USCIS News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements from USCIS.
USCIS Changes Filing Location and Documentation Requirements for Certain Affirmative Asylum Applications Using Form I-589

Wed, 31 May 23 10:51:13 -0400

Effective today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail.

Tools Outage

Tue, 30 May 23 10:41:25 -0400

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

USCIS Updates Review Process for the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Thu, 18 May 23 10:37:48 -0400

The U.S. government is granting advance travel authorization for up to 30,000 noncitizens each month to come to the United States to seek parole on a case-by-case basis under the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.

USCIS Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

Mon, 08 May 23 11:51:32 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13.

USCIS Providing Documents After Notice of Immigration Judge and BIA Decisions About Immigration Status

Thu, 04 May 23 10:34:54 -0400

We now are affirmatively creating and providing documented evidence of their status to certain new asylees and lawful permanent residents upon our receiving notification that an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has granted status.

USCIS Extends and Expands Employment Authorization for Hong Kong Residents Covered by DED

Wed, 03 May 23 08:56:28 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today posted a Federal Register notice on the extension and expansion of eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong residents.

USCIS Clarifies Guidance on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children

Fri, 21 Apr 23 10:09:29 -0400

Effective immediately, we are updating Volumes 5 and 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how U.S. citizenship and naturalization provisions apply to adopted children.

USCIS Releases New Strategic Plan Aimed at Strengthening a Diverse Workforce

Thu, 20 Apr 23 10:09:39 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released its 2023-2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, marking the agency’s first comprehensive strategy to incorporate a culture of DEIA principles as a foundational element of its daily work.

USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Submission for Certain Form I-539 Applicants

Wed, 19 Apr 23 10:02:40 -0400

USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Safe Mailing Address and Case Handling Procedures for Certain Protected Persons

Tue, 11 Apr 23 14:47:22 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide guidance on mailing address procedures for persons eligible for and recipients of victim-based immigration relief, specifically Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners as well as those who are seeking or currently hold T or U nonimmigrant status (protected persons).

Employers May File H-2B Petitions for FY 2023 Late Second Half Returning Workers

Mon, 10 Apr 23 12:40:16 -0400

Starting April 13, 2023, USCIS will begin accepting petitions for workers for the late second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023, requesting employment start dates from May 15, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2023 under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule.

USCIS Updates Guidance on Administrative Naturalization Ceremony Venues

Tue, 04 Apr 23 09:41:49 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the types of venues USCIS may use for administrative naturalization ceremonies.

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2023

Fri, 31 Mar 23 16:33:19 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 16,500 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023 with start dates from April 1, 2023 to May 14, 2023, under the FY 2023 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Self-Selecting a Gender Marker on Forms and Documents

Fri, 31 Mar 23 14:53:23 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that, effective immediately, USCIS will accept the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits

USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693

Fri, 31 Mar 23 09:12:01 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for an underlying immigration benefit, including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

New Filing Address for Courier Delivery Services to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

Thu, 30 Mar 23 13:03:22 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to the Phoenix lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona, and the filing location for courier delivery services for UPS, FedEx, and DHL has also changed to Tempe. The filing location remains the same when using the U.S. Postal Service.

Provision Allowing Special Immigrant Juveniles to File Form I-360 in Person Before Their 21st Birthday

Thu, 30 Mar 23 11:22:04 -0400

Petitioners for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may schedule an appointment within two weeks before their 21st birthday to file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, in person.

USCIS Updates Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays

Wed, 29 Mar 23 09:43:14 -0400

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season Updates

Mon, 27 Mar 23 14:34:00 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).

USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

Thu, 23 Mar 23 09:43:40 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023.

USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service

Wed, 22 Mar 23 10:10:26 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.

Update to Filing Location for U Nonimmigrant-Based Form I-485

Mon, 20 Mar 23 09:32:27 -0400

U nonimmigrants applying to become lawful permanent residents must now file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, only at the Nebraska Service Center and not at the Vermont Service Center.

USCIS Relocates Lockbox From Phoenix To Tempe, Arizona for Courier Delivery Services

Fri, 17 Mar 23 10:44:14 -0400

On March 31, applicants and petitioners filing at the Phoenix lockbox will see a new filing location for courier delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

USCIS Announces Additional Mail Delivery Process for Receiving ADIT Stamp

Thu, 16 Mar 23 14:56:50 -0400

Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp).

USCIS Removes Biometrics Requirement for Form I-526E Petitioners

Wed, 15 Mar 23 15:15:35 -0400

Beginning on March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the biometrics submission requirement and $85 fee requirement for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.

USCIS Extends Rule Providing Interpreters at Affirmative Asylum Interviews

Wed, 15 Mar 23 12:13:19 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today a fourth extension to a temporary final rule (TFR) requiring use of a USCIS interpreter at certain affirmative asylum interviews.

USCIS Issues Guidance on Analyzing Employers’ Ability to Pay Wages

Wed, 15 Mar 23 09:43:07 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance on how we analyze an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications.

USCIS Processing Times for Orphan and Hague Adoption Cases

Mon, 13 Mar 23 09:34:35 -0400

On Nov. 2, 2022 USCIS announced a change in our method for calculating orphan and Hague adoption case processing times.

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending and Redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

Fri, 10 Mar 23 09:39:51 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice extending and redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024.

USCIS Provides Guidance on Program for International Entrepreneurs

Fri, 10 Mar 23 08:23:38 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued comprehensive guidance on parole for international entrepreneurs.

New Entrepreneur Resources Available on USCIS Website

Thu, 09 Mar 23 14:51:32 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published additional online resources on uscis.gov to provide an overview of some of the temporary and permanent pathways for noncitizen entrepreneurs to work in the United States.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Mobile Biometrics Services

Tue, 07 Mar 23 09:38:15 -0500

We are issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address how we provide mobile biometrics services.

USCIS Announces Premium Processing; New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions

Mon, 06 Mar 23 11:49:13 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.

USCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance on Eligibility for the O-1B Visa Classification

Fri, 03 Mar 23 10:36:21 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1B nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability in the arts and nonimmigrants of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2023 and Announces Filing Dates for the Second Half of FY 2023 Supplemental Visas

Thu, 02 Mar 23 09:25:47 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2023 made available under the FY 2023 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.

USCIS to Start Collecting Fee for EB-5 Integrity Fund

Wed, 01 Mar 23 09:31:03 -0500

Today, the Department of Homeland Security posted a Federal Register notice providing information related to the EB-5 Integrity Fund.

USCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance for Individuals Authorized to Work Under Special Student Relief Provisions

Wed, 22 Feb 23 09:37:09 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the validity period of employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship due to emergent circumstances (also known as special student relief (SSR)) who are work authorized under the SSR provisions of 8 CFR.

USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants

Tue, 14 Feb 23 13:32:59 -0500

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for the purpose of calculating a noncitizen’s age in certain situations under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).

Reminder to Submit All Required Initial Evidence and Supporting Documentation, including Form I-693, for Form I-485

Fri, 10 Feb 23 13:30:44 -0500

Save time by filing all required initial evidence and supporting documentation listed under the “Checklist of Required Initial Evidence” heading at the same time you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Update to Filing Location for Form I-360 and Form I-485 for Self-Petitioning Abused Spouses, Children, and Parents

Wed, 08 Feb 23 13:03:14 -0500

Starting February 10, 2023, self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the Nebraska Service Center instead of the Vermont Service Center.

USCIS Clarifies Physical Presence Guidance for Asylees and Refugees Applying for Adjustment of Status

Thu, 02 Feb 23 13:17:11 -0500

Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the United States for one year when we adjudicate their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, rather than at the time they file their adjustment of status application.

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the First Half of FY 2023

Tue, 31 Jan 23 15:07:37 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 18,216 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2023 with start dates on or before March 31, 2023, under the recently announced H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule.

USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document

Mon, 30 Jan 23 11:41:01 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023.

FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

Fri, 27 Jan 23 13:56:43 -0500

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023.

USCIS Releases New Strategic Plan Highlighting Long-Term Goals

Fri, 27 Jan 23 09:56:33 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today released its FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which provides a roadmap for the agency’s workforce to better strengthen its capabilities and help the country reach its highest ideals.

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Wed, 25 Jan 23 10:02:28 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted a Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities

Tue, 24 Jan 23 10:39:28 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through March 23, 2023.

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with a Pending Form I-751 or Form I-829

Mon, 23 Jan 23 13:14:10 -0500

USCIS is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date.

Asylum Applicants Can Now File Form I-765 Online

Mon, 23 Jan 23 10:38:12 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain asylum applicants can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.

DHS Announces Process Enhancements for Supporting Labor Enforcement Investigations

Fri, 13 Jan 23 11:48:17 -0500

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that noncitizen workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, the violation of labor rights, can now access a streamlined and expedite deferred action request process.

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