USCIS has updated its policy on on-site inspections for special immigrant and nonimmigrant religious worker petitions. The Immigration and Nationality Act allows qualified noncitizens to work for a nonprofit religious organization or affiliated organization as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation. USCIS has the authority to verify evidence submitted with religious worker petitions and has previously used pre-approval compliance review on-site inspections to ensure compliance. However, after conducting a review, USCIS has determined that random on-site inspections will add value and program efficiencies to the overall process and help ensure program integrity. USCIS randomly selects religious worker petitions for compliance review on-site inspections, normally occurring after approval of the petition. Additionally, USCIS may conduct “for cause” inspections at any time in cases where there is suspected non-compliance or fraud. USCIS has updated its Policy Manual in Volume 2 and Volume 6 to reflect this change.
USCIS Policy Alert: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20230302-ReligiousWorkers.pdf
If you have any questions regarding how the United States immigration and nationality laws may affect you or your family members, or if you would like to access more information about the United States or Canadian immigration and nationality laws, please don’t hesitate to contact NPZ Law Group’s immigration and nationality lawyers. You can reach us via email at info@visaserve.com or call us at 201-670-0006 extension 204. Furthermore, you can also visit our website at www.visaserve.com for additional information.