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…
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…
