DOS posted the visa bulletin for March 2023. USCIS determined that for March 2023, all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart in the visa bulletin. According to March 2023 visa bulletin, visa numbers will still be current for Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age)…
USCIS announced that it is extending flexibilities previously announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to certain agency requests in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This flexibility applies if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is between March 1, 2020, and March 23, 2023. This includes Requests for Evidence, Notice…
DHS published a proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing amendments to USCIS filing fees on certain immigration and naturalization applications. Previously, USCIS stated that current fees do not cover operational costs to timely adjudicate USCIS immigration and naturalization benefits. For this reason, they needed a new fee schedule to avoid the accumulation of future backlogs. DHS announced that the…
Starting November 12, 2021, USCIS announced an important update that L-2 and E-dependent spouses are no longer required to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the United States. If L-2 and E dependents want to apply for an EAD as proof of work authorization, they are entitled to have automatic extensions of EADs for up to…
USCIS announced new designs to improve the security of Permanent Resident Cards and Employment Authorization Documents. USCIS started issuing redesigned cards on January 30, 2023. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continues to safeguard national security and improve service for the applicants. Current cards will remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such…
The Child Protection Act (CSPA) is an immigration law that addresses the issue of minor children “aging out” of eligibility for immigration benefits. The Act provides relief to certain beneficiaries who would have otherwise lost their eligibility for immigration benefits due to their age. Under previous CSPA guidance, published in May 2018, USCIS only considered a visa available for CSPA…
