USCIS Revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

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

The new edition of Form I-485 features these major changes:

• Requires applicants who need to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, or a partial Form I-693 (such as a vaccination record), to submit the Form I-693 or partial Form I-693 with their Form I-485.  If the applicant does not submit the Form I-693 with Form I-485 when it is required, the F

USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap

USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.

We will send non-selection notices to registrants through their online accounts over the next few days. When we finish sending these non-selection notifications, the status for properly submitted registrations that we did not select for the FY 2025 H-1B numerical allocations will show:

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January 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For January 2025 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-january-2025.aspx

Please see below analysis of January 2025 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	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	+7 Days
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Month	No Change
F2B	+21 Days	+21 Days	+21 Days	No Change	No Change
F3	+2 Months 16 Days	+2 Months 16 Days	+2 Months 16 Days	+1 Month	+2 Months
F4	No Change	No Change	+1 Month	No Change	+3 Months

"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	+3 Months	No Change
F3	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+14 Days	No Change	+5 Months 10 Days

January 2025 Visa Bulletin

For December 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-december-2024.aspx

For analysis of January 2025 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-analysis-january-2025.aspx

January 2025 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	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV04	08MAR12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	01JUL05	22OCT11
F3	01JUL10	01JUL10	01JUL10	22NOV00	08NOV02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	08APR06	01MAR01	01MAY04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01OCT05	22APR15
F2A	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01OCT06	01OCT13
F3	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	08MAY04
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15AUG06	30APR01	01JAN08

USCIS Now Requires Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record to be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants

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

Applicants for adjustment of status generally must complete an immigration medical examination and all required vaccinations and submit a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon to show they are free from health conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds.

If you are required to submit Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693 (such as the Vaccination Record), you must submit it with your Form I-485. Otherwise, we may reject your Form I-485. We have r

DHS, DOL Make Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas Available for Fiscal Year 2025

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary final rule (TFR) making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025. These supplemental visas are aimed at helping U.S. employers who are unable to find U.S. workers who are available, willing, and qualified to do the temporary work in industries such as hospitality and tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and many other sectors. DHS, in coordination with DOL, has authorized supplemental cap numbers in FY 2017, FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2021, FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024 in accordance with the time-limited statutory authority granted for each of those fiscal years by Congress.

"There are employers across the country that would suffer greatly without H-2B workers. Authorizing these supplemental visas

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status

Eligible Lebanese Nationals May Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced on Oct. 17, 2024, the designation of Lebanon for TPS. The corresponding FRN provides information about how to register for TPS under this designation.

The designation of Lebanon for TPS allows an estimated 11,000 Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no

USCIS Updates Guidance on Determining Custody for Children Acquiring U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration and Services is issuing guidance regarding the legal and physical custody requirements for purposes of acquisition of U.S. citizenship under section 320 and naturalization under section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). We are also expanding guidance on derivation of citizenship before the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, under former INA section 321.

The update clarifies and expands the current guidance on determining legal and physical custody of children of U.S. citizens for acquisition of citizenship purposes. Specifically, the updated guidance:

• Expands guidance on when USCIS considers a child to be in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen parent, clarifies the effect of a nunc pro tunc (retroactive) correction of a custody order, and clarifies when USCIS may recognize private custody agreements;
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DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (State), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the next 12 months. The notice listing the eligible countries was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 8, 2024.

Effective Nov. 8, 2024, the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has decided to:

• Add Belize to the list of countries eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs.
• Not remove any country previously designated to be eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs.

DHS,

Visa Bulletin January 2025 Predictions

For official December 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-december-2024.aspx

Please see January 2025 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	22MAR05	22APR12
F2A	15MAR22	15MAR22	15MAR22	01JUN21	15MAR22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	01SEP05	01DEC11
F3	15MAY10	15MAY10	15MAY10	01JAN01	15SEP02
F4	22AUG07	22AUG07	15MAR06	15MAR01	15MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15OCT05	08JUN15
F2A	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	01SEP06	08NOV13
F3	01JUL12	01JUL12	01JUL12	22JUN01	22MAY04
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	15AUG06	22MAY01	08NOV07

DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025

Increase Will Help Address the Need for Seasonal Workers and Reduce Irregular Migration

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year. These additional H-2B visas represent the maximum permitted under the authority provided by Congress and are identical to the additional temporary visas provided in FY 2024. DHS, in coordination with DOL, has authorized supplemental cap numbers in FY 2017, FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2021, FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024 in accordance with the time-limited statutory authority granted for each of those fiscal yea

USCIS Updates Guidance on Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence Requirement for Naturalization

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

USCIS is updating Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 2 in the Policy Manual to clarify that an applicant for naturalization must show that they have been lawfully admitted to the U

Immigration Medical Examination Documentation Will Be Valid Indefinitely for Certain Afghan Nationals

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3, to reflect that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely. This means that Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during OAW and meet certain conditions will not have to repeat an immigration medical examination when they apply to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (also known as getting a Green Card).

This updated guidance is effective immediately and applies to any <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-485" data-entity-typ

December 2024 Visa Bulletin

For November 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-november-2024.aspx

For analysis of December 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-december-2024.aspx

December 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	22NOV04	01MAR12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15APR21	01JAN22
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	01JUL05	22OCT11
F3	15APR10	15APR10	15APR10	22OCT00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	08MAR06	01MAR01	01FEB04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01OCT05	22APR15
F2A	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JUL06	01OCT13
F3	22APR12	22APR12	22APR12	15JUN01	08MAY04
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	01AUG06	30APR01	22JUL07

December 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For December 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-december-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of December 2024 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

USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa

We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for "T" Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule. This rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024.

T nonimmigra

DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

Certain Lebanese nationals will be eligible for DED and TPS, allowing them to work and temporarily remain in the United States

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allowing them the opportunity to request work authorization. Included in today's announcement are details related to the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals as previously announced in July, and a planned new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon.

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas is announcing a new TPS designation for Lebanon for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and te

USCIS Updates Guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule

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

The updated guidance reflects the International Entrepreneur Program: Fiscal Year 2025 Automatic Increase of Investment and Revenue Amount Requirements Final Rule published in July of this year. The final rule codifies the automatic adjustment

USCIS Issues New Guidance on EB-1 Eligibility Criteria for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

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

This policy guidance:

• Confirms that we consider a person's receipt of team awards under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
• Clarifies that we consider past memberships under the membership criterion;
• Removes language suggesting published material must demonstrate the value of the person's work and contributions to satisfy the published material criterion; and
• Explains that while the dictionary defines an "exhibition" as a public showing not limited to art, the relevant regulation expressly modifies that term with "ar

USCIS Makes Additional Updates to Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act

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

The updated guidance:

• Clarifies that the CSPA age calculation of an applicant who established extraordinary circumstances and is excused from the "sought to acquire" re

Visa Bulletin December 2024 Predictions

For official November 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-november-2024.aspx

Please see December 2024 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	22MAR05	22APR12
F2A	08APR22	08APR22	08APR22	01JUL21	08APR22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	15OCT05	01DEC11
F3	01JUN10	01JUN10	01JUN10	15JAN01	15SEP02
F4	08AUG07	08AUG07	22MAR06	15MAR01	22MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15OCT05	08JUN15
F2A	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	01SEP06	08NOV13
F3	01JUL12	01JUL12	01JUL12	22JUN01	22MAY04
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	15AUG06	22MAY01	08NOV07

Guidance on Paying Fees and Completing Information for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

Be sure to provide the correct payment and complete information when filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. Since publishing both a new edition of this form and a new fee rule in April 2024, we have had to reject an unusually high number of Form I-140 petitions at intake because of incorrect fees and missing information. 

When you file Form I-140, provide a payment with your petition for the full $600 Asylum Program Fee, unless you qualify for a reduced Asylum Program Fee of either $300 or $0. If you do not provide the correct Asylum Program Fee, in addition to the $715 filing fee, we may reject your f

November 2024 Visa Bulletin

For October 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-october-2024.aspx

For analysis of November 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-november-2024.aspx

November 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	22NOV04	01MAR12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15APR21	01JAN22
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	01JUL05	22OCT11
F3	15APR10	15APR10	15APR10	22OCT00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	08MAR06	01MAR01	01FEB04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01OCT05	22APR15
F2A	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JUL06	01OCT13
F3	22APR12	22APR12	22APR12	15JUN01	08MAY04
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	01AUG06	30APR01	22JUL07

November 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For November 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-november-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of November 2024 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	+1 Year 10 Months 21 Days	No Change
F2A	+1 Month 9 Days	+1 Month 9 Days	+1 Month 9 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 9 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Months 17 Days	No Change
F3	+14 Days	+14 Days	+14 Days	+2 Months	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+7 Days	+7 Days	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	+11 Months	No Change
F3	+9 Months 21 Days	+9 Months 21 Days	+9 Months 21 Days	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 16 Days	No Change	+11 Months 21 Days

USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Procedures for Liberians Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure

Eligible Liberians can now apply for an EAD valid through June 30, 2026

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

President Joe Biden issued a <a target='_blank' href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-relea

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of Fiscal Year 2025

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

We are still accepting H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap, including:

• 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 services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and/or

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Green Card Renewals

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

Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a Green Card. 

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months from the expiration

Visa Bulletin November 2024 Predictions

For official October 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-october-2024.aspx

Please see November 2024 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	22FEB03	22APR12
F2A	22FEB22	22FEB22	22FEB22	15MAY21	22FEB22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	15APR05	01DEC11
F3	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY10	08NOV00	15SEP02
F4	08AUG07	08AUG07	15MAR06	08MAR01	22MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15OCT05	08JUN15
F2A	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24	15AUG24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	01SEP05	08NOV13
F3	15AUG11	15AUG11	15AUG11	22JUN01	22MAY04
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	22MAY01	15OCT06

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

WASHINGTON — On Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (Sept. 17 to 23). The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and an observance that began in 1940 as "I Am an American Day." Citizenship Day began in 1952, signed into law by President Harry Truman and, in 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the first Constitution Week.

"We continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect, and Constitution Week provides the opportunity to highlight this mission," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "We are committed to removing barriers to immigration benefits and ensuring that

California Service Center Relocates

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

The new address is:

USCIS California Service Center
2642 Michelle Drive
Tustin, CA 92780

The CSC has three new P.O. boxes to intake U.S. Postal Service mail while UPS, FedEx, DHL, and all other commercial carrier mail will go to CSC's new facility address. Individuals should refer to form filing address and contact pages on uscis.gov in the coming days to find the specific address information depending on the form or correspondence type being submitted.

The previous mailing address for the CSC was WS 13057 P.O. Box 10751, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1075. We will continue to accept mail at this address until Sept. 30, 2024. After Sept 30, there will be a two-week grace period, dur

October 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For October 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-october-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of October 2024 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	+7 Months 24 Days	No Change
F2A	+7 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+7 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Months 21 Days	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 10 Days	+14 Days	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	+6 Months	No Change
F2A	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+3 Months	No Change
F3	+6 Months	+6 Months	+6 Months	No Change	+6 Months
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+4 Months

October 2024 Visa Bulletin

For September 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-september-2024.aspx

For analysis of October 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-october-2024.aspx

October 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	01JAN03	01MAR12
F2A	22NOV21	22NOV21	22NOV21	08MAR21	22NOV21
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	15JAN05	22OCT11
F3	01APR10	01APR10	01APR10	22AUG00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	01MAR06	22FEB01	01FEB04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01OCT05	22APR15
F2A	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24	15JUL24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG05	01OCT13
F3	01JUL11	01JUL11	01JUL11	15JUN01	08MAY04
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	30APR01	01AUG06

USCIS to Open International Field Office in Quito, Ecuador

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

"Opening the Quito Field Office expands USCIS' international presence and expertise in a critical location and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to facilitate safe and orderly lawful pathways and meet our humanitarian mission," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "USCIS is dedicated to fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve, and our presence in Ecuador is part of an effort to expand USCIS' footprint outside the United States to more effe

USCIS Updates Guidance for F/M Nonimmigrant Student Classification

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This guidance, found in Volume 2, Part F, of the Policy Manual, also provides clarifying guidance for F/M nonimmigrant students concerning online study, school transfers, the grace period, and study abroad.

The Policy Manual update:

• Clarifies that students may count one class or three credits (or the equivalent) per academic session (or the equivalent) toward a full course of study if they take the class online or through distance learning not requiring physical atte

DHS Implements Keeping Families Together

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today announced a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. This is part of an effort to promote the unity and stability of families, increase the economic prosperity of American communities, strengthen diplomatic relationships with partner countries in the region, reduce strain on limited U.S. government resources, and further national security, public safety, and border security objectives.

"Too often, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens – many of them mothers and fathers – live with uncertainty due to undue barriers in our immigration system." said Ur M. Jaddou, Director of U.S. Citiz

USCIS Publishes Filing Guide for Keeping Families Together

On Aug. 19, USCIS will begin accepting requests for, using a new electronic form, Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. Form I-131F will not be available on uscis.gov until Aug. 19. USCIS is not accepting any other form for Keeping Families Together. Do not file a request for parole in place under this process before Aug. 19, 2024.

We are publishing a 

Visa Bulletin October 2024 Predictions

For official September 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-september-2024.aspx

Please see October 2024 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	08JUN02	22APR12
F2A	15FEB22	15FEB22	15FEB22	08APR21	15FEB22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	08OCT04	01DEC11
F3	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY00	15SEP02
F4	08AUG07	08AUG07	01FEB06	22FEB01	22MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15APR05	08JUN15
F2A	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22MAY05	08NOV13
F3	01FEB11	01FEB11	01FEB11	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	22MAY01	01JUN06

California Service Center Moving to New Address August 12

On Aug. 12, the California Service Center will move to a new address. The new facility will help streamline processes by concentrating operations in the new location. The California Service Center will continue to provide prompt and efficient service in processing requests for immigration benefits. The updated address for the California Service Center will be:

California Service Center
2642 Michelle Drive 
Tustin, CA 92780 

Please refer to form filing address pages on uscis.gov to find the specific address information, including suite numbers, you should use depending on which form you are submitting. As a reminder, service cent

Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2025 H-1B Regular Cap

USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B regular cap numerical allocation. Our projections indicate we have now randomly selected a sufficient number of registrations for unique beneficiaries as needed to reach the regular cap from the remaining properly submitted FY 2025 registrations. Additionally, we have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected

USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection for Regular Cap from Previously Submitted FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registrations

In March, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2025 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions during the filing period on their registration selection notice. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations for FY 2025 was from April 1 through June 30, 2024.

We recently determined that we would need to select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach th

September 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For September 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-september-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of September 2024 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

September 2024 Visa Bulletin

For August 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-august-2024.aspx

For analysis of September 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-september-2024.aspx

September 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	08MAY02	01MAR12
F2A	15NOV21	15NOV21	15NOV21	01FEB21	15NOV21
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	15JUL04	22OCT11
F3	01APR10	01APR10	01APR10	01MAR00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	22JAN06	08FEB01	01FEB04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01MAY05	01OCT13
F3	01JAN11	01JAN11	01JAN11	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	30APR01	01APR06

USCIS to Begin Triennial Investment and Revenue Threshold Updates for International Entrepreneur Rule

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

Background

The International Entrepreneur Rule, published in 2017, provides a framework for the Department of Homeland Security to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to noncitizen entrepreneurs who would provide a significant public benefit through their startup entity's potential for rapid growth and job creation. If granted parole, the entrepreneur would be authorized to work for their startup entity incident to their parole, and their spouse, if also granted parole, would be eligible to apply for employment authorization to work in the United States. We recently updated our <a target='_blank' href="https:/

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

Redesignation Allows Additional Newly Eligible Somali Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

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

After consulting interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS is warranted because conditions, which include ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, that support Somalia's designation are ongoing. Those conditions include widespread insecurity and violence that have exposed civilian populations to abuse and displacement.

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Children’s Acquisition of Citizenship

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

We are updating guidance relating to children's acquisition of citizenship in response to public feedback. We are also updating guidance based on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sessions v. Morales-Santana, 582 U.S. 47 (2017), and clarifying other provisions related to acquisition of citizenship.

The guidance:

• Affirms that applicants who already filed an application for a Certificate of Citizenship and were denied, but become eligible following a change in USCIS policy, may file a motion to reopen the prior USCIS denial of their application.
• Clari

Reminders on the Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families

On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process. This announcement is consistent with the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to keep families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade. If parole is granted, noncitizens who are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen will be able to do so without having to leave the United States. 
<br

Visa Bulletin September 2024 Predictions

For official August 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-august-2024.aspx

Please see September 2024 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	08JUN02	22APR12
F2A	22MAR22	22MAR22	22MAR22	01JUL21	22MAR22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	22OCT04	01DEC11
F3	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY00	15SEP02
F4	08AUG07	08AUG07	01FEB06	22FEB01	22MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15APR05	08JUN15
F2A	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24	08JUL24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22MAY05	08NOV13
F3	01FEB11	01FEB11	01FEB11	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	22MAY01	01JUN06

New Policy Guidance on Noncompliance with EB-5 Regional Center Program

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

The guidance interprets the provisions related to sanctions, including terminations, debarments, and suspensions, for noncompliant regional centers, new commercial enterprises, job-creating entities, investors, and others. The guidance also explains what may be considered threats to the national interest, fraud, intentional material misrepresentation, deceit, and criminal misuse in the context of discreti

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

Alert Type info

News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

USCIS Updates Customer Service and Safe Address Procedures for Individuals Protected Under Confidentiality Provisions

We have implemented provisions in the USCIS Policy Manual that provide guidance on customer service and safe address procedures for individuals protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367. The confidentiality provisions at 8 U.S.C. 1367 protect information about individuals who have pending or approved victim-based immigration relief, specifically relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), such as Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions and Form I-751 waivers based on battery or extreme cruelty, T nonimmigrant status applications or U nonimmigrant status petitions, and their derivat

August 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For August 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-august-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of August 2024 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	+7 Days	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	+7 Months 14 Days	+7 Months 14 Days	+7 Months 14 Days	+7 Months 14 Days	+7 Months 14 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	+2 Days	No Change

August 2024 Visa Bulletin

For July 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-july-2024.aspx

For analysis of August 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-analysis-august-2024.aspx

August 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	08MAY02	01MAR12
F2A	15NOV21	15NOV21	15NOV21	01FEB21	15NOV21
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	15JUL04	22OCT11
F3	01APR10	01APR10	01APR10	01MAR00	08SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	22JAN06	08FEB01	01FEB04

"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	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24	15JUN24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01MAY05	01OCT13
F3	01JAN11	01JAN11	01JAN11	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	30APR01	01APR06

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

Alert Type info

News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security.

USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2024 and Continues Its Commitment to Naturalization

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming approximately 11,000 new citizens in more than 195 naturalization ceremonies between June 28 and July 5. These ceremonies demonstrate our government's commitment to welcoming immigrants and promoting the benefits of U.S. citizenship for all who are eligible. In fiscal year 2023, USCIS welcomed 878,500 new U.S. citizens. So far in FY 2024, USCIS has welcomed 589,400 new citizens and made significant progress in reducing our naturalization pending queues. 

"At USCIS we are privileged to administer the Oath of Allegiance to thousands of new citizens during the Independence Day holiday," said USCIS Director Ur M. Ja

USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Documents under Temporary Protected Status Designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan

We are extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through March 9, 2025. We will send a Form I-797, Notice of Action, notifying you if you are affected by this extension.

If you are a current TPS beneficiary under one of these designations, and you have not yet re-registered for TPS under the

USCIS Clarifies Guidance About How to Adopt a Child under the Hague Adoption Convention

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

This update (PDF, 324.66 KB) consolidates and clarifies existing guidance to provide clear requirements for the Hague process. The update:

• Explains how a foreign-born child may be eligible to be adopted through the Ha

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Customer Service and Confidentiality Protections for Certain Naturalized U.S. Citizens

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

This guidance is responsive to requests from naturalized citizens and other stakeholders, and it provides these U.S. citizens with increased access to customer service tools, helping to eliminate barriers to case processing and improving USCIS response times for certain in

Visa Bulletin August 2024 Predictions

For official July 2024 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-july-2024.aspx

Please see August 2024 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	15NOV15	15NOV15	15NOV15	08JUN02	22APR12
F2A	01APR22	01APR22	01APR22	01JUL21	01APR22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	15OCT04	01DEC11
F3	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY10	08MAY00	15SEP02
F4	08AUG07	08AUG07	01FEB06	22FEB01	22MAR04

"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	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	15APR05	08JUN15
F2A	22NOV23	22NOV23	22NOV23	01DEC23	22NOV23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22MAY05	08NOV13
F3	22OCT10	22OCT10	22OCT10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	22MAY01	01JUN06

USCIS Issues Guidance on In-Person Filing for Certain SIJ Petitioners

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 313.17 KB) to clarify how certain petitioners for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widower, or Special Immigrant. If you are an SIJ petitioner with less than two weeks before your 21st birthday, you may file Form I-360 in person at a USCIS field office, instead of filing by mail. Contact the <a target

USCIS Shifts Workload for Form I-730 Following-to-Join Refugee Petitions

Effective May 6, 2024, all Forms I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, filed for following to join refugees (FTJ-R) are being processed at the USCIS International Operations Division rather than the Asylum Vetting Center. Any pending Form I-730 FTJ-R petitions filed by refugee petitioners will be automatically transferred from the Asylum Vetting Center to USCIS International Operations. We shifted this workload to better serve Form I-730 petitioners and beneficiaries by establishing a dedicated team with primary responsibility for initial domestic processing of FTJ-R petitions. This will help us process this critical family reunification program more efficiently.

If you have a pending Form I-730 FTJ-R petition, we wi

USCIS Updates Guidance for Family-Based Immigrant Visas

Effective May 22, 2024, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on family-based immigrant visa petitions (including Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and, in limited situations, family-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), including explaining how we handle correcting approval notice errors,

USCIS Announces New FY 2024 Funding Opportunity Under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. CITA, a technical assistance grant, will provide up to $2.6 million in competitive funding to public or nonprofit organizations that have not received previous grant funding from USCIS. Through this grant opportunity, USCIS will provide funding and rigorous training to enable organizations to establish new high-quality citizenship programs.  

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July 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For July 2024 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2024/visa-bulletin-july-2024.aspx

Please see below analysis of July 2024 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	+3 Months 14 Days	+3 Months 14 Days	+3 Months 14 Days	+4 Months 7 Days	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	No Change
F3	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+3 Months	+17 Days
F4	+10 Days	+10 Days	+7 Days	+7 Days	+2 Months

"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	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months	No Change
F3	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Day	+10 Months