Mon, 27 Nov 23 12:41:30 -0500

USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office is moving to a new location.

Mon, 27 Nov 23 10:41:25 -0500

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

Tue, 21 Nov 23 13:15:00 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. myProgress will initially only be available for family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants.

Thu, 16 Nov 23 11:56:02 -0500

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) published a temporary final rule making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024, on top of the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Wed, 15 Nov 23 15:09:04 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a Federal Register notice implementing a new family reunification parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Thu, 09 Nov 23 09:43:43 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin transitioning the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when filed with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from the service centers to the USCIS lockbox on Nov. 13.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 12:23:34 -0500

Effective immediately, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 09:10:42 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year.

Mon, 06 Nov 23 15:39:17 -0500

As of Aug. 21, 2023, the Potomac Service Center (PSC) has begun to move to a new facility in Camp Springs, MD, and can no longer receive paper responses to correspondence such as Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Intents to Deny (ITD), Requests for Evidence (RFE) or supporting documentation for filings currently pending at the PSC.

Fri, 03 Nov 23 16:24:16 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 15:03:05 -0400

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 08:57:28 -0400

Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, all H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications must be filed directly at the Texas Service Center.

Thu, 26 Oct 23 11:41:49 -0400

USCIS announced today that we will consider two-year extensions of the initial parole period on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals who:  

Thu, 26 Oct 23 09:18:59 -0400

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual with new guidance on the EB-5 Regional Center Program and new content on regional center designation and obligations, project applications, and direct and third-party promoters.

Tue, 24 Oct 23 09:29:35 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 15:35:40 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program by streamlining eligibility requirements, improving program efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities for employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 13:16:58 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying that a sole proprietorship may not file a petition on behalf of its owner because the sole proprietorship does not exist as a distinct legal entity separate and apart from the owner.

Wed, 18 Oct 23 15:50:40 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s effective strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 16:27:29 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 14:01:01 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new instructions for asylum applications submitted by individuals whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Thu, 12 Oct 23 12:44:59 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily.

Wed, 11 Oct 23 10:26:34 -0400

We are providing additional guidance on our interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center.

Fri, 06 Oct 23 11:43:53 -0400

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Cameroon that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 16:45:28 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 14:24:44 -0400

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals.

Thu, 28 Sep 23 15:01:38 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded over $22 million in grants to 65 organizations in 29 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.

Wed, 27 Sep 23 14:13:04 -0400

We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal.

Mon, 25 Sep 23 12:46:12 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mon, 27 Nov 23 12:41:30 -0500

USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office is moving to a new location.

Mon, 27 Nov 23 10:41:25 -0500

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

Tue, 21 Nov 23 13:15:00 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. myProgress will initially only be available for family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants.

Thu, 16 Nov 23 11:56:02 -0500

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) published a temporary final rule making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024, on top of the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Wed, 15 Nov 23 15:09:04 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a Federal Register notice implementing a new family reunification parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Thu, 09 Nov 23 09:43:43 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin transitioning the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when filed with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from the service centers to the USCIS lockbox on Nov. 13.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 12:23:34 -0500

Effective immediately, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 09:10:42 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year.

Mon, 06 Nov 23 15:39:17 -0500

As of Aug. 21, 2023, the Potomac Service Center (PSC) has begun to move to a new facility in Camp Springs, MD, and can no longer receive paper responses to correspondence such as Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Intents to Deny (ITD), Requests for Evidence (RFE) or supporting documentation for filings currently pending at the PSC.

Fri, 03 Nov 23 16:24:16 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 15:03:05 -0400

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 08:57:28 -0400

Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, all H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications must be filed directly at the Texas Service Center.

Thu, 26 Oct 23 11:41:49 -0400

USCIS announced today that we will consider two-year extensions of the initial parole period on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals who:  

Thu, 26 Oct 23 09:18:59 -0400

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual with new guidance on the EB-5 Regional Center Program and new content on regional center designation and obligations, project applications, and direct and third-party promoters.

Tue, 24 Oct 23 09:29:35 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 15:35:40 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program by streamlining eligibility requirements, improving program efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities for employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 13:16:58 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying that a sole proprietorship may not file a petition on behalf of its owner because the sole proprietorship does not exist as a distinct legal entity separate and apart from the owner.

Wed, 18 Oct 23 15:50:40 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s effective strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 16:27:29 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 14:01:01 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new instructions for asylum applications submitted by individuals whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Thu, 12 Oct 23 12:44:59 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily.

Wed, 11 Oct 23 10:26:34 -0400

We are providing additional guidance on our interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center.

Fri, 06 Oct 23 11:43:53 -0400

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Cameroon that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 16:45:28 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 14:24:44 -0400

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals.

Thu, 28 Sep 23 15:01:38 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded over $22 million in grants to 65 organizations in 29 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.

Wed, 27 Sep 23 14:13:04 -0400

We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal.

Mon, 25 Sep 23 12:46:12 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mon, 27 Nov 23 12:41:30 -0500

USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office is moving to a new location.

Mon, 27 Nov 23 10:41:25 -0500

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

Tue, 21 Nov 23 13:15:00 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. myProgress will initially only be available for family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants.

Thu, 16 Nov 23 11:56:02 -0500

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) published a temporary final rule making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024, on top of the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Wed, 15 Nov 23 15:09:04 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a Federal Register notice implementing a new family reunification parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Thu, 09 Nov 23 09:43:43 -0500

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin transitioning the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when filed with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from the service centers to the USCIS lockbox on Nov. 13.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 12:23:34 -0500

Effective immediately, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions.

Wed, 08 Nov 23 09:10:42 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year.

Mon, 06 Nov 23 15:39:17 -0500

As of Aug. 21, 2023, the Potomac Service Center (PSC) has begun to move to a new facility in Camp Springs, MD, and can no longer receive paper responses to correspondence such as Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Intents to Deny (ITD), Requests for Evidence (RFE) or supporting documentation for filings currently pending at the PSC.

Fri, 03 Nov 23 16:24:16 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 15:03:05 -0400

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending.

Fri, 27 Oct 23 08:57:28 -0400

Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, all H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications must be filed directly at the Texas Service Center.

Thu, 26 Oct 23 11:41:49 -0400

USCIS announced today that we will consider two-year extensions of the initial parole period on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals who:  

Thu, 26 Oct 23 09:18:59 -0400

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual with new guidance on the EB-5 Regional Center Program and new content on regional center designation and obligations, project applications, and direct and third-party promoters.

Tue, 24 Oct 23 09:29:35 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 15:35:40 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program by streamlining eligibility requirements, improving program efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities for employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

Fri, 20 Oct 23 13:16:58 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying that a sole proprietorship may not file a petition on behalf of its owner because the sole proprietorship does not exist as a distinct legal entity separate and apart from the owner.

Wed, 18 Oct 23 15:50:40 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s effective strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 16:27:29 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024.

Fri, 13 Oct 23 14:01:01 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new instructions for asylum applications submitted by individuals whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Thu, 12 Oct 23 12:44:59 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily.

Wed, 11 Oct 23 10:26:34 -0400

We are providing additional guidance on our interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center.

Fri, 06 Oct 23 11:43:53 -0400

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Cameroon that prevent individuals from safely returning.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 16:45:28 -0400

Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.

Fri, 29 Sep 23 14:24:44 -0400

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals.

Thu, 28 Sep 23 15:01:38 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded over $22 million in grants to 65 organizations in 29 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.

Wed, 27 Sep 23 14:13:04 -0400

We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal.

Mon, 25 Sep 23 12:46:12 -0400

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.