USCIS recently updated its policy guidance on how evidence is evaluated for individuals applying under the “extraordinary ability” classification (typically EB-1A). Here are the key points: 1. Team Awards: Clarification: USCIS now explicitly considers team awards as qualifying under the criterion for “lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.” Implication: If an applicant was part of a…
Errors in I-94 admission records by CBP officers continue to be an issue, necessitating assistance from immigration practitioners. With the 2022 shift to Simplified Arrival and stampless entry, correcting errors has become more complicated, as there is no physical record in passports. Foreign nationals now must access their admission records online, which can be difficult due to factors like multiple…
Form I-131F is available online through myUSCIS. This form is used used to request parole in place for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole. USCIS has announced that its live chat feature is operational for users encountering technical issues with Form I-131F. To access live chat, users should…
A technical issue previously resulted in missing USCIS Form I-612 receipt notices for cases where the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division (WRD) recommended waivers. This problem affected I-612 receipt notices related to J-1 waivers for physicians serving in underserved areas. Normally, when WRD recommends a waiver, it is sent to USCIS, which should then issue an I-797 receipt notice…
USCIS determined that for August 2024, applicants in 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. According to the August 2024 visa bulletin, the priority date for the Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent…
USCIS has issued a reminder that it will start accepting New Parole applications from August 19 onwards, rejecting those submitted before this date. They have also outlined a list of documents that can be gathered in advance. This announcement reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keeping families united. DHS is establishing a process to consider requests for parole in place…
