USCIS News

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

Thu, 21 Sep 23 17:07:44 -0400

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Tools Outage

Tue, 19 Sep 23 10:41:25 -0400

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Mon, 18 Sep 23 12:06:28 -0400

On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule.

DHS Issues Proposed Rule to Modernize H-2 Temporary Visa Programs and Strengthen Worker Protections

Mon, 18 Sep 23 10:18:01 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took steps to strengthen protections for temporary workers through the H-2A temporary agricultural and the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker programs (H-2 programs).

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by Welcoming More Than 6,900 New Citizens

Fri, 15 Sep 23 11:39:19 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming more than 6,900 new citizens in over 130 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 17 and Sept. 22.

USCIS Clarifies Guidance for EB-1 Eligibility Criteria

Tue, 12 Sep 23 09:35:40 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) and outstanding professor or researcher (E12) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.

Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters Starting Sept. 13

Mon, 11 Sep 23 14:40:14 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds affirmative asylum applicants that, starting Sept. 13, 2023, you must bring an interpreter to your asylum interview if you are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with your interview in a language other than English.

DHS Extends TPS Re-registration Periods for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan to 18 Months

Fri, 08 Sep 23 14:39:07 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending from 60 days to 18 months the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. 

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan

Tue, 05 Sep 23 10:21:19 -0400

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in South Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.

USCIS Updates Voter Registration Guidance for Naturalization Ceremonies

Fri, 25 Aug 23 09:33:06 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in our Policy Manual to provide clarification on voter registration access at our administrative naturalization ceremonies.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act

Thu, 24 Aug 23 09:43:15 -0400

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we will apply the extraordinary circumstances exception to the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in light of a Feb. 14, 2023, policy change.

USCIS Launches Online Appointment Request Form

Mon, 21 Aug 23 11:09:51 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

Fri, 18 Aug 23 12:54:29 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine

Fri, 18 Aug 23 09:20:29 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning.

USCIS Reopens Field Office in Havana, Cuba

Thu, 17 Aug 23 13:53:49 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international field office in Havana, Cuba.

DHS Reopens USCIS Field Office in Havana, Cuba

Thu, 17 Aug 23 13:41:46 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced the reopening of an international field office in Havana, Cuba.

DHS Modernizes Cuban and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Processes

Thu, 10 Aug 23 10:41:11 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today published Federal Register notices that will update and modernize the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole (FRP) processes, reflecting extensive feedback from stakeholders on these important programs.

USCIS Updates Receipts Process for Form I-129S

Thu, 03 Aug 23 11:25:44 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced changes to the way we issue receipts for L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals) under a previously approved blanket L petition.

DHS Issues Guidance for Stateless Noncitizens in the United States

Tue, 01 Aug 23 12:22:43 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), today issued new guidance to assist stateless noncitizens in the United States who wish to obtain immigration benefits or have submitted other requests to USCIS.

Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2024 H-1B Cap

Mon, 31 Jul 23 17:22:29 -0400

USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations.

Invitations to be Issued for Family Reunification Parole Process

Fri, 28 Jul 23 14:22:37 -0400

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.

USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registrations

Thu, 27 Jul 23 12:33:53 -0400

In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.

USCIS To Publish Revised Form I-9

Fri, 21 Jul 23 11:16:49 -0400

On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

USCIS Updates Policy Manual to Make It Easier to Identify Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

Thu, 20 Jul 23 09:33:54 -0400

We have incorporated important information regarding the categories of adjustment of status applicants to whom the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies from the appendices in Volume 8, Part G, of the USCIS Policy Manual, to Chapter 3, Applicability, to make it easier to identify whether the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies to a specific adjustment of status category.

USCIS Updates Visa Availability Approach for Managing Form I-526 Petition Inventory

Tue, 18 Jul 23 14:25:13 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it would update its visa availability approach for managing the inventory of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, to promote greater efficiency.

USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131

Wed, 12 Jul 23 09:43:48 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

Fri, 07 Jul 23 11:53:54 -0400

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

USCIS Launches Online Rescheduling of Biometrics Appointments

Thu, 06 Jul 23 13:45:38 -0400

On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.

USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2023 and Continues its Commitment to Naturalization

Fri, 30 Jun 23 12:09:38 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 5,500 new citizens in more than 180 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7.

Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua Reinstated and Extended for 18 Months

Tue, 20 Jun 23 10:37:25 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted Federal Register notices extending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for 18 months.

USCIS Provides Guidance on Employment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances

Wed, 14 Jun 23 11:09:21 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances based on existing regulatory requirements at 8 CFR 204.5(p).

DHS Rescinds Prior Administration’s Termination of Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

Tue, 13 Jun 23 17:21:31 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of the prior Administration’s terminations of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and the extension of TPS for these for countries for 18 months.

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

Mon, 12 Jun 23 13:48:14 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.

USCIS Announces Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period

Fri, 09 Jun 23 15:09:28 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.

Certain Individuals Requesting Parole Can Now File Form I-131 Online

Fri, 09 Jun 23 11:12:43 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that certain individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, online.  

Applications for Re-Parole and Work Authorization Renewal Are Fee-Exempt for Certain Afghan Nationals

Fri, 09 Jun 23 09:03:54 -0400

Effective June 9, 2023, through July 31, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will consider, on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, a two-year extension of the original parole period for Afghan parolees who have already applied for asylum or for adjustment to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant).

Certain Afghan Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole

Thu, 08 Jun 23 14:10:15 -0400

Effective June 8, 2023, certain additional Afghan parolees are employment authorized incident to parole.

Lockbox Filing Location Updates Webpage Expanded to Include Service Center Filing Location Updates

Tue, 06 Jun 23 12:36:07 -0400

USCIS has updated the Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website to now include service center filing location updates as well: Lockbox and Service Center Filing Location Updates.

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.

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.

Successful Cases

Years in Business

CONTACT DETAILS
Phone: (847) 441-4188
Email: [email protected]
Address
3400 Dundee Road, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062
Offices in Northbrook, Johannesburg and Hyderabad.