If you came to the United States on a student visa, fell out of status at some point, and are now married to a U.S. citizen and pursuing a green card — pay close attention. USCIS officers are now using a new policy memorandum to deny Adjustment of Status applications at the...
Category: Adjustment of Status
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Green Cards: Understanding Your Employment-Based Immigration Options
For many professionals working in the United States, obtaining permanent residence is a major long-term goal. Employment-based green cards provide several pathways to achieve that objective, but not every category is designed for the same type of applicant.
The three employment-based classifications most frequently used by foreign professionals are...
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Processing Pause Memo: What Immigrants, Employers, and Families Need to Know
A recent federal court decision has generated significant interest among immigrants, employers, and immigration practitioners across the United States. In a ruling issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the court vacated several U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies that had been used to pause, delay,...
USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199: What Canadian Professionals, Families, and Employers Should Know About Adjustment of Status
Recent guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has generated significant discussion among foreign nationals, employers, and immigration practitioners across North America. For Canadian citizens living and working in the United States, USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 raises important questions about Adjustment of Status, consular processing, and long-term immigration planning.
New USCIS Adjustment of Status Guidance: What H-1B and L-1 Visa Holders Need to Know
Recent guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has generated significant discussion among employers, foreign national professionals, and immigration practitioners. The memorandum reiterates that Adjustment of Status (AOS) under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a discretionary benefit rather than an automatic entitlement, even when an...
New USCIS Policy May Impact Green Card Applications Filed Inside the United States
USCIS has issued a new policy memorandum that may affect many adjustment of status applicants, including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa green card cases. The policy gives USCIS officers broader discretion when reviewing Form I-485 applications and may require applicants to show positive factors beyond simply meeting the basic eligibility requirements.
What the New USCIS Adjustment of Status Memo Means — and What It Does Not Mean
Recent headlines and social media discussions regarding the new USCIS policy memorandum on Adjustment of Status (AOS) have created significant concern for many individuals and employers pursuing permanent residence in the United States. Some reports have suggested that USCIS is “ending” Adjustment of Status or requiring all applicants to complete immigrant visa...
USCIS Issues Policy Memorandum on Adjustment of Status Discretion
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a new policy memorandum reminding officers and the public that adjustment of status under INA Section 245 is a discretionary immigration benefit.
According to the memorandum, adjustment of status is considered an “extraordinary” form of relief that allows certain eligible applicants...
USCIS Delays and Case Holds: What Applicants and Employers Should Expect Now
Recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have brought important developments for individuals and employers facing delays in immigration case processing.
Over the past year, many applications were placed on hold as part of enhanced screening and review measures. These delays affected a wide range of immigration...
Traveling Outside the U.S. as a Green Card Holder: How Long Is Too Long?
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) often travel abroad for personal, professional, or family reasons. However, extended time outside the United States can raise serious concerns about whether permanent residence has been abandoned.
Understanding how long you can remain outside the U.S.—and what risks may arise—is critical to maintaining...