Saturday, September 30, 2023

USCIS Increases Employment Authorization Document Validity Period for Certain Categories

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.

We are also increasing the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal EADs for certain noncitizens who must apply for employment authorization, including applicants for asylum or withholding of removal, adjustment of status under INA 245, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.</

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

USCIS Exempts Biometric Services Fee for all Form I-539 Applicants

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.

Beginning Oct. 1, we are exempting the $85 biometric services fee as part of the application process for Form I-539. You do not need to pay the fee if your application is postmarked Oct. 1 or later. However, if you file Form I-539 prior to Oct. 1, certain filers will still be scheduled for an ASC appointment and should still attend that appointment as scheduled. In most cases, after Oct. 1 applicants will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. However, if USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment.

If you mistakenly submit the biometric servi

Monday, September 25, 2023

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

WASHINGTON – 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. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Afghanistan's extension and redesignation.

After reviewing the country conditions in Afghanistan and consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month TPS extension and redesignation

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

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. However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for "all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021." See the Memorandum and Order (PDF, 1.35 MB) and <a data-entity-substitution="me

Friday, September 22, 2023

Visa Bulletin November 2023 Predictions

For official October 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-october-2023.aspx

Please see November 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:
Final Action Dates
Dates For Filing Applications
"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.
Family-
Sponsored
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-mainland
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES
F108MAR1508MAR1508MAR1508MAY0122APR12
F2A01MAR1901MAR1901MAR1901MAR1901MAR19
F2B01NOV1501NOV1501NOV1522JAN0201DEC11
F322JAN0922JAN0922JAN0915MAR9801JUL02
F415MAY0715MAY0701NOV0522AUG0022SEP02
"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.
Family-
Sponsored
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-mainland
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES
F108OCT1708OCT1708OCT1715JUN0508JUN15
F2A22SEP2322SEP2322SEP2301OCT2322SEP23
F2B15FEB1715FEB1715FEB1722OCT0408NOV13
F308MAR1008MAR1008MAR1022JUN0101DEC03
F408MAR0808MAR0815MAR0608MAY0122MAY04

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

DHS Issues Proposed Rule to Modernize H-2 Temporary Visa Programs and Strengthen Worker Protections

WASHINGTON – 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). In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published today, DHS proposed modernizing and improving the H-2 programs by providing greater flexibility and protections for participating workers, and improving the program's efficiency. This would include strengthening protections for workers from exploitative conduct by employers, including the addition of whistleblower protections.

"For years, H-2A and H-2B temporary worker visa recipients have been essential to our seasonal and

Monday, September 18, 2023

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by Welcoming More Than 6,900 New Citizens

Weeklong celebration highlights naturalization ceremonies and new initiatives

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming more than 6,900 new citizens in over 130 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 17 and Sept. 22.

"USCIS will continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "We believe that promoting citizenship and encouraging eligible immigrants to naturalize and fully participate in our democracy is a cornerstone of the agency's work and illustrates the spirit of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day through a focus on the rights, respon