U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released its annual inflation-based adjustments for several immigration filing fees that fall under H.R. 1. These updated fees reflect inflation changes from July 2024 to July 2025 and will apply to qualifying applications postmarked on or after January 1, 2026.
While most...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an important policy update regarding interview requirements for refugees, asylees, and their derivative family members who are filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective immediately, USCIS has reestablished a uniform baseline of screening and vetting...
The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA) introduces a wide range of immigration fee increases affecting individuals, employers, and legal practitioners. Signed into law in July 2025, these changes mark the most significant cost adjustments in years and are now in effect. At NPZ Law Group, we want to ensure...
Many people reach out to immigration attorneys with heartfelt stories about individuals they know who are wonderful, hardworking, and kind-hearted, hoping to sponsor them for U.S. immigration. While character and goodwill are commendable, U.S. immigration law does not have a visa category based solely on these qualities. Immigration to the United States...
On January 7, 2025, USCIS issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, streamlining customer service options for applicants filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal) and Form I-881 (Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal under NACARA). This update also extends to individuals undergoing credible...
On October 11, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance about expedited requests, particularly for those needing to travel due to urgent professional, academic, or personal commitments. This policy now addresses both planned and unplanned travel, providing individuals with clear guidelines on how to seek expedited adjudication of their...
In the complex world of U.S. immigration, ensuring compliance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee requirements is paramount for employment-based petitioners. USCIS has recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section regarding the USCIS Fee Rule. This blog post aims to clarify the new and existing FAQs to help...
Effective May 9th, 2024, USCIS will reject asylum applications sent to service centers instead of the correct lockbox. This change is designed to streamline processing. Special filing instructions apply to certain cases. Use the "Where to File" section of the Form I-589 webpage or the USCIS Filing Instructions Tool for accurate information.
Effective Oct. 16, 2023, if EOIR dismissed or terminated your removal proceedings and you choose to pursue a claim for asylum, you must submit a current version of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, to the USCIS lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you...
Effective May 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) will implement an interim final rule titled “Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers” (sometimes referred to as the “Asylum Officer Rule”). This rule revises the...
