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.
Category: Adjustment of Status
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...
Green Card Preparation for Employees: What to Do Before the Process Begins
For many foreign nationals working in the United States, employment-based permanent residence is an important long-term goal. While the green card process itself involves multiple legal steps, much of the success of a case depends on preparation well before filing begins.
Employees who understand what to expect—and take action...
USCIS Updates Photo Rules to Strengthen Identity Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance that limits the age of photos used for certain immigration documents. Effective immediately, USCIS generally requires photos to have been taken within three (3) years of the date a USCIS form is filed. USCIS also indicates that self-submitted photos will no longer...
NEW DHS RULE: $1,000 PAROLE FEE EXEMPTION FOR ADVANCE PAROLE TRAVELERS WITH PENDING I-485 APPLICATIONS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a $1,000 parole processing fee for certain travelers entering the United States under parole authority. Importantly, this new fee does not apply to those re-entering the U.S. on Advance Parole while their Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is still pending.