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…
USCIS is moving the processing of Form I-730 for following-to-join refugees from the Los Angeles Asylum Office to the newly established Form I-730 Processing Unit at the Asylum Vetting Center in Atlanta. The adjudicative processes for Form I-730s filed by refugee petitioners will remain the same, and only the processing location will change. USCIS will issue notices to petitioners with…
AILA Asylum Committee member Randall Chamberlain argues against in his article the expansion of the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) that was recently announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. He states that the expansion closes a loophole within the agreement, which previously did not apply to people caught crossing irregularly…
