USCIS celebrated Independence Day 2023 by conducting over 180 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7, welcoming more than 5,500 new citizens. These ceremonies reflect the agency’s commitment to embracing immigrants and promoting the benefits of U.S. citizenship. In FY 2022, USCIS welcomed 974,000 new citizens, and in FY 2023 so far, 588,900 new citizens have been welcomed. USCIS…
The upcoming update to the U.S. citizenship test has raised concerns among immigrants and advocates, particularly regarding the inclusion of an English-speaking section that may disadvantage test-takers with lower levels of English proficiency. The proposed changes by USCIS entail the addition of a speaking section, in which an officer will present photos depicting ordinary scenarios such as daily activities, weather,…
USCIS has provided confirmation regarding the submission requirements for both Schedule A and National Interest Waiver I-140 petitions on the new Form 9089 Application for Permanent Employment Certification. The petitioner or self-petitioner should include the following sections: • Appendix A (Foreign Worker Information) of the new ETA Form 9089. • Appendix C (Supplemental Information), if additional information cannot be accommodated…
DHS has issued a final rule allowing the DHS Secretary to authorize alternative document examination procedures for Form I-9. Furthermore, a notice was published outlining an alternative procedure for completing Form I-9 that eliminates the need for physical document examination. This alternative procedure is set to commence on August 1, 2023. Alongside this, USCIS has released an updated version of…
DOS posted the visa bulletin for July 2023. USCIS determined that for July 2023, all family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart and all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates chart in the visa bulletin. According to July 2023 visa bulletin, visa numbers will still be current for Second preference (F2A) – spouses and…
USCIS has announced a phased expansion of premium processing for applicants who are filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and are seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The agency has also issued guidance on the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) visa classification, which includes its role in the adjudication of…
