The USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to clarify procedures for expedite requests related to government interests, emergencies, and urgent travel needs. It specifies how expedite requests are considered for public safety, national interest, or security, particularly emphasizing deference to federal agency assessments. For travel, it outlines considerations for expediting Form I-131...
Category: I-131
Navigating the Upcoming USCIS Fee Changes: Strategies for Employers
In the face of rising operational costs and the relentless march of inflation, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update to its fee structure for various immigration-related filings. Effective April 1, 2024, these changes mark the first fee adjustment since 2016, underscoring a critical development for employers...
New USCIS Process for Remote Payment of Application Fees
Starting February 1, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revolutionizing its fee payment method for field office filings. Applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives can now pay fees by mail or remotely, eliminating the need for in-person appointments at field offices. This applies to most forms, with the exception of...
Updating Social Security Number Issuance Policy for Lawful Permanent Residence (Green Card) Applicants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to consolidate and update guidance on the ability to change to a "same or similar" job opportunity, also known as job mobility or job portability, for certain beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions after they have applied for adjust status...
USCIS UPDATES DISCRETIONARY CRITERIA FOR CASE-BY-CASE INTERVIEW DETERMINATIONS OF ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS APPLICATIONS BASED ON REFUGEE OR ASYLEE STATUS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating existing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the exercise of the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security’s discretion in adjudications of adjustment of status applications.
This update clarifies existing content by providing a non-exhaustive list of positive and negative factors that may be relevant...