Family immigration

USCIS clarified its policy on how age is calculated under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) for family-based petitions. A visa is now considered available for CSPA age calculation purposes based on the Department of State Visa…

USCIS released new policy guidance to improve how it reviews family-based immigration petitions, with enhanced screening and vetting procedures. The guidance is being added to the official USCIS Policy Manual for staff reference. This…

USCIS updated its policy guidance on the validity of marriages for principal asylees and refugees seeking to include a spouse as a derivative beneficiary. All marriages must now be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where the…

An Albanian national and his American citizen wife were charged with marriage fraud and making false statements to USCIS. Marriage-based green card and spousal petitions require truthful information, and falsification can result in both…

An Indian citizen unlawfully residing in West Virginia pleaded guilty to marriage fraud involving false spousal sponsorship. USCIS provided investigative support that led to the guilty plea. This case demonstrates enforcement of…

USCIS assisted ICE, the State Department, and federal prosecutors in dismantling a nationwide marriage fraud operation, resulting in arrests. The agency's data and investigation support helped identify fraudulent family-based petitions.…

USCIS clarified how to calculate age under the Child Status Protection Act for noncitizens in extraordinary circumstances. This guidance update helps families understand when a child may qualify for a lower visa priority date and retain…

USCIS opened a new international field office in Quito, Ecuador on September 10, 2024, to increase refugee processing capacity and facilitate family reunification. The office will support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and help…

On June 18, DHS announced a process to keep families together by allowing certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least 10 years to request parole in place on a case-by-case basis. This new pathway…

USCIS clarified its procedures for adoptions under the Hague Adoption Convention, effective June 14, 2024. The updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual helps prospective adoptive parents understand the process for international…

USCIS updated its policy guidance on family-based immigrant visa petitions effective May 22, 2024, clarifying procedures for Form I-130 and related petitions. The updates address how to correct errors on approval notices, request consular…

USCIS centralized intake processing of Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions and related filings at the Nebraska Service Center effective April 1, 2024. This consolidation applies to abused spouses, children, and parents seeking special immigrant…

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual with new guidance on family-based conditional permanent residence, focusing on Form I-751 petitions used to remove conditions on residence. The update consolidates eligibility, filing, and adjudication…

USCIS has updated its policy manual to clarify how it applies exceptions to the 'sought to acquire' requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), following a February 2023 policy change. This guidance affects family-based…

USCIS updated its policy manual to clarify how citizenship and naturalization rules apply to adopted children, effective immediately. The guidance removes ambiguity about eligibility and requirements for foreign-born adoptees seeking U.S.…