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 opened a temporary additional asylum office location in Oakland, California, effective May 15, 2024, to serve applicants under the San Francisco Asylum Office's jurisdiction. Asylum applicants may now receive interview notices for…
USCIS issued policy guidance clarifying where H-3 nonimmigrants may receive training, specifically addressing whether training can occur on the property of academic or vocational institutions. This clarification helps employers and…
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 is honoring its employees during Public Service Recognition Week 2024, celebrated annually in early May since 1985. This is a routine recognition event for federal, state, county, and local government workers. No policy changes or…
USCIS updated its FAQ guidance to help employment-based immigration petitioners understand and submit the correct filing fees. The clarification follows the USCIS Fee Rule and applies to various employment-based visa categories.…
DHS and USCIS announced a final rule strengthening the T nonimmigrant visa program for trafficking victims. The rule enhances integrity protections and ensures eligible victims of human trafficking can access benefits more quickly. This…
USCIS has reached the cap for the supplemental 19,000 H-2B visas available to returning workers for the early second half of FY 2024 (with start dates April 1 to May 14, 2024). No more H-2B applications in this category will be accepted…
USCIS published procedures allowing Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through August 13, 2025. Eligible Palestinians can now request work permits under…
Ethiopia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended and redesignated for 18 months, through December 12, 2025. The extension is due to ongoing armed conflict and conditions that make it unsafe for nationals to return. Eligible…
USCIS has updated its policy guidance to use the U.S. Department of Labor's definition of 'science or art' when evaluating Schedule A, Group II visa cases. This clarification applies to certain skilled workers whose occupations qualify for…
USCIS has announced procedures for auditing EB-5 Regional Centers as required by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. Each designated regional center must be audited at least once every five years to ensure compliance with program…
USCIS has changed the validity period for Form I-693 (medical exam records). Medical exams completed on or after November 1, 2023, no longer expire and can be used indefinitely to show the applicant is not inadmissible on health grounds.…
USCIS has increased the automatic extension period for employment authorization documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days through a temporary final rule. This change allows eligible work permit holders to maintain authorization longer…
The Department of Justice published a final rule expanding the Board of Immigration Appeals from 23 to 28 members, following an interim final rule issued in April 2020. This expansion aims to improve case processing and reduce backlogs in…
USCIS has completed the FY 2025 H-1B cap initial registration process and received enough registrations to meet both the general H-1B cap and the advanced degree master's cap allocation. Employers and workers should now monitor USCIS…
USCIS updated its Policy Manual on April 1, 2024, to reflect a new fee rule that took effect earlier that year. The revisions align USCIS guidance with the Federal Register final rule published on January 31, 2024. This ensures consistency…
USCIS is changing the filing location for employment-based green card applications effective April 1, 2024. Forms I-140 (immigrant petition), I-485 (adjustment of status), and related work authorization and travel document forms will now…
Starting April 1, 2024, new U.S. citizens can now request a Social Security number or card update directly when filing their naturalization application (Form N-400). Previously, citizens had to visit a Social Security Administration office…
USCIS closed the FY 2025 H-1B cap initial registration period on March 25, 2024, at noon Eastern Time. The agency also announced filing location changes for H-1B Form I-129 as part of season updates and reminders. Employers and workers…
USCIS has reopened its international field office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, expanding its capacity to process immigration cases in Central America. This office will handle visa applications, credential verification, and other immigration…
Burma (Myanmar) has been granted an 18-month extension and redesignation for Temporary Protected Status, keeping coverage in effect through November 25, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security cited extraordinary and temporary conditions…
USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap, giving employers and workers more time to submit cap registrations before the deadline. The extension provides additional opportunity to participate in the H-1B…
USCIS has updated its policy manual to clarify how the agency evaluates requests for expedited processing, including those based on government interest, emergency, urgent humanitarian need, or travel obligations. The new guidance provides…
USCIS has issued agency-wide anti-discrimination guidance affirming its commitment to fair treatment and public service principles in all public-facing interactions. The policy clarifies standards for preventing discrimination based on…
USCIS has received enough H-2B petitions to reach the cap for the second half of fiscal year 2024. The agency is now announcing filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas available for the remainder of FY 2024 under a temporary final rule.…
New editions of USCIS forms take effect on April 1, 2024, with no grace period for the old versions. Filers must use the 04/01/24 editions of forms starting that date. This coincides with a new fee rule also effective April 1, 2024.
USCIS launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts on February 28, 2024, allowing multiple team members and legal representatives to collaborate on H-1B registrations, petitions, and premium processing requests. Employers and immigration…
Beginning February 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members physically present in the United States can apply for re-parole to continue temporarily remaining in the country. This program allows Ukrainians…
Beginning February 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members physically present in the United States can apply for re-parole to continue temporarily remaining in the country. This program allows Ukrainians…