USCIS Implements Employment Authorization for Individuals Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong Residents

Eligible Hong Kong Residents May Apply for EADs and Travel Authorization

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today issued a Federal Register notice with information on how to apply for employment authorization for eligible Hong Kong residents covered under the president's Aug. 5 memorandum directing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for 18 months, through Feb. 5, 2023.

DED for Hong Kong residents applies only to certain eligible Hong Kong residents who were present in the United States as

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY 2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2022. Sept. 30 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2022. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after Sept. 30 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2022.

USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for:

• Current H-2B workers in the United States who extend their stay, change employers, or change the terms and conditions of their employment;
• Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, and/or supervisors of fish roe processing; and
• Workers performing labor or

November 2021 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For November 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-november-2021.aspx

Please see below analysis of November 2021 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	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

"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

November 2021 Visa Bulletin

For October 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-october-2021.aspx

For analysis of November 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-analysis-november-2021.aspx

November 2021 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	01DEC14	01DEC14	01DEC14	15JAN99	01MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	15MAR00	22OCT11
F3	22NOV08	22NOV08	22NOV08	15MAY97	08JUN02
F4	22MAR07	22MAR07	15SEP05	08FEB99	22AUG02

"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	15MAY16	15MAY16	15MAY16	01AUG00	22APR15
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	01OCT00	01OCT13
F3	22AUG09	22AUG09	22AUG09	08SEP00	01OCT03
F4	01OCT07	01OCT07	01JAN06	01JUN99	01FEB04

Most CW-1 Employers Must File Required Semiannual Report (Form I-129CWR)

USCIS reminds employers of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Transitional Workers (CW-1) that, if you have a currently-approved CW-1 petition with a validity period of six months or more, you must file Form I-129CWR, Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers, with USCIS every six months after the petition validity start date. Employers use this report to certify the continued employment and payment of each worker under the terms and conditions of the approved petition. You are not required to file Form I-129CWR if your petition has been withdrawn for all beneficiaries.

If you fail to comply with the semiannual reporting requirement, we may revoke an approved petition or deny subsequent petitions. To avoid

USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants, petitioners and requestors who are responding to certain:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

In addition, USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if:

• The form was filed up to 60 calendar days from the issuance of a

DHS waxay ku dhawaaqdey kordhinta iyo dib u qaabeynta Soomaaliya Xaalada Si kumeel gaadhka ah in loo ilaaliyo

Dib u qaabeynta ayaa u oggolaanaysa Soomaalida u-qalma ee Dheeraadka ah inay Dalbadaan TPS iyo Dhukumentiyada Oggolaanshaha Shaqada

WASHINGTON—Waaxda Amniga Gudaha ayaa maanta daabacday ogeysiiska Diiwaangelinta Federaalka (FRN) oo ku kordhisay isla markaana dib u habeyn ku sameyneysa Xaalada ku meelgaadhka ah ee Ilaalinta Somaaliya (TPS) ilaa 18 bilood, laga bilaabo 18 Sebtember, 2021, illaa 17 Maarso, 2023. Kordhinta iyo dib u qaabeynta Soomaaliya ee TPS waxaa sabab u ah iska horimaadyada hubeysan ee socda iyo xaaladaha aan caadiga ahayn iyo kuwa kumeel gaadhka ah ee ka hor istaagaya muwaadiniinta Soomaaliyeed inay si nabad ah iney ugu soo laabtaan.

Kordh

USCIS Awards FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grants

Nearly $10 Million Will Expand Citizenship Preparation Services in 25 States

Introduction

On Sept. 20, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the award of $10 million in grants to 40 organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization. The grants also aim to promote prospective citizens' integration into American civic life by funding educational programs designed to increase their knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics. Located in 25 states, these organizations will receive federal funding to support citizenship preparation services for LPRs through September 2023.

Background

Since it began in 2009, the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="75c18082-056e-4c9d-945c-68ce87fe9f70" href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/civic-in

Visa Bulletin November 2021 Predictions

For official October 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-october-2021.aspx

Please see November 2021 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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08DEC14	08DEC14	08DEC14	15FEB99	08MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15APR00	01NOV11
F3	08DEC08	08DEC08	08DEC08	08JUN97	15JUN02
F4	08APR07	08APR07	01OCT05	01MAR99	15SEP02

"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	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	15AUG00	15JUL15
F2A	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21
F2B	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	01NOV00	22NOV13
F3	01SEP09	01SEP09	01SEP09	15SEP00	01NOV03
F4	22OCT07	22OCT07	22JAN06	22JUN99	22MAR04

USCIS to Welcome 21,000 New Citizens in Celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day this year by welcoming 21,000 new citizens in 335 naturalization ceremonies across the country between Sept. 17 and 23.

"It is an honor to welcome so many new Americans this Citizenship Day and Constitution Day," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Citizenship Day and Constitution Day are special days at USCIS – an agency where many people come to work every day to help those at home and abroad realize the full meaning of U.S. citizenship. As we take time to reflect on what citizenship means to each of us, let us share in the commitment to invest fully in this country's promise to be a place of hope and possibilities for all."

On Sept. 17, the nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution We

USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Texas Service Center

As part of our credit card payment pilot program, the Texas Service Center is now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for petitioners filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, or when filing Form I-907 to upgrade a pending Form I-140 to premium processing.

At the end of the pilot,

COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examinations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

We are updating our policy guidance in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Aug. 17, 2021 update to the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons. That update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the

DHS Continues Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security has announced the automatic extension of TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. TPS beneficiaries from these six countries will retain their status, provided they continue to meet all the individual requirements for TPS eligibility. The automatic extension of TPS-related documentation includes Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through Dec. 31, 2022.

Eligible individuals whose TPS under the Haiti designation is presently continued by court orders and this notice are strongly encouraged to apply for Haiti TPS under the recently announced <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fec6d7a4-679d-4a3f-b207-91c5926bf7e6" href="https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/dhs-announces-registration-process-for-temporary-protected-status-f

October 2021 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For October 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-october-2021.aspx

Please see below analysis of October 2021 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	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

"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

October 2021 Visa Bulletin

For September 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-september-2021.aspx

For analysis of October 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-analysis-october-2021.aspx

October 2021 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	01DEC14	01DEC14	01DEC14	15JAN99	01MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	15MAR00	22OCT11
F3	22NOV08	22NOV08	22NOV08	15MAY97	08JUN02
F4	22MAR07	22MAR07	15SEP05	08FEB99	22AUG02

"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	15MAY16	15MAY16	15MAY16	01AUG00	22APR15
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	01OCT00	01OCT13
F3	22AUG09	22AUG09	22AUG09	08SEP00	01OCT03
F4	01OCT07	01OCT07	01JAN06	01JUN99	01FEB04

October 2021 Visa Bulletin Special Notes

For the official October 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-october-2021.aspx

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

D. EXPIRATION OF TWO EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES

Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR):

Pursuant to Section 102 of Division I, Title I of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260), the non-minister special immigrant program expires on September 30, 2021. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight September 29, 2021. Visas issued prior to this date will only be issued with a validity date of September 29, 2021, and all individuals seeking admission as a non-minister special immigrant must be admitted (repeat, admitted) into the U.S. no later than midnight September 29, 2021.

The final action date for this category has been listed as "Unavailable" for October.

If there is legislative action extending this category for FY-2022, the final action

USCIS Extends Evidence of Status for Conditional Permanent Residents to 24 Months with Pending Form I-751 or Form I-829

Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. We are making the change from 18 to 24 months to accommodate current processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829, which have increased over the past year.

Conditional permanent residents who properly file Form I-751 or Form I-829 will

USCIS Creates New Webpage for Lockbox Filing Location Updates

We have created a new Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website for customers to keep track of updates we make to lockbox filing locations. You can use this page to easily see which lockbox form filing locations we have updated and when we made the update. We will update this page regularly, but we always encourage you to check the "Where to File" section of your form's webpage for the most current information on where to mail your form.

We periodically adjust filing locations among our lockbox facilities to balance our incoming workload for timely processing.

To receive updates on these lockbox filing location changes, please <a target='_blank' href="https:

DHS Seeks Public Comment on Public Charge Rulemaking

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking data and information from the public that DHS intends to use to develop a public charge regulatory proposal. The purpose of public comment is to ensure that the proposal is fair, consistent with law, and informed by relevant data and evidence. Public comment also will help DHS ensure that the proposed regulation does not impose undue burdens on noncitizens seeking admission to or adjustment of status in the United States.

"It is critical that immigrants, many of whom are essential and frontline workers, can access necessary government services for which they are eligible to keep their families safe and healthy," said Ur M. Jaddou, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "DHS is taking an essential step to implement a fair and rational rule that does not cause fear and confusion among

Visa Bulletin October 2021 Predictions

For official September 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-september-2021.aspx

Please see October 2021 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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08DEC14	08DEC14	08DEC14	15FEB99	08MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15APR00	01NOV11
F3	08DEC08	08DEC08	08DEC08	08JUN97	15JUN02
F4	08APR07	08APR07	01OCT05	01MAR99	15SEP02

"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	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	15AUG00	15JUL15
F2A	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21
F2B	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	01NOV00	22NOV13
F3	01SEP09	01SEP09	01SEP09	15SEP00	01NOV03
F4	22OCT07	22OCT07	22JAN06	22JUN99	22MAR04

Cap Reached for Remaining H-2B Visas for Returning Workers for FY 2021

As of Aug. 13, 2021, USCIS has received enough petitions for returning workers to reach the additional 22,000 H-2B visas made available under the FY 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. We will reject and return any cap-subject petitions for H-2B returning workers received after Aug. 13, together with any accompanying fees.

As previously announced, we began accepting additional

USCIS Reaches Settlement Agreement in “No Blank Space Rejection Policy” Case

Affected filers have until July 20, 2022, to receive an earlier receipt date

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reached a settlement agreement in the case of Vangala et al. v. USCIS et al., No. 4:20-cv-08143(N.D. Ca

DHS and DOJ Publish Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Make Asylum Process More Efficient and Ensure Fairness

WASHINGTON – In a key step toward implementing the Administration's blueprint for a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) are publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend current regulations to improve the processing of asylum claims.  The proposed rule would allow, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officers to hear and decide applications for asylum, withholding of r

USCIS Temporarily Extending Validity Period of Form I-693

Beginning Aug. 12, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to now four years due to COVID-19-related delays in processing.

USCIS may consider a completed Form I-693 as valid if: 

• The civil surgeon's signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• No more th

USCIS Expands Partnership with Social Security Administration

WASHINGTON— USCIS announced today that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Previously, these individuals had to apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security office. USCIS is revising Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card.

"This expansion of our partnership with the Social Security Administration illustrates our commitment to operating our nation's immigration system more efficiently to save applicants time," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and optimizing collaboration across public-serving agencies is a key priority for this agency and the Bi

USCIS Removes Barriers to U.S. Citizenship for Children Born Abroad Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated policy guidance affecting children born outside of the United States and the determination of whether children born through assisted reproductive technology (ART) are considered to have been born "in wedlock." This policy update will allow a non-genetic, non-gestational legal parent of a child to transmit U.S. citizenship to the child if the parent is married to the child's genetic or gestational parent at the time of the child's birth, and the relevant jurisdiction recognizes both parents as the child's legal parents.

"USCIS is taking a crucial step towards ensuring fair access and support for all families and their loved ones," said USCI

Statement from Ur M. Jaddou as New Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

"As a proud American and a daughter of immigrants, I am deeply humbled and honored to return to USCIS as director. I look forward to leading a team of dedicated public servants committed to honoring the aspirations of people like my parents and millions of others who are proud to choose this country as their own. USCIS embodies America's welcoming spirit as a land of opportunity for all and a place where possibilities are realized.

"Since January, USCIS has taken immediate steps to reduce barriers to legal immigration, increase accessibility for immigration benefits, and reinvigorate the size and scope of humanitarian relief. As USCIS director, I will work each and every day to ensure our nation's legal immigration system is managed in a way that honors our heritage as a nation of welcome and as a beacon of hope to the world; reducing unnecessary barriers and supporting our ag

Registration Period Extended to 18 Months for TPS Applicants from Venezuela, Syria and Burma

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) announcing extensions of the registration periods from 180 days to 18 months for initial (new) applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of Venezuela and Burma, and the redesignation of Syria. This notice also provides certain specific corrections to the FRN regarding Venezuela (86 FR 13574).

After reevaluating the 180-day registration periods for initial TPS applicants announced for the de

September 2021 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For September 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-september-2021.aspx

Please see below analysis of September 2021 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	+9 Days	+9 Days	+9 Days	+14 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	+14 Days	+14 Days	+14 Days	+23 Days	No Change
F4	+21 Days	+21 Days	+14 Days	+17 Days	+14 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	+1 Month 24 Days	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+1 Month	+24 Days	No Change

September 2021 Visa Bulletin

For August 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-august-2021.aspx

For analysis of September 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-analysis-september-2021.aspx

September 2021 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	01DEC14	01DEC14	01DEC14	15JAN99	01MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	15MAR00	22OCT11
F3	22NOV08	22NOV08	22NOV08	15MAY97	08JUN02
F4	22MAR07	22MAR07	15SEP05	08FEB99	22AUG02

"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	15MAY16	15MAY16	15MAY16	01AUG00	22APR15
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	01OCT00	01OCT13
F3	22AUG09	22AUG09	22AUG09	08SEP00	01OCT03
F4	01OCT07	01OCT07	01JAN06	01JUN99	01FEB04

September 2021 Visa Bulletin Special Notes

For the official September 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-september-2021.aspx

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

D. EXPIRATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIFTH PREFERENCE I5 and R5 REGIONAL CENTER VISA CATEGORIES

Division O, Title 1, Section 104 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the immigrant investor pilot program until June 30, 2021. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas or final action taken on adjustment of status cases after June 30, 2021.

The final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories have been listed as "Unavailable" for September.

If there is legislative action extending this category for September, the final action dates would immediately become "Current" for September for all countries except China-mainland born I5 and R5, which would be subject to a November 22, 2015 final action date.

E. DETERMINATION OF THE NUMERICAL LIMITS ON IMMIGRANTS REQUIRED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALI

New USCIS Asylum Office to Open in Tampa on Aug. 2

Office will adjudicate asylum claims from Florida residents

TAMPA, Florida—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open a new asylum office in Tampa on Aug. 2, in response to an increasing asylum workload in Florida. The new office becomes the 11th asylum office in the country and the second in Florida, joining the existing Miami Asylum Office. The Tampa and Miami asylum offices will divide the state's  asylum workload.  

Florida currently leads the country in asylum applications filed with USCIS, and more than a quarter of the national pending caseload is from Florida residents. The addition of the Tampa Asylum Office will help USCIS resolve urgent cases quickly and better address the large number of asylum applications pending with USCIS in the state. 

USCI

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Designation Allows Eligible Haitians Who Resided in the U.S. as of July 29 to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents 

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice that provides information about how to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced this 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS on May 22. 

The registration process will open next week when the FRN is publi

USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations

In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Per regulation, we use historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors to calculate the number of registrations needed to meet the H-1B cap for a given fiscal year. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2022 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations for FY 2022 was from April 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021.

We recently determ

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the wildfires in the western United States and the recent building collapse in Surfside, Florida.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay 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 f

Employers May File H-2B Petitions for Returning Workers for FY 2021

USCIS is announcing today that employers may file H-2B petitions for returning workers under the FY 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. Employers may take this action if they are likely to suffer irreparable harm without these additional workers. A petitioner must file a new Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, together with an approved and valid temporary labor certification that states an employment start date for the second half of the fiscal

Filing Location Updates for Certain Forms I-131

On July 22, we adjusted the addresses for certain applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. We have not changed any filing locations but have refined attention lines and ZIP codes to improve internal processes at our lockboxes. This address update affects:

• Applicants with a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, who are filing Form I-131 alone with a Form I-485 receipt notice;
• Haitian family members filing for advance parole under the Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) program;</

TPS Applicants from Five Designated Countries Can Now File Initial Applications Online

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants who are eligible nationals of Burma, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela or Yemen, or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in one of those countries, can now file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online, if they are applying for TPS for the first time.

"USCIS is using innovation and technology to meet the needs of applicants, petitioners and employees," said USCIS Acting Director Tracy L. Renaud. "Regardless of the paper or electronic format of an application or petition, USCIS is committed to ensuring a secure and efficient pr

DHS Announces Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Somalis To Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents 

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) extending and redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from Sept. 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023.  Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas made the decision to extend and redesignate Somalia for TPS after consultation with interagency partners and careful consideration of the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Soma

USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Form I-140 When Requesting Premium Processing

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has expanded a previously announced pilot program at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for certain applicants applying for premium processing.

On July 19, the NSC started accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450 for petitioners filing <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-t

Applicants for Change of Status to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications to ‘Bridge the Gap’

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.

Under the previous policy, applicants needed to maintain status up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20, Certificate for Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which required them to file extensions, or an initial COS and subsequent extensions ensuring that they would not have a "gap" in status.

To prevent a "gap" in status, USCIS will grant the change of status to F-1 effective the day we approve an applicant's <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="debc7fed-381c-404a-9ea1-4997363cdefb" href="https://www.usci

Visa Bulletin September 2021 Predictions

For official August 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-august-2021.aspx

Please see September 2021 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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22JAN15	22JAN15	22JAN15	01FEB99	08MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	01APR00	01NOV11
F3	22NOV08	22NOV08	22NOV08	15MAY97	15JUN02
F4	15MAR07	15MAR07	15SEP05	08FEB99	01SEP02

"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	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	15AUG00	15JUL15
F2A	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21
F2B	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	01SEP00	22NOV13
F3	01SEP09	01SEP09	01SEP09	15SEP00	01NOV03
F4	22OCT07	22OCT07	22DEC05	01JUN99	22MAR04

Statement from USCIS Acting Director Tracy Renaud on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Court Decision

"Pursuant to the July 16, 2021 Order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Texas v. United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is enjoined from granting initial DACA requests. 

All individuals whose DACA requests were granted prior to this decision will continue to have and be eligible to renew DACA, and to request and receive advance parole, consistent with the court's order. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide additional specific operational guidance in the coming days.

USCIS is proud to play an important role in implementing DACA. DACA recipients are students, military service members, essential workers, and part of our communities in every way, shape, and form. USCIS will comply with the court order, continue to implement the components of DACA that remain in place, and work on publ

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Re-Designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

Extension and Re-Designation Allows Additional Eligible Somalis to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON—Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  This extension and re-designation will be in effect from September 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023.

"Through the extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status, the United States will be able to offer safety and protection to Somalis who may not be able to return to their country, due to ongoing conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis," said Secretary Mayorkas.  "We will continue to offer our support to Somali nationals through this temporary form of humanitarian relief."

Secretary Mayorkas made this dec

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending and Re-Designating Yemen for Temporary Protected Status

Re-Designation Allows Additional Eligible Yemenis to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) extending and re-designating Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from Sept. 4, 2021, through March 3, 2023. The extension and re-designation of Yemen for TPS is due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Yemeni nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) from safely returning.

The extension of TPS for Yemen allows approximately 1,700 current beneficiaries to r

August 2021 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For August 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-august-2021.aspx

Please see below analysis of August 2021 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	+7 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days	+3 Months	+8 Days
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	+7 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days	+1 Month	+7 Days
F3	+7 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	No Change
F4	+21 Days	+21 Days	+17 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 16 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

August 2021 Visa Bulletin

For July 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-july-2021.aspx

For analysis of August 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-analysis-august-2021.aspx

August 2021 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from August 1 to August 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	22NOV14	22NOV14	22NOV14	01JAN99	01MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01MAR00	22OCT11
F3	08NOV08	08NOV08	08NOV08	22APR97	08JUN02
F4	01MAR07	01MAR07	01SEP05	22JAN99	08AUG02

"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	15MAY16	15MAY16	15MAY16	01AUG00	22APR15
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	08AUG00	01OCT13
F3	22AUG09	22AUG09	22AUG09	08SEP00	01OCT03
F4	01OCT07	01OCT07	01DEC05	08MAY99	01FEB04

August 2021 Visa Bulletin Special Notes

For the official August 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-august-2021.aspx

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

D. EXPIRATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIFTH PREFERENCE I5 and R5 REGIONAL CENTER VISA CATEGORIES

Division O, Title 1, Section 104 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the immigrant investor pilot program until June 30, 2021. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas or final action taken on adjustment of status cases after June 30, 2021.

The final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories have been listed as "Unavailable" for August.

If there is legislative action extending this category for August, the final action dates would immediately become "Current" for August for all countries except China-mainland born I5 and R5, which would be subject to a November 15, 2015 final action date.

E. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE VI

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Re-Designation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status

Extension and Re-Designation Allows Additional Eligible Yemenis to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This extension and re-designation will be in effect from Sep. 4, 2021, through March 3, 2023.

"Yemen continues to experience worsening humanitarian and economic conditions that prevent individuals from safely returning to their homes," said Secretary Mayorkas. "Therefore, I have decided to extend and re-designate Yemen for Temporary Protected Status. We will continue to protect and offer these individuals a place of residency temporarily in the United States."

Secretary Mayorkas made this decision to extend and re-desig

DHS releases Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization (PDF, 3.77 MB), a whole-of-government approach to breaking down barriers to U.S. citizenship and promoting naturalization to all who are eligible, as outlined in <a target='_blank' href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-a

USCIS Naturalization Policies Issued Since January 2021

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to making the naturalization process both welcoming and accessible to all who are eligible. As part of that effort, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued the following naturalization policies designed to support implementation of this Executive Order:

<a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20210222-Ci

USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day with Naturalization Ceremonies Across the Country

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 9,400 new citizens in 170 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies demonstrate our commitment to welcoming immigrants. USCIS is proud to welcome people from all over the world as our newest U.S. citizens during this celebration of Independence Day. 

"This year marks the 245th birthday of our Nation," said Acting USCIS Director Tracy Renaud. "We are committed to promoting policies and procedures that ensure we operate fairly and efficiently, and continue to encourage and embrace the full participation of the newest Americans in our democracy."  

<p paraeid="{7f94a667-

USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants, petitioners and requestors who are responding to certain:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

In addition, USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if:

• The form was filed up to 60 calendar days from the issuance of a

USCIS Will Allow Resubmission of Certain FY 2021 H-1B Petitions Rejected or Closed Due to Start Date

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today it will accept resubmitted fiscal year (FY) 2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after Oct. 1, 2020.

If your FY 2021 petition was rejected or administratively closed solely because your petition was based on a registration submitted during the initial registration period, but you requested a start date after Oct. 1, 2020, you may re-submit that previously filed petition, with all applicable fees, at the address below. Such petitions must be resubmitted before Oct. 1, 2021. If properly resubmitted, we will consider the petition to have been filed on the original receipt date.

USPS	FedEx, UPS, and DHL Deliveries	Forms I-129/I-907 Premi

USCIS Launches H-2B Employer Data Hub

USCIS has launched an H-2B Employer Data Hub to provide information to the public on employers or agents petitioning for H-2B workers. The data hub is part of our continued effort to increase transparency in employment-based visa programs, and allows the public to search for H-2B petitioners by cap fiscal year (back to FY 2015), employer (petitioner) name, city, state, ZIP code, worksite state, cap type, North American Industry Classification System code, and Standard

Statement from USCIS Acting Director Tracy L. Renaud on World Refugee Day June 20, 2021

On Sunday, June 20, we observe World Refugee Day. Every year, this day draws attention to the plight of refugees across the globe. At U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the occasion is particularly meaningful.

Since 1980, the United States has resettled more than 3 million refugees who were forced to flee their homeland. USCIS plays a critical role in helping the U.S. government fulfill its humanitarian obligations by adjudicating refugee claims overseas and offering compassion to the displaced and persecuted.

This year, USCIS commemorates the 16th anniversary of our agency's refugee corps. Now, more than ever, this corps exemplifies the belief that generosity is a sign of American strength, and that when we offer refuge to those in need of protection, we are living up to our nation's highest ideals.

In the first days of his Administration, President Bi

USCIS Clarifies Evidence Requirements Under Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding eligibility for adjustment of status under Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF). The updated guidance clarifies what evidence an applicant may submit to establish Liberian nationality when applying for adjustment of status under LRIF.

The updated guidance includes examples of secondary evidence that could support an applicant's claim of Liberian nationality, as part of the totality of the evidence. These examples include, but are not limited to, expired Liberian passports, baptismal records or other religious documents, school records, and medical records. USCIS will evaluate all evidence an applicant provides, including the applicant's testimony during an interview, to evaluate their eligibility for adjustment of status

U

Statement from USCIS Acting Director Tracy Renaud on Today’s DOJ Asylum Decisions

"We applaud the attorney general's decisions today vacating two prior decisions that limited asylum eligibility for individuals fleeing violence perpetrated by domestic partners or on account of familial relationships in their home countries. We have advised our officers to no longer rely on the vacated decisions and are working to swiftly provide specific, comprehensive guidance to our workforce to align our policies with these decisions.

USCIS Extends Transitional Parole for CNMI Long-Term Resident Status Applicants

USCIS announced today that it will automatically extend parole and employment authorization, if applicable, for parolees who timely applied for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term resident status.

This specific extension of parole applies only to current parolees who timely filed Form I-955, Application for CNMI Long-Term Resident Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and whose applications remain pending on June 30, 2021. USCIS will automatically extend their parole (and employment authorization, if applicable)

Visa Bulletin August 2021 Predictions

For official July 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-july-2021.aspx

Please see August 2021 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	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	22NOV14	22NOV14	22NOV14	01NOV98	08MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01MAR00	01NOV11
F3	15NOV08	15NOV08	15NOV08	01APR97	01JUL02
F4	22FEB07	22FEB07	01SEP05	01JAN99	15JUL02

"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	15JUN16	15JUN16	15JUN16	15AUG00	01AUG15
F2A	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21	01JUL21
F2B	08OCT16	08OCT16	08OCT16	01SEP00	01DEC13
F3	01SEP09	01SEP09	01SEP09	15SEP00	08NOV03
F4	22OCT07	22OCT07	22DEC05	01JUN99	01APR04

Statement from USCIS Acting Director Tracy Renaud in Honor of Immigrant Heritage Month

"June marks the seventh annual celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, which honors the individual and collective contributions made by immigrants in communities across the United States.

In keeping with President Biden's Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, we are working to rebuild confidence in our lawful immigration system and promote the benefits and privileges of citizenship to those who may be eligible.

At USCIS, our mission is to administer our nation's legal immigration system fairly, humanely and in a way that honors wh

Vermont Service Center Address Change

ALERT: The new addresses listed below will not be in effect until June 25, 2021. Please continue to use the St. Albans addresses in the below chart under "Previous Address" through June 24, 2021.

Effective June 14, 2021, the Vermont Service Center will no longer receive any incoming mail at the St. Albans, VT facility, which is being decommissioned.

Mail sent to the previous addresses will be forwarded for one year, but any mail sent to the previous addresses after June 2022 may be returned to the sender by the United States Postal Service or the courier service used.

Please refer to the chart below for the updated addresses.

Mail	<

USCIS Announces Lockbox Filing Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will offer filing flexibilities to provide relief to certain applicants and petitioners impacted by delays at a USCIS lockbox. These flexibilities only apply to benefit requests submitted to a USCIS lockbox and not to USCIS service centers or field offices.

The following temporary flexibilities are effective for 60 days from June 10 until Aug. 9, 2021:

• If you submitted a benefit request to a USCIS lockbox between Oct. 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, and that request was rejected during that timeframe solely due to a filing fee payment that expired while the benefit request was awaiting processing, you may resubmit the request with a new fee payment. If USCIS concurs that it has rejected the benefit request because of the delay, USCIS will deem the request to have been received on the initial filing date it was first received a

USCIS Updates Policies to Improve Immigration Services

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued new policy updates in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the criteria and circumstances for expedited processing; improve request for evidence (RFE) and notice of intent to deny (NOID) guidance; and increase the validity period for initial and renewal employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens with pending adjustment of status applications.

"We are taking action to eliminate policies that fail to promote access to the legal immigration system, and will continue to make improvements that help individuals navigate the path to citizenship, and that modernize our immigration system," said Secretary of Homeland Secu

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for FY 2021

Under the recently announced H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule, USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 16,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers only. We continue to accept petitions for H-2B nonimmigrant workers for the additional 6,000 visas allotted for nationals of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador (collectively called the Northern Triangle).

We began accepting H-2B petitions on May 25 under the temporary final rule increasing the cap by up to 22,000 additional H-2B nonimmigrant visas through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2021. Of the 22,000 additional visas, 1

July 2021 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For July 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-july-2021.aspx

Please see below analysis of July 2021 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	+5 Months	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	+24 Days	+24 Days	+24 Days	+4 Months 23 Days	No Change
F3	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	+3 Months 23 Days	No Change
F4	+2 Months	+2 Months	+3 Months 7 Days	+3 Months 14 Days	+14 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	+2 Months 14 Days	+2 Months 14 Days	+2 Months 14 Days	+2 Months 17 Days	+11 Months 7 Days
F2A	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month
F2B	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	No Change	+2 Months
F3	+21 Days	+21 Days	+21 Days	No Change	+1 Month 24 Days
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Months 24 Days

July 2021 Visa Bulletin

For June 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-june-2021.aspx

For analysis of July 2021 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-analysis-july-2021.aspx

July 2021 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from July 1 to July 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	15NOV14	15NOV14	15NOV14	01OCT98	22FEB12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	15SEP15	15SEP15	15SEP15	01FEB00	15OCT11
F3	01NOV08	01NOV08	01NOV08	08MAR97	08JUN02
F4	08FEB07	08FEB07	15AUG05	15DEC98	22JUN02

"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	15MAY16	15MAY16	15MAY16	01AUG00	22APR15
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	08AUG00	01OCT13
F3	22AUG09	22AUG09	22AUG09	08SEP00	01OCT03
F4	01OCT07	01OCT07	01DEC05	08MAY99	01FEB04

July 2021 Visa Bulletin Special Notes

For the official July 2021 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-july-2021.aspx

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

D. SCHEDULED EXPIRATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIFTH PREFERENCE I5 and R5 REGIONAL CENTER VISA CATEGORIES

Employment Fifth Preference Categories (I5 and R5):

Division O, Title 1, Section 104 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended this immigrant investor pilot program until June 30, 2021. The I5 and R5 visas may be issued until close of business on June 30, 2021 and may be issued for the full validity period. No I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after June 30, 2021.

Since there has been no legislative action at this time, the final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories have been listed as "Unavailable" for July.

If there is legislative action extending this category for July, the final action dates would immediately become "Current" for July for all countries except

USCIS Announces Pilot Program for Credit Card Payments Using Form G-1450 When Filing Form I-485

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a pilot program for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for U nonimmigrants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The pilot program began on May 3 at the Nebraska Service Center and will be limited to this location. The service center started accepting credit card payments from certain Form I-485 applicants using Form G-1450. Applicants must be U nonimmigrants (victims of criminal activity). At the end of the pilot, USCIS will evaluate the results and determine the next steps for possibly expanding this payment option for other forms or other service centers.

For more information, please see our <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="91692def-24c5-403b-ac0d-7c11b4a70e85"