Immigration News

by USCIS on April 18, 2024 at 5:10 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2024, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2024 TFR).

by USCIS on April 15, 2024 at 2:41 pm

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

by USCIS on April 12, 2024 at 3:41 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through Aug. 13, 2025.

by USCIS on April 12, 2024 at 1:44 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ethiopia that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 12, 2024 at 12:47 pm

At a time when the U.S. economy is thriving, a standing-room-only crowd packed the halls of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit on March 26-28 in Philadelphia. The three-day conference, which attracted 1…

by USCIS on April 10, 2024 at 1:09 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to add the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definition of “science or art” for Schedule A, Group II cases.

by USCIS on April 9, 2024 at 6:48 pm

Under the new provisions of section 203(b)(5)(E)(vii) added by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) to the Immigration and Nationality Act, we must audit each designated regional center at least once every five years.

by USCIS on April 4, 2024 at 5:34 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds.

by USCIS on April 4, 2024 at 2:26 pm

Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days.

by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 6:28 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).

by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 4:27 pm

We have revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity.” We are also updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to account for this form revision and other forthcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option; see the Policy Alert.

by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 2:10 pm

We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 31, 2024, and effective on April 1, 2024.

by USCIS on March 29, 2024 at 12:47 pm

On, April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is changing the filing location for concurrently filed Forms I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service; I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; and I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and for related Forms I-131, Application for Travel Document; I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, filed with the application […]

by USCIS on March 28, 2024 at 3:50 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, starting April 1, applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will have the option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) without having to visit an SSA office.

by USCIS on March 26, 2024 at 2:42 pm

The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season closed at noon Eastern on March 25, 2024.

by USCIS on March 22, 2024 at 4:34 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the reopening of an international field office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 22, 2024 at 4:03 pm

CINCINNATI– Collectors and fans clamor for championship rings of their favorite collegiate and pro sports team, with some paying top dollar for the real thing. Unfortunately, third party retailers are selling counterfeit versions of these rings for…

by USCIS on March 22, 2024 at 2:15 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from May 26, 2024, to November 25, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by USCIS on March 21, 2024 at 10:28 pm

USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap.

by USCIS on March 21, 2024 at 5:45 pm

USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we consider expedite requests related to government interests and requests related to emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including travel-related requests.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 21, 2024 at 2:22 pm

WASHINGTON — Registration to virtually attend the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit remains open until 4 p.m., today.  The Summit will take place virtually and on-site in…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 20, 2024 at 2:27 pm

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Attorney Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced Tuesday a guilty plea from Kenneth Fleming and Akua Mosaics, Inc. (“Akua Mosaics”) to a conspiracy to smuggle goods to avoid paying anti­dumping duties of…

by USCIS on March 15, 2024 at 3:34 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced agency-wide anti-discrimination guidance that addresses public-facing interactions and affirms our public service principles.

by USCIS on March 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm

USCIS has begun implementing a streamlined process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to provide Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) more efficiently to eligible refugees after they are admitted into the United States.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 12, 2024 at 3:11 pm

COMMODITY: Peanuts provided for in Chapter 12, Additional U.S. Note 2. QUOTA PERIOD: April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. OPENING DAY: Monday, April 1, 2024. RESTRAINT LEVELS Countries Quantity Limit Argentina…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 8:30 pm

WASHINGTON. — The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) unanimously approved six recommendations on export modernization, CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, and broker modernization during its first public meeting of the…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 8:18 pm

WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched two dynamic statistics dashboards focusing on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programs, marking the latest in a series of actions to improve the transparency and effectiveness of…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 2:51 pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Louisville seized a de minimis shipment containing 35 counterfeit designer watches. The items were deemed to be inauthentic by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise…

by USCIS on March 8, 2024 at 8:46 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 7, 2024 at 6:05 pm

EAC's Message As we advance into 2024, CBP’s collaborative engagements continue to demonstrate our dedication to trade integrity and to the meticulous enforcement of trade laws. This month, CBP teams traveled domestically and…

by USCIS on March 1, 2024 at 6:04 pm

With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions

by USCIS on February 28, 2024 at 6:22 pm

On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organization, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. A new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024. 

by USCIS on February 27, 2024 at 6:52 pm

Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are physically present in the United States can now be considered for re-parole so they can continue to temporarily remain in the United States.

by USCIS on February 26, 2024 at 4:00 pm

As previously announced, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.

by USCIS on February 9, 2024 at 6:24 pm

Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data that illustrate the agency’s progress in meeting its strategic priorities. The USCIS workforce has worked tirelessly over the past year to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility by reducing backlogs, improving customer experience, addressing humanitarian needs, and strengthening employment-based immigration.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on February 9, 2024 at 6:04 pm

EAC's Message We’ve kicked off the year with active engagement across key areas: strengthening trade compliance, enhancing industry collaboration, and fostering innovation. This issue offers a snapshot of those initiatives…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on February 8, 2024 at 6:28 pm

Commodities: Agricultural products described in Chapter 98, Subchapter XXIII, U.S. Note 1 thru U.S. Note 10 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Quota Period: January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024 Opening Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on February 8, 2024 at 12:49 pm

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the San Juan Field Office intercepted and seized three shipments containing counterfeit luxury brand merchandise, including jewelry and sunglasses, with a combined Manufacturer’s…

by USCIS on January 30, 2024 at 10:26 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of and reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process, including by reducing the potential for gaming the registration system and ensuring each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.

by USCIS on January 30, 2024 at 9:48 pm

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 30, 2024 at 3:37 pm

Commodity: Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (CSPV) Cells and Modules as specified in Presidential Proclamation 10339 of February 4, 2022. Quota Period for CSPV Cells: February 7, 2024, through February 6, 2025. Restraint Level: For CSPV cells,…

by USCIS on January 26, 2024 at 9:21 pm

We are starting a new process for most applicants, petitioners, and requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives to pay for certain benefit request forms by mail or remotely instead of in person at a field office.

by USCIS on January 26, 2024 at 2:32 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Syria that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 25, 2024 at 5:01 pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky— Monday night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Louisville seized two shipments containing at total of 3,301 pieces of counterfeit designer rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The items…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 25, 2024 at 2:14 pm

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers and Import Specialists seized 116 pieces of counterfeit luxury jewelry contained in a single consignment originating from China for infringing intellectual property rights. If the…

by USCIS on January 24, 2024 at 2:36 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced an update to its Policy Manual providing that USCIS, in our discretion and under certain conditions, may excuse a nonimmigrant’s failure to timely file an extension of stay or change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 23, 2024 at 12:54 pm

Commodity  Specialty Sugar  The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 3 opened on Friday, January 19, 2024  and over-subscribed at opening moment.  The pro rata percentage of 33.10338% or .3310338   was…

by USCIS on January 12, 2024 at 6:38 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year 2024 with start dates on or before March 31, 2024, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2024 TFR).

by USCIS on January 12, 2024 at 3:33 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the upcoming launch of a package of customer experience improvements for H-1B cap season. The measures are expected to increase efficiency and ease collaboration for organizations and their legal representatives.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 9, 2024 at 4:18 pm

Commodities: Agricultural products described in Chapter 98, Subchapter XXII, U.S. Notes 8 through 19 Quota Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Opening Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Restraint Level: Goods qualifying under…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 8, 2024 at 2:20 pm

EAC's Message Happy New Year! As I reflect on 2023, several noteworthy achievements come to mind. In March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hosted the Forced Labor Technical Expo, a unique forum for the international…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 5, 2024 at 3:02 pm

Imposition of Import Restrictions on Archaeological and Ethnological Material of Pakistan; 89 FR 25130 (April 10, 2024) Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension; Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa (DHS Form I–193); 89 FR…

by USCIS on January 5, 2024 at 2:29 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance on how we analyze an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications, including instances when the sponsored worker is changing employers.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 4, 2024 at 6:55 pm

Commodity:  Specialty Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5  Quota Period:  October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024  Opening Date:        Friday, January 19, 2024 at…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 3, 2024 at 4:08 pm

Commodity: Agricultural Products described in Chapter 99 Subchapter VIII, U.S. Notes 3 through 7 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Quota Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Opening Period: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Restraint…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 2, 2024 at 3:27 pm

Commodity: Aluminum Articles as specified in Presidential Proclamations Quota Periods: Period 1:  January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 Period 2:  July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Openings: Period 1:  January 2, 2024 12:01…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 2, 2024 at 2:50 pm

Commodity: Steel Mill Articles as specified in Presidential Proclamations Quota Period Quarter 1:  January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024 Opening: January 2, 2024 12:01 AM Local Port time. Entries submitted prior to opening day local port…

by USCIS on December 27, 2023 at 2:29 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm

2024 Interim Notice   Start of period: January 2, 2024 12:01 AM Local Port time. CBP is preparing for the deployment of the 2024 EU Aluminum TRQ program.  The 2024 EU aluminum quotas will be put in a “Hold” status, allowing entries for…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 26, 2023 at 6:33 pm

2024 Interim Notice   Start of period: January 2, 2024 12:01 AM Local Port time. CBP is preparing for the deployment of the 2024 EU Steel TRQ programs  The 2024 EU steel quotas will be put in a “Hold” status, allowing entries for quota…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 23, 2023 at 1:14 am

WASHINGTON – In support of the Executive Order and the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control determination, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now require importers to provide self-certification that fish, seafood…

by USCIS on December 20, 2023 at 2:36 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications, including the agency’s role in adjudicating applications for employment authorization, change of status, extension of stay, and reinstatement of status for these students and their dependents in the United States.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 19, 2023 at 2:17 pm

Commodity Goods of Colombia under the terms of General Note 34 to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).  Quota Period:  January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Opening Date:  Tuesday, January 2, 2024  Restraint Levels:…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 18, 2023 at 7:22 pm

CINCINNATI—From December 1-7, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati were vigilant intercepting 11 shipments containing counterfeit jewelry ahead of the holidays. If the 11 shipments of jewelry--which came from India, Hong…

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 18, 2023 at 4:09 pm

Commodity:  Apparel as provided for in Chapter 98, Subchapter XX of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)  Quota Period:  December 20, 2023, through December 19, 2024  Opening Date:  Wednesday, December 20, 2023 …

by USCIS on December 13, 2023 at 7:56 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin transitioning the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when filed for a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from the service centers to appropriate USCIS lockboxes on Dec. 15.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 13, 2023 at 6:55 pm

Commodity:  Infant formula as provided for in Chapter 19, additional U.S. Note 2. Quota Period:  January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Opening Day:  Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Restraint Level:  Aggregate 100,000 kg…

by USCIS on December 13, 2023 at 4:19 pm

USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2024.

by USCIS on December 13, 2023 at 2:51 pm

Consistent with its September announcement, the Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice reiterating the extensions of the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the existing designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan.

by USCIS on December 12, 2023 at 2:27 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance on family-based conditional permanent residence in its Policy Manual. The update consolidates and updates guidance on eligibility, filing, and adjudication for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

by USCIS on November 27, 2023 at 5:41 pm

USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office is moving to a new location.

by USCIS on November 21, 2023 at 6:15 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. myProgress will initially only be available for family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants.

by USCIS on November 16, 2023 at 4:56 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) published a temporary final rule making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024, on top of the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

by USCIS on November 15, 2023 at 8:09 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a Federal Register notice implementing a new family reunification parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

by USCIS on November 9, 2023 at 2:43 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin transitioning the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when filed with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from the service centers to the USCIS lockbox on Nov. 13.

by USCIS on November 8, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Effective immediately, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions.

by USCIS on November 8, 2023 at 2:10 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year.

by USCIS on November 6, 2023 at 8:39 pm

As of Aug. 21, 2023, the Potomac Service Center (PSC) has begun to move to a new facility in Camp Springs, MD, and can no longer receive paper responses to correspondence such as Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Intents to Deny (ITD), Requests for Evidence (RFE) or supporting documentation for filings currently pending at the PSC.

by USCIS on November 3, 2023 at 8:24 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

by USCIS on October 27, 2023 at 7:03 pm

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending.

by USCIS on October 27, 2023 at 12:57 pm

Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, all H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications must be filed directly at the Texas Service Center.

by USCIS on October 26, 2023 at 3:41 pm

USCIS announced today that we will consider two-year extensions of the initial parole period on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals who:  

by USCIS on October 26, 2023 at 1:18 pm

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual with new guidance on the EB-5 Regional Center Program and new content on regional center designation and obligations, project applications, and direct and third-party promoters.

by USCIS on October 24, 2023 at 1:29 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.

by USCIS on October 20, 2023 at 7:35 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program by streamlining eligibility requirements, improving program efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities for employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

by USCIS on October 20, 2023 at 5:16 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying that a sole proprietorship may not file a petition on behalf of its owner because the sole proprietorship does not exist as a distinct legal entity separate and apart from the owner.

by USCIS on October 18, 2023 at 7:50 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s effective strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.

by USCIS on October 13, 2023 at 8:27 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024.

by USCIS on October 13, 2023 at 6:01 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new instructions for asylum applications submitted by individuals whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

by USCIS on October 12, 2023 at 4:44 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily.

by USCIS on October 11, 2023 at 2:26 pm

We are providing additional guidance on our interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center.

by USCIS on October 6, 2023 at 3:43 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Cameroon that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by USCIS on September 29, 2023 at 8:45 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.

by USCIS on September 29, 2023 at 6:24 pm

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals.

by USCIS on September 28, 2023 at 7:01 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded over $22 million in grants to 65 organizations in 29 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.

by USCIS on September 27, 2023 at 6:13 pm

We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal.

by USCIS on September 25, 2023 at 4:46 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

by USCIS on September 21, 2023 at 9:07 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by USCIS on September 18, 2023 at 4:06 pm

On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule.

by USCIS on September 18, 2023 at 2:18 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took steps to strengthen protections for temporary workers through the H-2A temporary agricultural and the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker programs (H-2 programs).