TPS applicants from certain countries. Offering online filing for all TPS applicants allows us to continue making the process of applying for immigration benefits more efficient, secure, and convenient for more applicants.

Applicants who file a paper Form I-821, or any other USCIS form, may still create an online account to track the status of their form throughout the adjudication process, even if they did not file the form online. Applicants who file by paper can reference the Account Access Notice that we mailed to them for details on how to link their cases to their online account.

For the most current information related to TPS, visit our TPS page. For more information on the 12 forms available to file online, visit our Forms Available to File Online page.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn .

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/all-temporary-protected-status-tps-applicants-may-now-file-forms-i-821-and-i-765-online

Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S.

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:15:52 GMT

Updated Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S. due to COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant

On November 26, and at the advice of the President’s Chief Medical Advisor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administration announced it will restrict travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe starting on November 29 due to concerns over the new Omicron variant. These travel restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain other categories of travelers. The full text of the Proclamation is available on the White House website . Travel Advisories for each of these countries are Level 4 – Do Not Travel – in line with CDC Travel Health Notifications (THNs) and given flight cancellations in some countries.

Please see the CDC website for further information on the Omicron Variant.

CDC Order

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order, which took effect November 8, 2021, requiring all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States remains in effect. Travelers should monitor the CDC website on international travel for the latest guidance regarding testing requirements.

Exceptions to the CDC Order requiring all air passengers to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States are extremely limited to the following groups:

children under 18
people medically unable to receive the vaccine
emergency travelers who do not have timely access to a vaccine

Humanitarian exemptions to the CDC order are granted on an extremely limited basis.

U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel but are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test one (1) day before their flight’s departure. U.S. citizens and LPRs who are fully vaccinated will need to present airlines with proof of vaccination and of a negative COVID-19 test three (3) days before their flight.

For additional information, please visit our FAQs for answers to questions about the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

The CDC recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. International travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants. Delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you do travel, follow all CDC recommendations before, during, and after travel.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Policy Update: Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF)

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 22:51:41 GMT

Release Date

09/29/2021

USCIS has expanded its guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual about Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) to clarify steps applicants must take if they cannot submit primary evidence of Liberian nationality to support an LRIF-based application for adjustment of status. The deadline to apply to adjust status under LRIF is Dec. 20, 2021.

At the time of this update, the Department of State’s Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Liberia webpage indicates that primary evidence is available. Examples of primary evidence include, but are not limited to, an unexpired Liberian passport or Liberian certificate of naturalization. However, if an applicant cannot provide primary evidence at the time of filing (for example, if they have applied for but have not yet received primary evidence), they must demonstrate this. The best way to do this is to submit a written and signed statement that explains their attempts to acquire primary evidence and includes accompanying records demonstrating these attempts (for example, proof of an application for a Liberian passport, proof of an application to renew an expired Liberian passport, proof of communication with the Liberian government authorities responsible for issuing primary evidence, or receipts of transactions to obtain primary evidence).

In addition to this statement (and any evidence supporting this statement), applicants must also provide secondary evidence of Liberian nationality. The policy manual guidance includes examples of secondary evidence that may support an applicant’s claim of Liberian nationality. These examples include, but are not limited to, expired Liberian passports, Liberian baptismal records or other religious documents, Liberian school records, and Liberian medical records.

USCIS strongly encourages applicants to submit any and all evidence available to them when applying for LRIF. USCIS will consider any and all evidence provided by the applicant, including the applicant’s testimony during an interview, when determining eligibility for adjustment of status.

Under Section 7611 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020, certain Liberian nationals are eligible for permanent resident status (a Green Card). The spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried sons and daughters 21 or older of eligible Liberian nationals who are principal applicants also may be eligible for Green Cards.

Find the updated guidance at USCIS Policy Manual - Volume 7: Adjustment of Status, Part P, Other Adjustment Programs, Chapter 5, Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness . Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update.

Important Reminder of Upcoming Filing Deadline Dec. 20, 2021.

USCIS strongly encourages any applicant who may be eligible to permanently adjust status under LRIF to submit a properly filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , well before Dec. 20, 2021, the statutory deadline. USCIS must receive a properly filed application on or before Dec. 20, 2021. It should include, at minimum, the applicant’s signature and the correct fee. If USCIS does not receive an application by Dec. 20, then the application is outside of the statutory filing window, even if it is postmarked Dec. 20 or earlier. Applicants should allow plenty of time for mailing.

Upcoming LRIF Engagement

On Nov. 17, USCIS will host another LRIF national stakeholder engagement. You can find information about this engagement on our website at Upcoming National Engagements .

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/29/2021

Most CW-1 Employers Must File Required Semiannual Report (Form I-129CWR)

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 22:10:31 GMT

Release Date

09/29/2021

USCIS reminds employers of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Transitional Workers (CW-1) that, if you have a currently-approved CW-1 petition with a validity period of six months or more, you must file Form I-129CWR, Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers, with USCIS every six months after the petition validity start date. Employers use this report to certify the continued employment and payment of each worker under the terms and conditions of the approved petition. You are not required to file Form I-129CWR if your petition has been withdrawn for all beneficiaries.

If you fail to comply with the semiannual reporting requirement, we may revoke an approved petition or deny subsequent petitions. To avoid revocation or denial of future petitions, you must either:

File Form I-129CWR in accordance with the filing instructions located on the Form I-129CWR page; or
Submit a written request to withdraw your approved CW-1 petition to the California Service Center at the address located under the “Where to File" section of the Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, page.

If you do not submit a written withdrawal of your approved CW-1 petition for all beneficiaries, you will remain subject to the semiannual reporting requirement for the duration of your petition’s validity period, and you must comply with the reporting requirement before a new petition can be approved.

You are still subject to the semiannual reporting requirement even when:

the worker was never admitted to the CNMI,
the worker is no longer working for you,
the worker may have subsequently changed status, or
you are a CW-1 employer of a long-term worker and you previously submitted Form I-129CWR.

We will accept late-filed semiannual reports. You may submit all required reports, including any overdue reports, to USCIS even if the relevant filing window has passed. For example, if you are an employer of a CW-1 worker with start date of Oct. 1, 2019, who has never filed a semiannual report, USCIS may consider you to be in compliance if you file any semiannual reports that are overdue, and then timely file semiannual reports thereafter. If we revoke your CW-1 petition for failure to comply with the semiannual reporting requirement, you must still file any overdue semiannual reports before a new petition can be approved. Complying with this requirement will not have any effect on an already revoked petition, but will allow you to participate in the CW program in the future even if previous petitions were revoked.

USCIS established the semiannual report requirement in an interim final rule (IFR) implementing the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018. The IFR established that the semiannual report is required for all CW-1 petitions approved by USCIS with employment start dates beginning on or after Oct. 1, 2019, for a validity period of six months or more.

Employers can verify if USCIS received the Form I-129CWR by entering the receipt number of the approved Form I-129CW petition in Case Status Online.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

09/29/2021

https://www.uscis.gov/.../most-cw-1-employers-must-file..

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2022

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:56:47 GMT

Release Date

10/12/2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2022. Sept. 30 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2022. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Sept. 30 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2022.

USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for:

Current H-2B workers in the United States who extend their stay, change employers, or change the terms and conditions of their employment;
Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, and/or supervisors of fish roe processing; and
Workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and/or Guam from Nov. 28, 2009, until Dec. 31, 2029.

For more information, visit the Cap Count for H-2B Nonimmigrants pa ge.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-reaches-h-2b-cap-for-first-half-of-fy-2022

COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examinations

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:05:08 GMT

Release Date

09/14/2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record .

We are updating our policy guidance in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Aug. 17, 2021 update to the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons . That update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination. This requirement is effective Oct. 1, 2021, and applies prospectively to all Forms I-693 signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date. We are working on updating Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement.

In general, individuals applying to become a lawful permanent resident, and other applicants as deemed necessary, must undergo an immigration medical examination to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds. USCIS designates eligible physicians as civil surgeons to perform this immigration medical examination for applicants within the United States and to document the results of the immigration medical examination on the Form I-693.

USCIS may grant blanket waivers if the COVID-19 vaccine is:

Not age-appropriate;
Contraindicated due to a medical condition;
Not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; or
Limited in supply and would cause significant delay for the applicant to receive the vaccination.

Individuals may also apply for individual waivers based on religious beliefs or moral convictions by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility .

SITE:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/covid-19-vaccination-required-for-immigration-medical-examinations

DHS Seeks Public Comment on Public Charge Rulemaking

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:16:14 GMT

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking data and information from the public that DHS intends to use to develop a public charge regulatory proposal. The purpose of public comment is to ensure that the proposal is fair, consistent with law, and informed by relevant data and evidence. Public comment also will help DHS ensure that the proposed regulation does not impose undue burdens on noncitizens seeking admission to or adjustment of status in the United States.

“It is critical that immigrants, many of whom are essential and frontline workers, can access necessary government services for which they are eligible to keep their families safe and healthy,” said Ur M. Jaddou, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “DHS is taking an essential step to implement a fair and rational rule that does not cause fear and confusion among immigrant communities. We will continue to uphold this administration’s efforts to remove undue barriers in the immigration system and sources of fear that prevent immigrants from accessing benefits for which they are eligible.”

DHS has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit data and information from the public, including from state, territorial, local and tribal agencies that administer public benefits programs, and from nonprofit organizations. The ANPRM identifies key considerations associated with the public charge ground of inadmissibility. These considerations include how DHS should define the term “public charge,” which public benefits DHS should consider relevant to the public charge inadmissibility determination, and how DHS should assess the mandatory statutory factors when determining whether a noncitizen is likely to become a public charge. The ANPRM asks for feedback from the public on these and other matters. The public comment period is open for 60 days, beginning Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, and closing Oct. 22, 2021.

The ANPRM includes information about upcoming virtual public listening sessions that offer another opportunity for the public to provide DHS with relevant input for the public charge rulemaking.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a noncitizen who is likely to become a public charge is generally inadmissible to the United States and ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident. The ANPRM does not change how USCIS makes public charge inadmissibility determinations. Until DHS completes the rulemaking process and implements new regulations, USCIS will continue to apply the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance . Under this guidance, USCIS does not consider a person’s receipt of Medicaid (except for Medicaid for long-term institutionalization), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and other nutrition assistance as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination. Vaccinations or medical treatment for COVID-19 also are not considered for public charge purposes.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Reference: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/dhs-seeks-public-comment-on-public-charge-rulemaking

USCIS Issues Guidance on Adjustment of Status by Aliens Whose Conditional Permanent Residence Has Been Terminated

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 20:57:36 GMT

USCIS today issued policy guidance (PDF, 382 KB) explaining how USCIS applies Matter of Stockwell and clarifying when USCIS may adjust the status of an alien whose Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status has been terminated. An immigration judge does not need to affirm the termination of CPR status before the alien can file a new adjustment of status application.

An alien with CPR status obtains lawful permanent resident status either based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (if the marriage is less than two years at the time the alien adjusts status or is admitted for lawful permanent resident status) or based on an immigrant investor (EB-5) visa.

An alien with CPR status is generally ineligible to adjust their status on a new basis under the provisions of section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, USCIS may adjust an alien’s status if their CPR status has been terminated and:

The alien has a new basis for adjustment of status;
The alien is otherwise eligible to adjust status; and
USCIS has jurisdiction over the adjustment of status application.

Time spent in the prior CPR status does not count toward the residency requirements for naturalization.

This guidance applies to adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS on or after Nov. 21, 2019.

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-adjustment-status-aliens-whose-conditional-permanent-residence-has-been-terminated

USCIS Propone Ajustes a las Tarifas para Satisfacer las Necesidades Operacionales

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:01:38 GMT

Fecha de Publicación: 08 de noviembre de 2019

WASHINGTON – El Departmento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) publicará una notificación de reglamentación propuesta en el Registro Federal para ajustar el programa de tarifas de la Cuenta de Tarifas para Evaluaciones de Inmigración (IEFA, por sus siglas en inglés) del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglés).

Las tarifas recaudadas y depositadas en el IEFA financian casi el 96% del presupuesto de USCIS. A diferencia de la mayoría de las agencias gubernamentales, USCIS se financia con las tarifas. La ley federal requiere que USCIS realice revisiones de tarifas cada dos años y recomiende los ajustes necesarios para garantizar la recuperación del costo total de administrar las leyes de inmigración de la nación, adjudicar solicitudes y peticiones y proporcionar la infraestructura necesaria para respaldar esas actividades.

“USCIS debe examinar los gastos entrantes y salientes de igual forma que una empresa, y realizar ajustes basados en ese análisis. Este ajuste propuesto en las tarifas garantizaría que más solicitantes cubran el costo real de sus solicitudes y minimizaría los subsidios de un sistema ya demasiado extendido”, dijo Ken Cuccinelli, director en funciones de USCIS. “Además, la adjudicación de las solicitudes y peticiones de inmigración requiere una investigación exhaustiva, por lo que se incurre en costos que deben ser cubiertos por la agencia, y esta propuesta toma en cuenta nuestras necesidades operacionales y alinea mejor nuestra escala de tarifas con los costos administrativos de cada solicitud”.

La regla propone ajustar los programas de tarifas de IEFA de USCIS en un aumento promedio ponderado del 21% para garantizar la recuperación total de los costos. Las tarifas actuales dejarían a la agencia con una insuficiencia de fondos de aproximadamente $1.3 billones por año.

La regla de tarifa propuesta toma en consideración el aumento de los costos para adjudicar las solicitudes de beneficios de inmigración, detectar e impedir el fraude de inmigración e investigar exhaustivamente a los solicitantes, peticionarios y beneficiarios.

USCIS actualizó por última vez su programa de tarifas en el año fiscal 2017, con un aumento promedio ponderado de 21%.

Para más información acerca de USCIS y sus programas, por favor visite uscis.gov/es o síganos en Twitter ( @uscis_es ), Instagram ( /uscis ), YouTube ( /uscis ), Facebook (/ uscis.es ), y LinkedIn ( /uscis ).

Noticias

USCIS Implementa Tarifa de Presentación de $10 para la Inscripción de Visas H-1B

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:00:14 GMT

Fecha de Publicación: 07 de noviembre de 2019

WASHINGTON —El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy una reglamentación final que requerirá una tarifa no reembolsable de $10 por cada inscripción H-1B presentada por los empleadores peticionarios, una vez que se implemente el sistema de inscripción electrónica. La tarifa de inscripción es parte de un esfuerzo de toda la agencia para modernizar y procesar de manera más eficiente las solicitudes para vivir o trabajar en los Estados Unidos.

El programa de visas H-1B permite a las empresas en los Estados Unidos emplear temporalmente a trabajadores extranjeros en ocupaciones que requieren la aplicación de un conjunto de conocimientos altamente especializados y un grado de licenciatura o superior en la especialidad específica, o su equivalente.

Una vez implementado el sistema de inscripción electrónica, los peticionarios que tienen la intención de presentar peticiones H-1B sujetas a la cantidad máxima reglamentaria, incluso aquellos elegibles para la exención por título avanzado, deberán primero inscribirse electrónicamente con USCIS durante un período de inscripción designado, a menos que se suspenda el requisito.

“Este esfuerzo ayudará a implementar un proceso de selección de visas H-1B sujetas a la cantidad máxima reglamentara más eficiente y efectivo”, dijo el director en funciones de USCIS, Ken Cuccinelli. “El sistema de inscripción electrónica es parte de una iniciativa de toda la agencia para modernizar nuestro sistema de inmigración, que al mismo tiempo impide el fraude, mejora los procedimientos de investigación y fortalece la integridad del programa”.

La reglamentación final, Requisito de Tarifa de Inscripción para Peticionarios que Pretenden Presentar Peticiones H-1B a nombre de Extranjeros Sujetos a la Cantidad Máxima Reglamentaria ( Registration Fee Requirement for Petitioners Seeking To File H-1B Petitions on Behalf of Cap-Subject Aliens ), entra en vigor a partir del 9 de diciembre de 2019, y la tarifa será requerida al momento de la inscripción. USCIS es una agencia que se financia con fondos de las tarifas de presentación, y esta tarifa no reembolsable apoyará al nuevo sistema de inscripción electrónica para hacer el proceso de selección de H-1B sujetas a la cantidad máxima reglamentaria más eficiente para los peticionarios y la agencia.

USCIS ha programado que el proceso de inscripción sea implementado para el proceso de selección de H-1B sujetas a la cantidad máxima reglamentaria del año fiscal 2021, sujeto a que completen las pruebas del sistema. La agencia anunciará el plazo de implementación y periodo inicial de inscripción en el Registro Federal una vez que se tome una decisión formal, y USCIS proporcionará al público un periodo amplio de notificación previo a de implementación del requisito de inscripción.

USCIS publicó el 4 de septiembre de 2019 una notificación de reglamentación propuesta, en la que se enfatiza la tarifa de inscripción, que incluyó un período de comentarios del público de 30 días. USCIS recibió solo 22 comentarios durante ese período, y ha considerado todas las opiniones enviadas y ofreció respuestas públicas antes de anunciar la regla final, que entra en vigor el 9 de diciembre.

Para más información de USCIS y sus programas, por favor visite uscis.gov o síganos en Twitter ( @uscis ), Instagram ( /uscis ), YouTube ( /uscis ), Facebook (/ uscis ), y LinkedIn ( /uscis ).

Noticias