On March 27, 2023, USCIS formally announced that they had received enough registrations to reach the FY 2024 H-1B cap and that the selection process had been completed. However, USCIS has not yet publicly released the total number of registrations, or the number of registrations selected for processing. Registrations can have different status classifications, including “Submitted,” “Selected,” “Denied,” or “Invalidated…
Noncitizens in the US applying for certain immigration benefits must use Form I-693 to show they are free from any health-related conditions that would make them inadmissible. Normally, completed Form I-693 is valid for 2 years after the civil surgeon signs it, if the signature is no more than 60 days before the applicant files for the underlying immigration benefit.…
USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of biometrics submission requirements for certain applicants filing Form I-539 for an extension of stay or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. Adjudications for these categories will proceed based on biographic information and related background checks without fingerprints and a photograph. The suspension has been extended through September 30, 2023.…
USCIS has clarified that paper-based benefit requests, such as those filed within a certain time period or by a certain age, will be considered timely if received by the end of the next business day if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. The same policy also applies to mailed responses to a Request for Evidence…
DOS has released a preview of a final rule that will increase the fee for Border Crossing Cards for Mexican citizens aged 15 and above and for waiver of the two-year residency requirement for exchange visitors. Additionally, an interim final rule has been provided that permits J-1 sponsors to digitally sign Form DS-2019 and submit it electronically. Remzi Guvenc Kulen,…
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a document that allows individuals in various immigration categories to work legally in the United States and can be used to prove eligibility to employers. USCIS temporarily extends the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for up to 540 days while the EAD renewal application is pending, due to long processing times.…
USCIS opens new service center for humanitarian cases, which will start with virtual adjudication and eventually become fully virtual. The Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, a new service center, will prioritize processing cases related to humanitarian and vulnerable noncitizens. The HART Service Center will initially focus on the following case types: • Form I-601A, Application…
USCIS has announced a new process for obtaining ADIT stamps, which serve as temporary proof of permanent residency during the pendency of certain applications. Instead of obtaining the stamp in person, applicants can now request temporary evidence of permanent residency via phone through the USCIS Contact Center. To make a request, applicants must verify their identity and address with a…
In April 2022, CBP launched “Simplified Arrival” across 238 airports and 34 seaports to simplify and digitize the legal entry process. As part of this program, CBP introduced a pilot program called “Stampless Entry” in August 2022 to eliminate ink stamps in passports upon entry. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C.
USCIS provides specific guidelines for applicants when submitting Form I-129 petitions, including H-1B petitions. As USCIS is moving towards electronic processing of immigration benefit requests and using multiple systems to process applications, each filing fee must be paid separately for any form submitted. If applicants submit a single payment for multiple forms, USCIS may reject the entire package. Remzi Guvenc…
