DOS released the visa bulletin for September 2023. USCIS has specified that all family-sponsored preference categories must refer to the Dates for Filing chart, while all employment-based preference categories must follow the Final Action Dates chart in the visa bulletin. According to the September 2023 visa bulletin, the priority date for the Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried…
In order to meet the H-1B numerical allocations for FY 2024, USCIS has randomly selected additional registrations from the pool of properly submitted registrations. Those selected have been notified and are allowed to file H-1B cap-subject petitions for the specified beneficiaries. Only selected registrations are eligible for filing, within a 90-day period, by paper submission along with the relevant registration…
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced an online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request in-person appointments at local field offices without needing to call the USCIS Contact Center. This form is for appointments related to ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and more. It’s not a self-scheduling tool; rather, it allows users to…
In May 2022, the USCIS introduced a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) due to recognizing significant operational challenges that were causing extensive delays in processing Form I-765 applications. These delays were often exceeding 180 days, leading to gaps in employment authorization and causing eligible applicants to lose their jobs. Under this TFR, found in 8 CFR 274a(d)(5), certain renewal applicants were…
The Department of State (DOS) has introduced a proposed rule that allows individuals such as private lawyers, interpreters, and third parties to accompany applicants during specific appointments at passport agencies, U.S. embassies, and consulates. These appointments include those for U.S. passport applications, requests for documents like Consular Reports of Birth Abroad or Certificates of Loss of Nationality, and various services…
Earlier this year, USCIS introduced premium processing for F-1 students applying for optional practical training (OPT) or STEM OPT extensions. As students started submitting premium processing requests, stakeholders raised concerns about delays in receiving their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). In response, the CIS Ombudsman’s Office issued a reminder providing more details about the timeline for F-1 students who filed Form…
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made revisions to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This includes the addition of eight new fields of study, each accompanied by a corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. It’s important to note that no CIP codes are being removed from the existing list. The eight newly added…
On July 18, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an updated strategy for managing the Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (EB-5). This approach involves organizing petitions filed on or before November 30, 2019, by the corresponding new commercial enterprise. These petitions will be placed in a queue where the project has been reviewed and a…
In December 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pledged to establish guidelines for identifying stateless individuals for immigration purposes and enhancing protections for them in the U.S. USCIS is now providing clarification on statelessness for immigration through a specialized internal process. This process allows adjudicating officers to determine if an applicant is stateless and how it impacts their eligibility…
On July 20, 2023, USCIS made revisions to its Policy Manual concerning the application of the public charge ground of inadmissibility in adjustment of status cases. This update aims to assist applicants in accurately addressing public charge-related inquiries on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This, in turn, equips officers with the necessary details to evaluate…
