Termination of the Categorical Parole Programs for Certain Individuals Present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

Effective immediately, the categorical CNMI parole programs are terminated.  This affects USCIS parole programs for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and certain stateless individuals; CNMI permanent residents, immediate relatives of CNMI permanent residents, and immediate relatives of citizens of the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Palau); and certain in-home foreign worker caregivers of CNMI residents. 

After any parole authorized through these pro

Lapse in Federal Funding Does Not Impact Most USCIS Operations

The current lapse in annual appropriated funding for the U.S. government does not affect USCIS’s fee-funded activities. Our offices will remain open, and all individuals should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled. USCIS will continue to accept petitions and applications for benefit requests, except as noted below.

Some USCIS programs, however, will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:

• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program (not the EB-5 Program). Regional centers are a public or private economic unit in the U.S. that promotes economic growth. USCI

Update on Case Assistance by Service Centers

As part of the agency’s efforts to streamline requests for case assistance, we are discontinuing the use of USCIS service center e-mail boxes for case-specific questions on Jan. 21, 2019. Instead, USCIS is focusing our resources online via self-help tools at uscis.gov/tools and my.uscis.gov, and through the USCIS Contact Center. These changes are a part of our overall modernization efforts to provide a more efficient and effective user experience

The service center e-mail addresses being discontinued are:

• California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@uscis.dhs.gov
• Vermont Service Center: <a target='_blank

USCIS Offices Closed Monday per White House Executive Order

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24. President Trump declared that all federal departments and agencies are closed and all employees are excused from duty on that day.

We will reschedule all naturalization ceremonies, interviews, and appointments set for Dec. 24, and promptly inform those affected. All applicants with biometric appointments scheduled for Monday will receive a new appointment notice within three weeks.

The USCIS Contact Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, but with limited live help. You can also get general information about

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, from 9 p.m. until midnight (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Visa Bulletin February 2019 Predictions

For official January 2019 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-january-2019.aspx

Please see February 2019 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based):

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP11	01SEP11	01SEP11	08SEP97	08MAY07
F2A	01DEC16	01DEC16	01DEC16	08NOV16	01DEC16
F2B	22APR12	22APR12	22APR12	01JUL97	22JUL07
F3	08SEP06	08SEP06	08SEP06	08JAN96	01AUG95
F4	15JUN05	15JUN05	01JUL04	15FEB98	01OCT95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAY12	08MAY12	08MAY12	15NOV99	01MAR08
F2A	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18
F2B	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUN14	01OCT97	22DEC07
F3	08FEB07	08FEB07	08FEB07	15SEP00	01AUG97
F4	01JUL06	01JUL06	15JAN05	01NOV98	01JUL97

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2019

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2019.

Dec. 6, 2018, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2019. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Dec. 6 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2019.

On Dec. 6, the number of beneficiaries USCIS had received petitions for surpassed the total number of H-2B visas available for the H-2B cap for the first half of FY 2019. In accordance with regulations, USCIS determined it was necessary to use a computer-generated process, commonly known as a lottery, to ensure the fair and orderly allocation of H-2B visa numbers to meet, but not exceed, the cap for the first half of

January 2019 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For January 2019 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-january-2019.aspx

Please see below analysis of January 2019 Visa Bulletin:

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+14 Days	+14 Days	+14 Days	No Change	+14 Days
F2A	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+23 Days	+1 Month
F2B	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	+14 Days
F3	+14 Days	+14 Days	+14 Days	No Change	+14 Days
F4	+1 Month	+1 Month	+7 Days	No Change	+1 Month 17 Days

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+4 Months	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 7 Days	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months 24 Days	No Change
F4	+3 Months 14 Days	+3 Months 14 Days	No Change	+23 Days	No Change

Visa Bulletin January 2019

For December 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-december-2018.aspx

For analysis of January 2019 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-analysis-january-2019.aspx

January 2019 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from January 1 to January 31 only). Please see below for more details.

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22AUG11	22AUG11	22AUG11	01AUG97	01MAR07
F2A	08NOV16	08NOV16	08NOV16	15OCT16	08NOV16
F2B	15MAR12	15MAR12	15MAR12	08JUN97	22JUN07
F3	15AUG06	15AUG06	15AUG06	22DEC95	22JUL95
F4	22MAY05	22MAY05	15JUN04	08FEB98	01SEP95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR12	08MAR12	08MAR12	22AUG99	15FEB08
F2A	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17
F2B	22MAR14	22MAR14	22MAR14	08SEP97	15DEC07
F3	08JAN07	08JAN07	08JAN07	01MAY00	01JUN97
F4	15MAY06	15MAY06	01JAN05	08OCT98	22APR97

North Carolina Licensed Attorney Indicted for Aiding and Abetting Visa Fraud and False Statements in Immigration Proceedings

RALEIGH, N.C.—Robert J. Higdon Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging Sarah Jane Brinson, age 34, from Clinton, North Carolina, with aiding and abetting visa fraud and false statements in immigration proceedings.

The indictment alleged that Brinson, a licensed attorney and notary public in North Carolina, prepared and submitted on behalf of a client immigration applications containing false statements.

As alleged in the charging document, her client was a citizen of Guatemala who retained Brinson under his real name but was utilizing an assumed name to illegally work in the United States. The indictment additionally alleges that, while Brinson knew her client’s real name, she notarized the client’s signature und

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, from 9 p.m. until midnight (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

USCIS Closes Havana Field Office on Dec. 10, 2018

USCIS will permanently close its field office in Havana, Cuba, on Dec. 10, 2018. The USCIS field office in Mexico City, Mexico, will assume the Havana Field Office’s jurisdiction over U.S. immigration matters for individuals who are in Cuba. The U.S. Department of State in Havana will also assume responsibility for certain services previously handled by USCIS.

U.S. Embassy visa services in Havana have been almost entirely suspended since November 2017 due to a drawdown in staffing as a result of attacks affecting the health of U.S. Embassy Havana employees. The U.S. Department of State and USCIS continue to explore options to resume consular and other immigration services in alternate locations. USCIS will inform individuals of alternate filing or processing instructions that are established. 

Individuals who live in Cuba, or who petition for residents in Cuba,

USCIS Revises Interview Waiver Guidance for Form I-751

USCIS has issued a policy memorandum (PDF, 115 KB) (PM) providing guidance to USCIS officers on when to consider waiving the interview requirement for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This PM goes into effect on December 10, 2018 and applies to all Form I-751 petitions received on or after December 10.

Generally, USCIS officers must interview a conditional permanent resident who is the principal petitioner on a Form I-751, unless the interview is waived. This guidance explains that officers may consider waiving an interview if they are satisfied that:

• They can make a deci

Worcester Man Sentenced for Marriage Fraud

Six women from Sub-Saharan Africa married defendant to gain legal status in U.S.

BOSTON—A Worcester man was sentenced Tuesday in connection with entering into six fraudulent marriages in order to evade immigration laws.

Peter Hicks, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to two years of probation.  In September 2018, Hicks pleaded guilty to one count of marriage fraud.  Hicks was arrested and charged in January 2018 and released on conditions following an initial appearance. 

In 2014, federal law enforcement agents uncovered evidence that Hicks married six foreign national women from Sub-Saharan Africa between 2003 and 2013.  Hicks filed for immigration benefits for four of his six wives.

During a routine interview as part of his application for bene

DHS and DOL Propose Modernizing Recruitment Requirements for H-2B Employers to Protect U.S. Workers

ALERT: The public comment period for this notice of proposed rulemaking has been extended from December 10, 2018 to December 28, 2018. Additional details on the comment period extension are available in the Federal Register notice, posted for public inspection on December 6.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Department of Labor (DOL), has published a joint notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the recruitment requi

USCIS Offices Closed Wednesday

WASHINGTON—President Trump has declared Wednesday, Dec. 5, a national day of mourning to remember the life and legacy of George H.W. Bush, the 41^st president of the United States. Accordingly, all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices will be closed Wednesday. USCIS will reschedule all naturalization ceremonies, interviews, and appointments set for that day.

USCIS will schedule new dates and promptly inform those affected. All applicants with biometric appointments scheduled for Wednesday will receive a new appointment notice within three weeks.

The USCIS Contact Center will

Five Individuals Charged in Connection with Marriage Fraud Scheme

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Peter C. Fitzhugh, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, and Christopher W. Fonda, supervisory immigration officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, announced on Friday that five individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to their participation in fraudulent marriages so that non-U.S. citizens would receive U.S. immigration benefits.

On Nov. 19, 2018, a federal grand jury returned indictments charging Carl Jarrett, 35, of Bridgeport; Kenol Noel, 34, of Bridgeport; Ricky Owen, 39, of Bridgeport; and Marvin Williams, 59, of New York City, with submitting false immigration documents after entering multiple “marriages” with non-U.

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, from 5 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

DHS Proposes Merit-Based Rule for More Effective and Efficient H-1B Visa Program

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions to first electronically register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period. Under the proposed rule, USCIS would also reverse the order by which USCIS selects H-1B petitions under the H-1B cap and the advanced degree exemption, likely increasing the number of beneficiaries with a master’s or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education to be selected for an H-1B cap number, and introducing a more meritorious selection of beneficiaries.

USCIS Clarifies the L-1 One-Year Foreign Employment Requirement

USCIS has published a policy memorandum (PDF, 121 KB) (PM) clarifying the requirement that a qualifying organization employ a principal L-1 beneficiary abroad for one continuous year out of the three years before the time of petition filing (“one-year foreign employment requirement”). This clarification is intended to ensure consistent adjudication of L-1 petitions by providing a standard basis for calculating time for the one-year foreign employment requirement.

The L-1 nonimmigrant classification allows a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager (L-1A) or an employee with specialized knowledge (<a ta

Immigration Services Available for Those Affected by Super Typhoon Yutu in the CNMI

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including the Super Typhoon Yutu in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

The following services may be available on a discretionary basis, only upon request. These services may include changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States; expedited processing of advance parole requests; expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate; and rescheduling interviews or biometrics appointments with USCIS. Please visit the Special Situations web page for additional inform

Queens Immigration Attorney Found Guilty Of Operating Asylum Fraud Scheme

Release Date: Nov. 20, 2018

Andreea Dumitru Knowingly Made False Statements and Representations On More Than 100 Asylum Applications

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Andreea Dumitru, also known as “Andreea Dumitru Parcalaboiu,” an immigration attorney based in Queens, New York, was found guilty in Manhattan federal court of asylum fraud, making false statements to immigration authorities, and aggravated identity theft on Nov. 19, 2018, following a two-week trial before United States District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said, “Andreea Dumitru, an immigration attorney, scammed the asylum program, which was designed to provide safe harbor for the world’s most vulnerable people.  She will now serve time in pris

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, from 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

USCIS Simplifies Access to Online Data

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has consolidated the data pages on its website to include all data on one page. The new Immigration and Citizenship Data page makes information more easily accessible to users.

In addition to the redesigned data page, USCIS has published an Understanding Our Data page to help users understand data the agency publishes.

“This new and improved data page on our agency website is another step we’ve taken to modernize the information sharing process, provide transparency, and shed additional light on the USCIS mission,” said USCIS Director L. Franci

USCIS Issuing Biometric Appointment Notices for Domestic N-565 and N-600 Applicants

On Nov. 1, 2018, USCIS began requesting that domestic applicants filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, go to an Application Support Center (ASC) appointment to submit biometric information (including photos, signature, and index fingerprint). USCIS will also ask applicants filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, to begin submitting biometric information at ASCs early next year.

Applicants will not have to pay a biometrics fee at this time.

Visa Bulletin January 2019 Predictions

For official December 2018 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-december-2018.aspx

Please see January 2019 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based):

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22AUG11	22AUG11	22AUG11	08SEP97	22APR07
F2A	01NOV16	01NOV16	01NOV16	15OCT16	01NOV16
F2B	22MAR12	22MAR12	22MAR12	01JUL97	08JUL07
F3	01SEP06	01SEP06	01SEP06	08JAN96	15JUL95
F4	15MAY05	15MAY05	22JUN04	15FEB98	15AUG95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAY12	08MAY12	08MAY12	08JUL99	01MAR08
F2A	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18
F2B	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUN14	15AUG97	22DEC07
F3	08FEB07	08FEB07	08FEB07	08FEB00	01AUG97
F4	08MAR06	08MAR06	15JAN05	01OCT98	01JUL97

Brazilian National Found Guilty of Making False Statements in Naturalization Proceedings

Release Date: Nov. 13, 2018

On Nov. 9, 2018, Etevaldo Ferreira De Souza, 47, of West Palm Beach, Florida, was found guilty by a jury of one count of making false statements in a naturalization proceeding, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1015(a).

Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Mark Selby, special agent in charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

According to the evidence presented at trial, De Souza was charged with aggravated homicide and armed conspiracy in Brazil in 1993. According to the Brazilian charges, De Souza, although not himself a police officer, conspired with corrupt police officers to commit a murder. In or before 1998, De Souza entered the United States illegally.  In 2012, De So

December 2018 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For December 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-december-2018.aspx

Please see below analysis of December 2018 Visa Bulletin:

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+1 Month 16 Days	+1 Month 16 Days	+1 Month 16 Days	No Change	+14 Days
F2A	+23 Days	+23 Days	+23 Days	+21 Days	+23 Days
F2B	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	No Change	+7 Days
F3	+24 Days	+24 Days	+24 Days	No Change	+16 Days
F4	+1 Month	+1 Month	+7 Days	No Change	+1 Month

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months 14 Days	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 9 Days	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	+9 Months 17 Days	No Change
F4	+8 Months	+8 Months	No Change	+2 Months 23 Days	+1 Year 14 Days

Visa Bulletin December 2018

For November 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-november-2018.aspx

For analysis of December 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-analysis-december-2018.aspx

December 2018 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from December 1 to December 31 only). Please see below for more details.

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08AUG11	08AUG11	08AUG11	01AUG97	15FEB07
F2A	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	22SEP16	08OCT16
F2B	15FEB12	15FEB12	15FEB12	08JUN97	08JUN07
F3	01AUG06	01AUG06	01AUG06	22DEC95	08JUL95
F4	22APR05	22APR05	08JUN04	08FEB98	15JUL95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR12	08MAR12	08MAR12	22APR99	15FEB08
F2A	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17
F2B	22MAR14	22MAR14	22MAR14	01AUG97	15DEC07
F3	08JAN07	08JAN07	08JAN07	08OCT99	01JUN97
F4	01FEB06	01FEB06	01JAN05	15SEP98	22APR97

USCIS to Continue Implementing New Policy Memorandum on Notices to Appear

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is continuing to implement the June 28, 2018, Policy Memorandum (PM), Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens (PDF, 140 KB).

Starting Nov. 19, 2018, USCIS may issue NTAs as described below based on denials of I-914/I-914A, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status; I-918/I-918A, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/no

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, from 5 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

USCIS and CBP Extend Form I-129 Pilot Program for Canadian L-1 Nonimmigrants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are extending the joint agency pilot program for Canadian citizens seeking L-1 nonimmigrant status under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) through April 30, 2019. Earlier this year, the USCIS California Service Center (CSC) and the CBP Blaine, Washington, port of entry (POE) announced this pilot program which was scheduled to run from April 30, 2018, through Oct. 31, 2018.

This pilot program allows, but does not require, Canadian citizens to request that USCIS remotely adjudicate their petitioning employer’s Form I-129 or I-129S prior to their arrival or when they arrive at the Blaine POE. USCIS continues to

Fee Payment Changes at Two USCIS Los Angeles Field Offices

On Nov. 5, 2018, applicants, petitioners, or other requesters who are paying a filing fee at the Los Angeles Field Office and Los Angeles County Field Office will no longer be able to pay by money orders or cashier’s checks. They can still pay by check, debit card, credit card, or reloadable pre-paid credit or debit cards, which USCIS personnel will process through a new electronic system. USCIS is launching a pilot at these two field offices to test electronic payment processing, which will increase transaction security and reduce processing errors that could cause USCIS to reject applications and petitions. Beyond limiting the kind of payment USCIS will accept through this new system, applicants will not experience a change in how they pay their fees.

This internal transition is part of USCIS’ ongoing efforts to modernize its business practices, allowing USCIS fiel

USCIS to Expand Information Services Modernization Program to Key Locations

Program provides operational efficiencies, improves delivery of services

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will expand its Information Services Modernization Program to key field offices, beginning with the Detroit Field Office and the five offices in the Los Angeles District on Nov. 13. Field offices in the Newark, Great Lakes, and San Francisco districts will implement the program during the first quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2019. USCIS anticipates expanding the program to all remaining field offices by the end of FY 2019.

The Information Services Modernization Program ends self-scheduling of InfoPass appointments and instead encourages applicants to use USCIS online information resources to view general how-to information and check case statuses through the USCIS Contact Center. Recen

USCIS Efforts Lead to Guilty Plea in Case of Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law

COLUMBIA, S.C.—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services  helped initiate an investigation that led to charges and guilty pleas from Veronica Perdomo, 43, for fraudulently practicing immigration law and impersonating an immigration officer.

The plea included two counts of Wire Fraud, each of which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison; four counts of Impersonating an Officer or Employee of the United States, each such count carrying a sentence of up to 3 years in prison, and twelve counts of Fraudulently Affixing the Seal of an Agency of the United States to a Document, each such count carrying a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.  Sentencing will occur after the preparation of a presentence report by the United States Probation Office.

A USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) immigration officer in Charl

USCIS Continuing Form I-751 Data Entry

USCIS has completed receipting and data entry for all filings of Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, received between May 1 and Sept. 9, 2018. Petitioners should receive receipt notices by Oct. 22, 2018.

On June 13, 2018, USCIS announced that the California Service Center (CSC) was experiencing a delay in initial data entry for Form I-751. After changing the filing location for Form I-751 from the USCIS Service Centers to the USCIS Lockbox facilities in September, USCIS completed receipting and data entry of these petitions on Oct. 1.

If you submitted a Form I-751 to the CSC between May 1 and Sept. 9, 2018, and you have not received a receipt notice, do not file a duplicate Form I-751 unless you have re

Three Nigerian Nationals Living in Grambling and Texas Plead Guilty to Roles in Marriage Fraud Scheme

Release Date: Oct. 17, 2018

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that three Nigerian nationals living in Grambling and Texas have pleaded guilty Monday to roles in a scheme aimed at obtaining permanent residency illegally.

Adebisi Philip Bode Adejumo, 34, a Grambling, La., resident and Nigerian citizen; Godspower Raphael Sobaeh, 31, a Fort Worth, Texas, resident and Nigerian citizen; and Olabode Ebenezer Olubodun, 37, a Houston, Texas, resident and Nigerian citizen, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with immigration documents. Adejumo also pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in connection with immigration documents, Sobaeh t

USCIS Reissues Receipt Notices for Extensions of Conditional Permanent Resident Status

On Oct. 16, 2018, USCIS began issuing new receipt notices for certain Forms I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to replace previously issued receipt notices containing inaccurate information.  

In August 2018, USCIS issued receipt notices for certain pending Form I-751 petitions to extend conditional permanent resident (CPR) status from 12 months to 18 months. These receipt notices were issued to provide an additional six months of CPR status to the I-751 petitioners while they continue to wait for their petition to be adjudicated. Some of the receipt notices contained incorrect information that does not affect the extension of the of the CPR status.

Petitioners who received incorrect receipt notices will receive corrected ones shortly. If you have not received a corrected receipt notice by Nov. 15, 2018, please reach out to the <a target='_bl

USCIS Policy Manual Update

USCIS is revising policy guidance for the validity period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

The updated policy, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, 2018, will require applicants to submit a Form I-693 that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for an immigration benefit. The Form I-693 would remain valid for a two-year period following the date the civil surgeon signed it. As such, USCIS is retaining the current maximum two-year validity period of Form I-693, but calculating it in a different manner to both enhance operational efficiencies and reduce the number of requests to applicants for an updated Form I-693.

USCIS officers use Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to determine whethe

Visa Bulletin December 2018 Predictions

For official November 2018 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-november-2018.aspx

Please see December 2018 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based):

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JUL11	01JUL11	01JUL11	08SEP97	22MAR07
F2A	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	01OCT16	08OCT16
F2B	01FEB12	01FEB12	01FEB12	01JUL97	15JUN07
F3	01AUG06	01AUG06	01AUG06	08JAN96	01JUL95
F4	15APR05	15APR05	22JUN04	15FEB98	15JUL95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAY12	08MAY12	08MAY12	08DEC98	01MAR08
F2A	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18
F2B	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUL97	22DEC07
F3	08FEB07	08FEB07	08FEB07	01APR99	01AUG97
F4	15JUN05	15JUN05	15JAN05	01JUL98	08MAY96

Construction Begins on New Home for the USCIS Texas Service Center

Facility Will Centralize Operations, Improve Effectiveness and Efficiency

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), General Services Administration (GSA) and federal contractor Trammell Crow Company and Gensler broke ground today on the future home of the Texas Service Center (TSC) at the northwest corner of President George Bush Turnpike and Beltline Road in Irving, Texas, near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

“This facility will improve our agency’s operational effectiveness, employee morale, and our administration of the nation’s lawful immigration system,” said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. “USCIS is committed to fairly and accurately assessing each immigration benefit request in accordance with the rule of law. The new home of the Texas Se

Visa Bulletin November 2018

For October 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-october-2018.aspx

For analysis of November 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-analysis-november-2018.aspx

November 2018 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from November 1 to November 30 only). Please see below for more details.

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22JUN11	22JUN11	22JUN11	01AUG97	01FEB07
F2A	15SEP16	15SEP16	15SEP16	01SEP16	15SEP16
F2B	01JAN12	01JAN12	01JAN12	08JUN97	01JUN07
F3	08JUL06	08JUL06	08JUL06	22DEC95	22JUN95
F4	22MAR05	22MAR05	01JUN04	08FEB98	15JUN95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR12	08MAR12	08MAR12	08OCT98	15FEB08
F2A	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17
F2B	22MAR14	22MAR14	22MAR14	22JUN97	15DEC07
F3	08JAN07	08JAN07	08JAN07	22DEC98	01JUN97
F4	01JUN05	01JUN05	01JAN05	22JUN98	08APR96

November 2018 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For November 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-november-2018.aspx

Please see below analysis of November 2018 Visa Bulletin:

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+21 Days	+21 Days	+21 Days	No Change	+1 Month 10 Days
F2A	+24 Days	+24 Days	+24 Days	+1 Month	+24 Days
F2B	+1 Month 9 Days	+1 Month 9 Days	+1 Month 9 Days	+24 Days	+17 Days
F3	+23 Days	+23 Days	+23 Days	No Change	+14 Days
F4	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month	+17 Days	+7 Days

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

USCIS Using Tablets to Administer the English Reading and Writing Tests for Naturalization

On Oct. 1, USCIS began using digital tablets to administer the English reading and writing tests during naturalization interviews as part of the agency’s ongoing business modernization efforts. Although USCIS applicants already use digital tablets to sign or verify parts of their applications, this new approach expands tablet usage, allowing the device to be used for a greater portion of the application process. USCIS will be able to continue using the paper process on a case-by-case basis.

While the eligibility requirements and the subject material of the naturalization test have not changed, applicants are now using a stylus on a digital tablet instead of a paper application. Immigration Services Officers (ISO) will carefully instruct applicants on how to use the tablets before administering the tests:

• For the reading test, a sentence will appear on

USCIS Provides Guidance for Implementing New Law Related to Foreign Workers on Guam, Northern Mariana Islands

USCIS has published a policy memorandum (PDF, 108 KB) providing guidance on the implementation of section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (the FY 2019 NDAA), which allows certain H-2B workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to qualify for an exemption to the “temporary need” requirement if they begin employment on or before Dec. 30, 2023.

USCIS is accepting H-2B petitions filed pursuant to the NDAA provision that exempts the temporary need re

USCIS Assisted in Case Leading to Guilty Plea of Former Long Island Catering Hall Owner Charged with Forced Labor

Defendant Threatened Filipino Nationals Working at the Thatched Cottage with Deportation

Release Date: Sept. 27, 2018

NEW YORK – In Central Islip, New York, Ralph Colamussi pled guilty in federal court Wednesday before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley, to forced labor of employees at the Thatched Cottage, a catering and wedding venue in Centerport, New York.  When sentenced, Colamussi faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as restitution and a fine of up to $250,000.

Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of N.Y.; Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), N.Y.; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Inspector General, N.Y.; and Thomas M. Cioppa, D

F-1 “Cap-gap” Status and Work Authorization Extension Only Valid Through Sept. 30, 2018

F-1 students who have an H-1B petition that remains pending on Oct. 1, 2018, risk accruing unlawful presence if they continue to work on or after Oct. 1 (unless otherwise authorized to continue employment), as their “cap-gap” work authorization is only valid through Sept. 30. Due to increased demand for immigration benefits, resulting in higher caseloads as well as a significant surge in premium processing requests, USCIS may not be able to adjudicate H-1B change of status petitions for all F-1 students by Oct. 1.

USCIS regulations allow an F-1 student who is the beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B cap-subject petition requesting a change of status to H-1B on Oct. 1, to have his or her F-1 status and any current employment authorization exten

Proposed I-912 Fee Waiver Form Revision

USCIS is proposing to revise our Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to remove the receipt of means-tested benefits from the eligibility criteria. A means-tested benefit is a public benefit where eligibility for the benefit, the amount of the benefit, or both, is based on an individual’s income level. Eligibility for these benefits can vary from state to state, depending on the state’s income level guidelines.  As a result, individuals who would not otherwise qualify under the poverty-guideline threshold and financial hardship criteria have been granted fee waivers by USCIS. The public can review the notice (PDF) today and it will post in the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregiste

USCIS to Begin Implementing New Policy Memorandum on Notices to Appear

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin implementing the June 28 Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Policy Memorandum (PM) (PDF, 140 KB) on Oct. 1, 2018. USCIS will take an incremental approach to implement this memo.

An NTA is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. This is the first step in starting removal proceedings. Starting Oct. 1, 2018, USCIS may issue NTAs on denied status-impacting applications, including but not limited to, Form I-485, A

USCIS Awards FY 2018 Citizenship and Assimilation Grants

More than $9 Million will Expand Citizenship Preparation Services in 19 States

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded $9.425 million in grants to 40 organizations across 19 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.

The fiscal year (FY) 2018 grants, which run through 2020, aim to promote prospective citizens’ assimilation into American civic life by funding educational programs designed to increase their knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics.

USCIS awarded the grants through two competitive funding opportunities. The first funding opportunity supports organizations that provide citizenship instruction and naturalization application assistance to LPRs.

The second funding opportunity supports organizations that prov

USCIS Helps Secure Conviction in Albany County Visa Fraud Case

ALBANY, N.Y. –U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assisted in the investigation that led to a successful jury vote on Wednesday to convict Dalia Lita, age 55, of Latham, N.Y.; Elina Rahman, age 45 of Watervliet, N.Y.; and Lubna Rahman age 45, of Watervliet, of conspiracy to commit visa fraud by submitting false information to the U.S. government in order to obtain immigrant visas.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security officers in Albany assisted ICE special investigators by confirming and identifying fraud in these cases. USCIS officers also researched and reviewed files and prepared immigration time

Tucson Refugees Arrested For Immigration Fraud

TUCSON, Ariz. - On Aug. 8, 2018, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an eleven-count indictment against Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, 28, and Zeinab Abdirahman Mohamed, 25, both living in Tucson, Arizona, for violations of false swearing in an immigration matter and false statements to a government agency. 

The indictment alleges that Osman and Mohamed, while living in China, applied for and were granted refugee status in 2014.  The husband and wife entered the United States and have been living in Tucson since the time of their entry. In June 2015, Osman and Mohamed submitted applications for Legal Permanent Residence Status to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The indictment further alleges that material submitted in support of their refugee applications and their applications for Legal Permanent Residence Status contained false, ficti

Immigration Services Available for Those Affected by Hurricane Florence or Typhoon Mangkhut

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by special situations, including severe storms such as Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Mangkhut.

The following services may be available on a discretionary basis upon request for individuals who have been directly affected by Hurricane Florence or Typhoon Mangkhut, including:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. If you don’t apply for the extension or change before your authorized period of admission expires, we may excuse the delay if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals USCIS previously granted parole to;
• Expedited processing of advance p

USCIS Publishes Revised Form G-28 and Extends Grace Period for Prior Versions

USCIS has published a revised version of Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with an edition date of 09/17/18. This revised version removes the geographic requirement for sending an original notice to a U.S. address for attorneys and representatives that had been added to the 05/05/16 and 05/23/18 versions of the form.

USCIS Sending Text and Email Messages About Online Filing

We are sending text and email messages between Sept. 17 and Sept. 20, 2018, about filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card online. If you are a lawful permanent resident and your Green Card has expired or is about to expire, or if you need to replace it for another reason, you may file Form I-90 online. Go to the Form I-90 page on our website to begin your online application process.

If you are a conditional permanent resident whose Green Card is about to expire, do not submit Form I-90. Instead, use Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I‑829, Petition by Entre

Visa Bulletin November 2018 Predictions

For official October 2018 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-october-2018.aspx

Please see November 2018 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based):

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15JUN11	15JUN11	15JUN11	15SEP97	08FEB07
F2A	15SEP16	15SEP16	15SEP16	22AUG16	15SEP16
F2B	22DEC11	22DEC11	22DEC11	08JUN97	01JUN07
F3	15JUL06	15JUL06	15JUL06	08JAN96	15JUN95
F4	08MAR05	08MAR05	15MAY04	01FEB98	08JUL95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAY12	08MAY12	08MAY12	08DEC98	01MAR08
F2A	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18
F2B	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUL97	22DEC07
F3	08FEB07	08FEB07	08FEB07	01APR99	01AUG97
F4	15JUN05	15JUN05	15JAN05	01JUL98	08MAY96

USCIS to Welcome Approximately 45,000 New U.S. Citizens During Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Themed Ceremonies

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the agency will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, observed on Sept. 17, with over 260 naturalization ceremonies across the country from Sept. 14 to 23 as part of this year’s celebration of Constitution Week. 

Approximately, 45,000 lawful permanent residents will become America’s newest citizens during the annual commemoration honoring both the signing of the U.S. Constitution 231 years ago on Sept. 17, 1787, and an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day.”

USCIS’ Constitution Week activities will feature a naturalization ceremony at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia where USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna will administer the Oath of Allegiance and provide congratulato

October 2018 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For October 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-october-2018.aspx

Please see below analysis of October 2018 Visa Bulletin:

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+1 Month 23 Days	+1 Month 23 Days	+1 Month 23 Days	No Change	+1 Month 7 Days
F2A	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month
F2B	+21 Days	+21 Days	+21 Days	+23 Days	+23 Days
F3	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	No Change	+7 Days
F4	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+23 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 7 Days	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+14 Days	No Change
F3	+3 Months 16 Days	+3 Months 16 Days	+3 Months 16 Days	+2 Months 14 Days	+1 Year 10 Months
F4	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	+21 Days	+4 Months 7 Days

USCIS Now Accepting Copies of Negative O Visa Consultations Directly from Labor Unions

Effective immediately, USCIS will begin accepting copies of negative consultation letters directly from labor unions relating to a current or future O nonimmigrant visa petition request. O-1 and O-2 nonimmigrant visas are available to individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, athletics, or the arts, and individuals with extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, and certain essential support personnel. A consultation letter from a U.S. peer group, labor organization, and/or management organization is generally required for petitions in the O visa classification.

Typically, a petitioner submits the necessary O visa consultation with the petition, and that process requirement remains unchanged. Director L. Francis Cissna recently met with several labor unions to discuss concerns they had with the consultation process for O

Visa Bulletin October 2018

For September 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-september-2018.aspx

For analysis of October 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-analysis-october-2018.aspx

October 2018 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from October 1 to October 31 only). Please see below for more details.

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JUN11	01JUN11	01JUN11	01AUG97	22DEC06
F2A	22AUG16	22AUG16	22AUG16	01AUG16	22AUG16
F2B	22NOV11	22NOV11	22NOV11	15MAY97	15MAY07
F3	15JUN06	15JUN06	15JUN06	22DEC95	08JUN95
F4	15FEB05	15FEB05	01MAY04	22JAN98	08JUN95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR12	08MAR12	08MAR12	08OCT98	15FEB08
F2A	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17
F2B	22MAR14	22MAR14	22MAR14	22JUN97	15DEC07
F3	08JAN07	08JAN07	08JAN07	22DEC98	01JUN97
F4	01JUN05	01JUN05	01JAN05	22JUN98	08APR96

Tools Outage

We are currently experiencing a network outage.

Our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Office Locator
• myE-Verify
• SAVE CaseCheck

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Filing Location Change for Form I-751

On Sep. 10, USCIS changed the filing location for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This form was previously filed at the California and Vermont service centers. Now, petitioners must send Form I-751 to a USCIS Lockbox facility. However, the California, Nebraska, Vermont, and Texas service centers will be the adjudicating offices. When filing at a Lockbox facility, petitioners have the option to pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card. Please follow the Where to File and Filing Fee directions on the I-751 page.

USCIS Adjusting Premium Processing Fee

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today it is adjusting the premium processing fee for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers beginning on Oct. 1, 2018 to more effectively adjudicate petitions and maintain effective service to petitioners.

The premium processing fee will increase to $1,410, a 14.92 percent increase (after rounding) from the current fee of $1,225. This increase, which is done in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, represents the percentage change in inflation since the fee was last increased in 2010 based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

“Because premium processing f

USCIS Extends and Expands Suspension of Premium Processing for H-1B Petitions to Reduce Delays

USCIS is extending the previously announced temporary suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions and, beginning Sept. 11, 2018, will be expanding this temporary suspension to include certain additional H-1B petitions. We expect these suspensions will last until Feb. 19, 2019, and will notify the public via uscis.gov before resuming premium processing for these petitions.

While H-1B premium processing is suspended, we will reject any Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service filed with an affected Form I-129, Petition for

Re-Registration Period Now Open for Temporary Protected Status for Somalia

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Somalia’s designation who want to maintain their status through the 18-month extension period ending on March 17, 2020, must re-register between Aug 27. 2018 - Oct 26, 2018.

Re-registration procedures, including how to renew employment authorization documents (EADs), have been published in the Federal Register and on uscis.gov/tps.

All applicants must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Applican

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, from 9 p.m. until midnight (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail

Clarification of STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations

USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of our website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the earliest opportunity by submitting a modified Form I-983. Employers must report the STEM OPT student’s termination of employment or departure to the DSO within five business days.  As previously indicated on the webpage, students must report certain changes, such as changes to their employer’s name and address, to their DSO within 10 business days. Prompt reporting ensures that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is able to exercise effective oversight of the program.

Additionally, DHS is clarify

Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Guardian Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Release Date: Aug. 15, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Aug. 8, Chief Judge James C. Dever III of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina entered an order that revoked the naturalized U.S. citizenship of a child sex offender; restrained and enjoined him from claiming any rights, privileges, or advantages of U.S. citizenship; and ordered him to immediately surrender and deliver his Certificate of Naturalization and any other indicia of U.S. citizenship to federal authorities.

“The Justice Department is committed to preserving the integrity of our nation’s immigration system and the propriety of the government’s adjudication of immigration benefits,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will aggressively pursue the denaturalization of

Immigration Services Available for Those Affected by California Wildfires

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including the California wildfires.

 The following services may be available on a discretionary basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. If you don’t apply for the extension or change before your authorized period of admission expires, we may excuse the delay if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; </li

Visa Bulletin October 2018 Predictions

For official September 2018 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-september-2018.aspx

Please see October 2018 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based):

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAY11	08MAY11	08MAY11	15SEP97	01JAN07
F2A	15AUG16	15AUG16	15AUG16	22JUL16	15AUG16
F2B	01DEC11	01DEC11	01DEC11	15MAY97	01MAY07
F3	15JUN06	15JUN06	15JUN06	15JAN96	08JUN95
F4	08APR05	08APR05	15JUN04	22JAN98	01JUL95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01APR12	01APR12	01APR12	15NOV98	01MAR08
F2A	22JAN18	22JAN18	22JAN18	22JAN18	22JAN18
F2B	08JUN14	08JUN14	08JUN14	01JUL97	01JAN08
F3	15OCT06	15OCT06	15OCT06	22JAN99	15AUG95
F4	15MAY05	15MAY05	15JAN05	15JUN98	22DEC95

Re-Registration Period Now Open for Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Yemen’s designation who want to maintain their status through the extension date of March 3, 2020, must re-register between August 14, 2018, and October  15, 2018.

Re-registration procedures, including how to renew employment authorization documents (EADs), have been published in the Federal Register and on uscis.gov/tps.</sp

Filing Location Change for Form I-829

On August 13, USCIS changed the filing location for Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.  This form was previously filed at the California Service Center.  Now, Form I-829 must be filed at a USCIS Lockbox facility.  The Immigrant Investor Program Office continues to be the adjudicating office.  When filing at a Lockbox facility, petitioners have the option to pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card.  Please follow the Where to File and Filing Fee directions on the I-829 page. 

USCIS Issues Revised Final Guidance on Unlawful Presence for Students and Exchange Visitors

Guidance Updated After Public Comment Period

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a revised final policy memorandum (PDF, 129 KB) related to unlawful presence after considering feedback received during a 30-day public comment period that ended June 11, 2018. Under the revised final policy memorandum, effective Aug. 9, 2018, F and M nonimmigrants who fall out of status and timely file for reinstatement of that status will have their accrual of unlawful presence suspended while their application is pending.

On <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/new

Burbank Man Who Allegedly Led Prescription Drug Ring Arrested on New Charges of Fraudulently Procuring U.S. Citizenship

Release Date: Aug. 7, 2018

LOS ANGELES – A Burbank man who operated a string of allegedly sham medical clinics – and who already faces federal charges of using the clinics to orchestrate a massive narcotics scheme – was arrested today on new charges that he unlawfully procured United States citizenship.

Armen Simonyan, 44, who was free on bond in the narcotics-trafficking case, was arrested after being named in a two-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury. The new indictment charges Simonyan with unlawful procurement of United States citizenship and making a false statement on a passport application.

Today’s indictment outlines Simonyan’s 15-year history of securing United States immigration benefits via fraud and identity theft. Simonyan allegedly entered the United States from Armenia

Visa Bulletin September 2018

For August 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-august-2018.aspx

For analysis of September 2018 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-analysis-september-2018.aspx

September 2018 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from September 1 to September 30 only). Please see below for more details.

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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08APR11	08APR11	08APR11	01AUG97	15NOV06
F2A	22JUL16	22JUL16	22JUL16	01JUL16	22JUL16
F2B	01NOV11	01NOV11	01NOV11	22APR97	22APR07
F3	01MAY06	01MAY06	01MAY06	22DEC95	01JUN95
F4	08JAN05	08JAN05	08APR04	15JAN98	01JUN95

"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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR12	08MAR12	08MAR12	01SEP98	15FEB08
F2A	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17	01DEC17
F2B	22MAR14	22MAR14	22MAR14	08JUN97	15DEC07
F3	22SEP06	22SEP06	22SEP06	08OCT98	01AUG95
F4	01MAY05	01MAY05	01JAN05	01JUN98	01DEC95

Visa Bulletin September 2018 Special Notes

For the official September 2018 Visa Bulletin and analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-september-2018.aspx

Apart from posting current dates, State Department has also added special notes to Visa Bulletin mentioned above. Please see full details below:

D. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT (SI) TRANSLATOR CATEGORY VISA AVAILABILITY

Given the limited availability of visa numbers and the existing demand, it has been necessary to maintain a September Final Action Date of April 22, 2012.

E. DETERMINATION OF THE NUMERICAL LIMITS ON IMMIGRANTS REQUIRED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT (INA)

The State Department is required to make a determination of the worldwide numerical limitations, as outlined in Section 201(c) and (d) of the INA, on an annual basis. These calculations are based in part on data provided by U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the number of immediate relative adjustments in the preceding year and the number of aliens paroled into the United States under Section 212(d)(5) in the second preceding year. Without this information, it is impossible

Tools Outage

USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Eastern).

During this time, our online tools may be unavailable, including:

• Check My Case Status
• e-Request
• Change of Address Online
• Check Processing Times
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• FOIA Status Check
• Office Locator
• Forms by Mail