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,...
Category: Adjustment of Status
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...
Why I-130 Petitions Are Taking So Long in 2026: What Families Should Understand
Many families are asking the same question in 2026:
“Why has my I-130 family petition been pending for so long?”
Some cases have been waiting for over a year, while others appear stuck with little visible progress. Although these delays are frustrating, they are usually the result of multiple factors...
Marriage-Based Immigration to the United States: Sponsoring a Foreign Spouse After Marriage
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents often ask how they can sponsor a foreign spouse for a green card after marriage. While marriage is a qualifying relationship, approval is not automatic. U.S. immigration authorities carefully review these cases to confirm eligibility and the authenticity of the relationship.
This article...