Immigration News

on December 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm

on December 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A complaint was unsealed today charging Mohammad Reza Nouri, 36, of Iran, also known as Muhammad Rida Husayn, Ali Asghar Nuri, and Abu Abbas, an Iranian national and officer in the IRGC, in connection with Nouri’s alleged role in orchestrating the Nov. 7, 2022, murder of American Stephen Troell in Baghdad, Iraq. Nouri was arrested in Iraq in March 2023.

on December 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Covid Test DMV LLC, doing business as Rapid Health (Rapid Health), a pharmacy located in Los Angeles, has agreed to pay the United States $8,242,860 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for over-the-counter (OTC) Covid-19 tests that were not provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

on December 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.

by USCIS on December 19, 2024 at 3:00 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating our Policy Manual to clarify flexibilities that may be available to benefit requestors during and after an emergency or unforeseen circumstance.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A Romanian man was sentenced today for his role in the NetWalker ransomware attacks to 20 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 and his interests in an Indonesian limited liability company and associated luxury resort property under construction in Bali, Indonesia — a business venture he financed with proceeds from the attacks. He was also ordered to pay $14,991,580.01 in restitution.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A federal grand jury in Fresno, California, returned an indictment today charging California State Prison-Corcoran Correctional Officer Raquel Mosqueda and inmate Jimmie Carter with conspiracy and a federal civil rights violation.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A Missouri man pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses for setting fire to a house of worship.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A criminal complaint filed Dec. 17 and unsealed this morning charges Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, for allegedly acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while serving as the campaign manager for a political candidate who was elected in 2022 to the city council of a California city. Sun was arrested today is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in the Central District of California.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Chemonics International Inc. (Chemonics), a private international development firm based in Washington, D.C. has agreed to pay $3,119,582 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent claims for payment to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Chemonics disclosed the fraudulent billing to the United States in 2020.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Mississippi charging former Mississippi State Capitol Police Flex Unit officer Jeffery Walker with felony deprivation of rights under color of law.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, of Towson, Maryland, in connection with the Dec. 4 murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. Mangione was taken into federal custody today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker for the Southern District of New York.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A former sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia, was convicted by a jury in Charlottesville, Virginia, yesterday for accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointments as auxiliary deputy sheriffs.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

The Justice Department announced today that it secured an agreement with Burford’s Construction LLC (Burford’s), an Alabama-based contractor that provides vegetation clearing and maintenance for electrical utility companies and municipalities. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that Burford’s routinely discriminated against lawful permanent residents when verifying their permission to work by demanding specific, and sometimes unnecessary, documents.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, […]

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

The former president and primary owner of the now-closed fruit juice manufacturer Valley Processing Inc. (VPI) in Sunnyside, Washington, pleaded guilty this week to two misdemeanor charges related to the manufacture and sale of tainted fruit juice products in violation of federal food safety laws.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A former Richmond County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office deputy has pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges involving an assault on a jail detainee.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

AAR CORP. (AAR), a publicly traded aviation services company headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois, will pay over $55 million to resolve investigations by the Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) arising from AAR’s participation in corrupt schemes to pay bribes to government officials in Nepal and South Africa. A former AAR subsidiary executive previously pleaded guilty for his role in the Nepal scheme, and […]

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement agreement with Manitowoc Company Inc. and two of its subsidiaries, Grove U.S. L.L.C., and Manitowoc Crane Group Germany GMBH (collectively, Manitowoc), for violations of the Clean Air Act’s mobile source emission standards regulations.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Before I begin, a necessary disclaimer. The remarks I express today are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Antitrust Division or the Justice Department.

on December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm

To strengthen hiring practices by federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies and increase transparency and accountability, the Justice Department launched the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) in December 2023. NLEAD is a centralized repository of official records documenting instances of misconduct as well as commendations and awards for federal law enforcement officers.

by USCIS on December 18, 2024 at 2:08 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating Volume 1, Part A, of the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the available avenues for case assistance or feedback.

on December 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A Mexican national extradited to the United States from Mexico in 2023 pleaded guilty today to leading a human smuggling conspiracy operating in Mexicali on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years.

on December 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm

In a civil complaint unsealed today in Providence, Rhode Island, the Justice Department alleges that CVS Pharmacy Inc. and various subsidiaries (collectively, CVS) filled unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs for unlawful prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). CVS is the country’s largest pharmacy chain, with more than 9,000 pharmacies across the United States.

on December 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A federal court in New Jersey held in contempt Abraham Taylor, a resident of Florida and formerly of New Jersey, for continuing to prepare returns after the court permanently barred him and his business — Chentay Consulting Services LP, doing business as CCS Tax Services — from preparing federal income tax returns for others.

on December 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm

The Justice Department announced today that two directors of Epic Games Inc. (Epic), who had been appointed by Tencent Holdings Ltd. (Tencent), resigned from the Epic board after the Antitrust Division expressed concerns that their positions on both the Epic and Tencent boards violated Section 8 of the Clayton Act. Tencent owns a minority interest in Epic. The interlock was created because Tencent also is the parent company of a gaming competitor to Epic, Riot Games Inc. Tencent also decided to […]

on December 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm

A grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging Special Agent David Cole of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 50, of South Jordan, Utah, with conspiring with another HSI special agent to sell alpha-PHP, a drug commonly referred to as “bath salts,” in Utah.

by USCIS on December 17, 2024 at 10:41 pm

As part of our continued efforts to deliver more timely consequences for noncitizens encountered who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States—efforts that have resulted in a 60% decrease in unlawful entries since June 4—the Department of Homeland Security has finalized the rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings, following publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in May 2024.

by USCIS on December 17, 2024 at 5:18 pm

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that will allow U.S. companies that need seasonal workers to more quickly and efficiently fill those jobs.

by USCIS on December 17, 2024 at 4:22 pm

Rule will provide greater benefits and flexibilities for U.S. employers and specialty occupation workers, helping to meet U.S. labor needs

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 16, 2024 at 2:56 pm

CHICAGO– During the last 12 months, U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) officers in Chicago made 121 seizures containing over 3.2 million prohibited Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail…

by USCIS on December 12, 2024 at 2:31 pm

We are issuing updated policy guidance on the types of evidence that may support an application under the International Entrepreneur Rule.

by USCIS on December 10, 2024 at 4:39 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that will support U.S. employers, foster economic growth, and improve access to employment authorization documents (EAD) for eligible individuals by permanently increasing the automatic extension period of employment authorization and employment authorization documentation from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for eligible noncitizens who file a timely request to renew their work authorization.

by USCIS on December 10, 2024 at 2:22 pm

On Dec. 10, 2024, we published a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status, which includes updates to questions and instructions. Starting Feb. 10, 2025, we will accept only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 and will reject any older editions of Form I-485.

by USCIS on December 3, 2024 at 3:41 pm

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.

by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 7:02 pm

USCIS has received enough petitions 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) 2025.

by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 4:12 pm

We now require certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected.

by USCIS on November 27, 2024 at 2:39 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary final rule (TFR) making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025.

by USCIS on November 26, 2024 at 2:58 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months.

by USCIS on November 19, 2024 at 2:32 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration and Services is issuing guidance regarding the legal and physical custody requirements for purposes of acquisition of U.S. citizenship under section 320 and naturalization under section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

by USCIS on November 18, 2024 at 7:52 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (State), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the next 12 months.

by USCIS on November 15, 2024 at 7:44 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) 2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.

by USCIS on November 14, 2024 at 2:18 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that a naturalization applicant’s burden to demonstrate they have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence applies only to their initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or adjustment to LPR status.

by USCIS on November 13, 2024 at 2:12 pm

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3, to reflect that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely.

by USCIS on October 23, 2024 at 2:20 pm

We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule.

by USCIS on October 17, 2024 at 2:33 pm

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allowing them the opportunity to request work authorization.

by USCIS on October 10, 2024 at 1:06 pm

We have updated guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule in our Policy Manual to clarify the required triennial increase in investment, revenue, and other thresholds, and to clarify how we arrange biometrics appointments for certain applicants.

by USCIS on October 2, 2024 at 1:08 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to further clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.

by USCIS on September 25, 2024 at 2:19 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the Policy Manual (Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7), to clarify how to calculate the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age for noncitizens who demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

by USCIS on September 23, 2024 at 4:38 pm

Be sure to provide the correct payment and complete information when filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.

by USCIS on September 23, 2024 at 1:34 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Liberians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid through June 30, 2026.

by USCIS on September 19, 2024 at 8:28 pm

We have received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Sept. 18 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2025.

by USCIS on September 18, 2024 at 2:47 pm

Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.  

by USCIS on September 18, 2024 at 2:47 pm

Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.  

by USCIS on September 13, 2024 at 12:12 pm

On Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (Sept. 17 to 23).

by USCIS on September 11, 2024 at 2:17 pm

On Aug. 12, the California Service Center (CSC) moved to a new facility as USCIS centralizes processing for immigration benefits.

by USCIS on August 30, 2024 at 5:55 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of an international field office in Quito, Ecuador on Sept. 10. The Quito Field Office will focus on increasing refugee processing capacity, consistent with USCIS commitments under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States.

by USCIS on August 27, 2024 at 1:06 pm

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

by USCIS on August 19, 2024 at 1:34 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today announced a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

by USCIS on August 16, 2024 at 4:18 pm

On Aug. 19, USCIS will begin accepting requests for, using a new electronic form, Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.

by USCIS on August 7, 2024 at 12:51 pm

On Aug. 12, the California Service Center will move to a new address. The new facility will help streamline processes by concentrating operations in the new location.

by USCIS on August 5, 2024 at 1:04 pm

USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B regular cap numerical allocation.

by USCIS on July 30, 2024 at 1:54 pm

In March, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

by USCIS on July 24, 2024 at 7:31 pm

Effective Oct. 1, 2024, we will increase the investment and revenue thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule, as required every three years. The application fee will not change, however.

by USCIS on July 19, 2024 at 3:56 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 18, 2024, to March 17, 2026, due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by USCIS on July 18, 2024 at 1:14 pm

USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding provisions for children’s acquisition of citizenship.

by USCIS on July 17, 2024 at 4:58 pm

On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process. This announcement is consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keep families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade.

by USCIS on July 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm

We are issuing policy guidance on new provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that cover consequences for noncompliance with the EB-5 Regional Center program.

by USCIS on July 8, 2024 at 3:49 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to country conditions in Yemen that prevent individuals from safely returning.

by USCIS on July 3, 2024 at 2:22 pm

We have implemented provisions in the USCIS Policy Manual that provide guidance on customer service and safe address procedures for individuals protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367.

by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 10:07 pm

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti.

by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 2:09 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming approximately 11,000 new citizens in more than 195 naturalization ceremonies between June 28 and July 5.

by USCIS on June 20, 2024 at 5:46 pm

We are extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through March 9, 2025.

by USCIS on June 14, 2024 at 1:51 pm

Effective June 14, 2024, we have updated the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5, Part D, to clarify how prospective adoptive parents can adopt a child under the Hague Adoption Convention.

by USCIS on June 12, 2024 at 1:21 pm

USCIS is issuing  guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that interprets that the confidentiality protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 end at naturalization, which will allow naturalized U.S. citizens previously protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367 (specifically, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and those seeking or with approved T and U nonimmigrant status) the ability to fully access e-filing and other customer service tools.

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

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how certain petitioners for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widower, or Special Immigrant.

by USCIS on May 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm

Effective May 6, 2024, all Forms I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, filed for following to join refugees (FTJ-R) are being processed at the USCIS International Operations Division rather than the Asylum Vetting Center.

by USCIS on May 22, 2024 at 1:22 pm

Effective May 22, 2024, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on family-based immigrant visa petitions (including Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and, in limited situations, family-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), including explaining how we handle correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status on the beneficiary’s behalf, and routing procedures for approved petitions.

by USCIS on May 15, 2024 at 2:09 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.

by USCIS on May 13, 2024 at 6:37 pm

USCIS’ San Francisco Asylum Office is opening an additional temporary location in Oakland, California. Effective May 15, 2024, asylum applicants under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office may receive an interview notice to appear at the asylum office located in Oakland instead of San Francisco.

by USCIS on May 8, 2024 at 1:06 pm

We have issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying when H-3 nonimmigrants may participate in training provided on the property of an academic or vocational institution.

by USCIS on May 7, 2024 at 6:11 pm

Effective April 1, 2024, we centralized the intake process of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and related filings under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents at the Nebraska Service Center.

by USCIS on May 6, 2024 at 2:12 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) 2024. Celebrated annually during the first full week in May since 1985, PSRW is a time set aside to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees.   

by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 7:36 pm

We are updating our Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule to help certain employment-based petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees.

by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) and ensure eligible victims of human trafficking can access protections and stabilizing benefits on a timely manner.

by USCIS on April 24, 2024 at 5:42 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.

by USCIS on April 23, 2024 at 2:54 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey, to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships, and facilitate interagency cooperation.

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 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 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.