USCIS has recently announced important updates regarding the filing location and documentation requirements for specific affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. As part of these changes, a new edition of Form I-589 has been introduced, and certain documentation procedures have been modified. Under the revised guidelines, applicants are no longer required to include passport-style photos, multiple copies of the form,…
DOS posted the visa bulletin for June 2023. USCIS determined that for June 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 June 2023 visa bulletin, visa numbers will still be current for Second preference (F2A) – spouses and…
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has embraced innovative technology and improved coordination to decrease the number of visa applications necessitating administrative processing for security reasons. As of October 2022, a significant majority of cases that would have previously undergone additional administrative processing are now promptly resolved. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C
ICE Extends Form I-9 Compliance Timeframe to Provide Employers with Additional Flexibility. ICE has announced that employers will be granted a 30-day window to comply with Form I-9 requirements after the expiration of COVID-19 flexibilities on July 31, 2023. It is strongly recommended that employers ensure all necessary physical inspections of identity and employment eligibility documents are conducted by August…
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has implemented a final rule that increases several application processing fees and the fee for a Border Crossing Card for Mexican citizens aged 15 and above. The rule will come into effect on May 30, 2023, as documented in the Federal Register (88 FR 18243, March 28, 2023). The following fee changes have been…
According to a report by Bloomberg, immigration officials have made significant strides in reducing the processing time for work permits of asylum seekers, following an unsuccessful attempt to hold the government accountable for worsening delays. Last year, the percentage of work permit applications processed by USCIS within the court-mandated 30-day timeframe dropped to less than 5% due to a surge…
