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

July 2024 Visa Bulletin

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

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

July 2024 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	22OCT15	22OCT15	22OCT15	08MAY02	01MAR12
F2A	15NOV21	15NOV21	15NOV21	01FEB21	15NOV21
F2B	01MAY16	01MAY16	01MAY16	08JUL04	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	01NOV23	01NOV23	01NOV23	01NOV23	01NOV23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01MAY05	01OCT13
F3	01OCT10	01OCT10	01OCT10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	28APR01	01APR06

USCIS Opens Additional San Francisco Asylum Office Location

USCIS' San Francisco Asylum Office is opening an additional temporary location in Oakland, California. Effective May 15, 2024, asylum applicants under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office may receive an interview notice to appear at the asylum office located in Oakland instead of San Francisco. This additional location increases the San Francisco Asylum Office's capacity to schedule and conduct affirmative asylum interviews more efficiently.

The addresses of the new temporary Oakland-based office within the San Francisco Asylum Office's jurisdiction are:

Physical Address:

1301 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 77530
San Francisco, CA 94107

Opening this additional location will not affect the operations of the current asylum office location in San Francisco. Beginning May 15

USCIS Clarifies Policy on Location of H-3 Training

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

Generally, H-3 trainees cannot participate in training provided primarily at or by an academic or vocational institution. The updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifies that, if other H-3 requirements are met, training that happens to take place on the physical property of an academic or vocational institution may qualify if the training program is primarily created, offered, and sponsored by a government agency or other nonacademic or nonvocational entity.

This guidance clarifies rather than

Centralized Intake Processing of VAWA Self-Petitions and Related Filings at the Nebraska Service Center

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

Previously, after we received and receipted VAWA Form I-360 filings at the Nebraska Service Center, we transferred them to the Vermont Service Center to complete intake processing, and we mailed a transfer notice to the VAWA self-petitioner. By implementing processing efficiencies at intake, we no longer need to transfer VAWA-based filings to the Vermont Service Center and no longer need to send a transfer notice to self-petit

USCIS Celebrates Its Employees During Public Service Recognition Week

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

"The people of USCIS work tirelessly each and every day to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Their dedicated service makes the possibility of America a reality for not only immigrants and newcomers themselves, but also the communities and economies they join and our nation as a whole." 

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USCIS Reminds Certain Employment-Based Petitioners to Submit the Correct Required Fees

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

New FAQ:

Q. How can I make sure that my filing is not rejected at intake for incorrect fees?

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USCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) and ensure eligible victims of human trafficking can access protections and stabilizing benefits on a timely manner. T nonimmigrant status enables certain victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States for an initial period of up to four years.

"We

Visa Bulletin July 2024 Predictions

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

Please see July 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	01AUG15	01AUG15	01AUG15	22JAN02	22APR12
F2A	22DEC21	22DEC21	22DEC21	15APR21	22DEC21
F2B	15APR16	15APR16	15APR16	15OCT04	01DEC11
F3	08APR10	08APR10	08APR10	01FEB00	15SEP02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	01FEB06	15FEB01	15JAN04

"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	15JUN05	08JUN15
F2A	22SEP23	22SEP23	22SEP23	01OCT23	22SEP23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22JAN05	08NOV13
F3	15SEP10	15SEP10	15SEP10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	15MAY01	08JUL05

USCIS Announces Open Application Period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The 16-year-old program, specifically Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services, will provide up to $10 million in grants to prepare legal immigrants for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics.

"The announcement of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program application period is a

USCIS to Open International Field Offices in Qatar and Turkey

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

"Opening these field offices establishes a USCIS presence and expertise in critical locations in the Middle East and is part of our commitment to the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to facilitate safe, lawful, and orderly migration and family reunification," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "Our presence in Qatar and Turkey expands USCIS' footprint outside the United States, supports our humanitarian mission, and strengthens the integrity of the U.S. immigration system."

The Biden-Harris administration set the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2024, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2024 TFR). April 17, 2024, was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under the FY 2024 early second half returning worker allocation.

We are st

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

Eligible Palestinians can now apply for EAD valid through Aug. 13, 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Defer

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

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

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ethiopia that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering as a new first-time applicant or current beneficiary for TPS under Ethiopia's extension and redesignation.

After consultatio

USCIS Adopts Department of Labor Definition of “Science or Art”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance (PDF, 321.14 KB) in the USCIS Policy Manual to add the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definition of "science or art" for Schedule A, Group II cases.

For many employment-based 2nd and 3rd preference (EB-2 and EB-3) petitions, employers must obtain a labor certification from DOL before filing <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" tar

USCIS Announces Information Regarding EB-5 Regional Center Audits

Under the new provisions of section 203(b)(5)(E)(vii) added by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) to the Immigration and Nationality Act, we must audit each designated regional center at least once every five years. This audit will include a review of any documentation required to be maintained by the regional center and a review of the flow of immigrant investor capital into any capital investment project. Regional center audits enhance the integrity of the EB-5 program by helping us verify information in regional center applications and annual certifications as well as associated investor petitions.

At any point during a site visit in connection with an audit, if the regional

June 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of June 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	+2 Months 17 Days	No Change
F2A	+5 Months 14 Days	+5 Months 14 Days	+5 Months 14 Days	+2 Months 23 Days	+5 Months 14 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+4 Months 7 Days	No Change
F3	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	+4 Months 10 Days	+21 Days
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	+10 Days	+2 Months 23 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	+2 Months	No Change
F3	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Days	No Change

June 2024 Visa Bulletin

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

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

June 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from June 1 to June 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	08JUL15	08JUL15	08JUL15	01JAN02	01MAR12
F2A	15NOV21	15NOV21	15NOV21	01FEB21	15NOV21
F2B	01APR16	01APR16	01APR16	08JUL04	22OCT11
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	01DEC99	22AUG02
F4	22JUL07	22JUL07	15JAN06	01FEB01	01DEC03

"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	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01NOV04	01OCT13
F3	01SEP10	01SEP10	01SEP10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	27APR01	01JUN05

USCIS Announces New Guidance on Form I-693 Validity Period

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced (PDF, 317.28 KB) that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinite

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

WASHINGTON— Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and bette

Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders

H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master's cap). We have randomly selected enough properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries.

Registrants' online accounts will now show one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered):

• Submitted: The registration has been submitted and is eligible f

Visa Bulletin June 2024 Predictions

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

Please see June 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	01AUG15	01AUG15	01AUG15	01NOV01	22APR12
F2A	22JUN21	22JUN21	22JUN21	15JAN21	22JUN21
F2B	15APR16	15APR16	15APR16	01JUN04	01DEC11
F3	08FEB10	08FEB10	08FEB10	15SEP99	22AUG02
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	01FEB06	08FEB01	15OCT03

"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	22SEP17	22SEP17	22SEP17	15JUN05	08JUN15
F2A	22SEP23	22SEP23	22SEP23	01OCT23	22SEP23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	01DEC04	08NOV13
F3	08JUN10	08JUN10	08JUN10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	22JUN06	15MAY01	08JUL05

USCIS Provides Third Gender Option on Form N-400

We have revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, "X," defined as "Another Gender Identity." We are also updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to account for this form revision and other forthcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option; see the Policy Alert (PDF, 344.77 KB).

The 04/01/24 edition of Form N-400 will be the first USCIS form to include the X ge

USCIS Revises Policy Manual to Align with New Fee Rule

We are revising our guidance (PDF, 364.37 KB) in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 31, 2024, and effective on April 1, 2024.

Revisions to the policy manual apply to all applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1.

We will use the postmark date of a filing to determine whic

USCIS Announces Filing Location Change for Certain Employment-Based I-485 and Related Forms

On, April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is changing the filing location for concurrently filed Forms I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service; I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; and I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and for related Forms I-131, Application for Travel Document; <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-765" target="_blank" r

New Citizens Will Be Able to Seamlessly Request Social Security Updates

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, starting April 1, applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will have the option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) without having to visit an SSA office.

Noncitizens applying for naturalization using the new edition of Form N-400 (edition date 04/01/24) will be able to request an SSN or replacement card when submitting Form N-400. New citizens may no longer need to visit an SSA field office to apply for an SSN or replacement card or to provide documentation as evidence of their new U.S. citizenship statu

H-1B Form I-129 Filing Location Change and FY 2025 H-1B Cap Season Updates and Reminders

H-1B Initial Registration Period Closed

The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season closed at noon Eastern on March 25, 2024. USCIS will soon randomly select enough unique beneficiaries of properly submitted registrations projected as needed to reach the FY 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master's cap), and will notify all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries. We will issue another web alert when this process has been completed.

H-1B Form I-129 Filing Location Change to Lockbox

Starting April 1, 2024, H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions must no longer be filed at the USCIS service centers. All paper-based H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions must be filed

May 2024 Visa Bulletin

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

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

May 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from May 1 to May 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	08JUL15	08JUL15	08JUL15	15OCT01	01MAR12
F2A	01JUN21	01JUN21	01JUN21	08NOV20	01JUN21
F2B	01APR16	01APR16	01APR16	01MAR04	22OCT11
F3	01JAN10	01JAN10	01JAN10	22JUL99	01AUG02
F4	22JUL07	22JUL07	15JAN06	22JAN01	08SEP03

"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	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01SEP04	01OCT13
F3	01JUN10	01JUN10	01JUN10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	15JUN06	22APR01	01JUN05

May 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of May 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	+5 Months	+5 Months	+5 Months	+5 Months 14 Days	No Change
F2A	+8 Months 23 Days	+8 Months 23 Days	+8 Months 23 Days	+2 Months 24 Days	+8 Months 23 Days
F2B	+4 Months 9 Days	+4 Months 9 Days	+4 Months 9 Days	+4 Months 10 Days	No Change
F3	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	+10 Months 14 Days	+1 Month 23 Days
F4	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month 14 Days	+1 Month	+3 Months 7 Days	+2 Months 23 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	No Change
F3	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+2 Months 7 Days	+7 Days	+1 Month 9 Days

USCIS Reopens Field Office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the reopening of an international field office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The Tegucigalpa Field Office will focus on increasing refugee processing capacity and helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States.

"Reopening the Tegucigalpa Field Office establishes USCIS' presence and expertise in a critical location in the Western Hemisphere 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 renewed presence in Honduras is part of an effort to expand USCIS' footprint outside the United States to more effectively support that mission."

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Burma (Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from May 26, 2024, to November 25, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register as a new first-time applicant or current beneficiary for TPS under Burma's extension and redesignation.

After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month TPS extension and redesignation are warranted because conditions that support Burma's TPS designation are ongoing. B

USCIS Extends Initial Registration Period for FY 2025 H-1B Cap

USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. The initial registration period, which opened at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and was originally scheduled to run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024, will now run through noon Eastern on March 25, 2024. USCIS is aware of a temporary system outage experienced by some registrants, and is extending the registration period to provide additional time due to this issue.

During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary. USCIS still intends to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2024.

On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts that allow multiple people within a

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance Clarifying Expedite Requests

USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we consider expedite requests related to government interests and requests related to emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including travel-related requests. This update also clarifies how to make an expedite request and explains how we process expedite requests.

Government Interests

This update clarifies that we may expedite cases identified as urgent by federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local governments of the United States because they involve public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests. This update clarifies that when an expedite request is made by a

Visa Bulletin May 2024 Predictions

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

Please see May 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	15APR15	15APR15	15APR15	15MAY01	22APR12
F2A	01OCT20	01OCT20	01OCT20	15OCT20	01OCT20
F2B	01JAN16	01JAN16	01JAN16	08JAN04	01DEC11
F3	01NOV09	01NOV09	01NOV09	08OCT98	01JUL02
F4	01JUL07	01JUL07	22DEC05	08NOV00	08JUL03

"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	22SEP17	22SEP17	22SEP17	15JUN05	08JUN15
F2A	22SEP23	22SEP23	22SEP23	01OCT23	22SEP23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22OCT04	08NOV13
F3	15MAR10	15MAR10	15MAR10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	01MAY06	08MAY01	22MAY05

USCIS Clarifies Anti-Discrimination Policy

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced agency-wide anti-discrimination guidance that addresses public-facing interactions and affirms our public service principles.

The Policy Manual update reiterates that, consistent with the USCIS mission statement and core values, USCIS does not tolerate the discriminatory treatment of any individuals. USCIS considers discrimination to be the unlawful treatment of a person or group of persons based on classes or other categories to which they belong or are perceived to belong. The update clarifies that it is USCIS policy to treat the public in a nondiscriminatory manner, regardless of whether they belong to a class or group s

USCIS Streamlines Process for Refugee Employment Authorization Documents

USCIS has begun implementing a streamlined process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to provide Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) more efficiently to eligible refugees after they are admitted into the United States. This streamlined process shortens the wait time for an EAD to approximately 30 days instead of several months. All individuals admitted into the United States as refugees on or after Dec. 10, 2023, will receive EADs pursuant to this new process.

Under U.S.

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024 and Announces Filing Dates for the Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.

H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024

USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultural-workers/cap-count-for-h-2b-nonimmigrants" data-entity-type="node" dat

Reminder: Certain Updated Forms Take Effect on April 1 with No Grace Period

With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions of the following forms:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;
• Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker;
• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers;  
• <a target='_blank' href="https://www.us

April 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of April 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	+2 Months 16 Days	+2 Months 16 Days	+2 Months 16 Days	+2 Months	+2 Months 16 Days
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	+1 Month 14 Days	No Change	+1 Year

April 2024 Visa Bulletin

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

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

April 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from April 1 to April 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	08FEB15	08FEB15	08FEB15	01MAY01	01MAR12
F2A	08SEP20	08SEP20	08SEP20	15AUG20	08SEP20
F2B	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV15	22OCT03	22OCT11
F3	01OCT09	01OCT09	01OCT09	08SEP98	08JUN02
F4	08JUN07	08JUN07	15DEC05	15OCT00	15JUN03

"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	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG04	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	08APR06	15APR01	22APR05

FY 2025 H-1B Registration Period and myUSCIS Organizational Account Reminders

On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organization, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. A new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in M

Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole

Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are physically present in the United States can now be considered for re-parole so they can continue to temporarily remain in the United States. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022, can apply for re-parole under this process. As with any parole application, we will consider these applications on a discretionary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.  

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the secretary of homeland security exercised his discretionary authority to allow certain Ukrainians to

Reminder: Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees Takes Effect Today

As previously announced, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.

The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to adjust the premium fees on a biennial basis. After leaving these fees unchanged for the three years

Completing an Unprecedented 10 Million Immigration Cases in Fiscal Year 2023, USCIS Reduced Its Backlog for the First Time in Over a Decade

New USCIS data show progress on customer experience, employment-based immigration, naturalization, and humanitarian work

WASHINGTON— Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data that illustrate the agency's progress in meeting its strategic priorities. The USCIS workforce has worked tirelessly over the past year to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility by reducing backlogs, improving customer experience, addressing humanitarian needs, and strengthening employment-based immigration.

"I'm so proud of the USCIS workforce and our dedication to fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "We've completed a record number of cases, responded to emerging crises around the globe with essential humanitarian

March 2024 Visa Bulletin

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

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

March 2024 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from March 1 to March 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	08FEB15	08FEB15	08FEB15	01MAY01	01MAR12
F2A	22JUN20	22JUN20	22JUN20	15JUN20	22JUN20
F2B	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV15	22OCT03	22OCT11
F3	01OCT09	01OCT09	01OCT09	08SEP98	08JUN02
F4	08JUN07	08JUN07	15DEC05	15OCT00	15JUN03

"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	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG04	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	22FEB06	15APR01	22APR04

March 2024 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of March 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	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	+1 Month 7 Days	No Change	No Change
F2A	+4 Months 14 Days	+4 Months 14 Days	+4 Months 14 Days	+4 Months 14 Days	+4 Months 14 Days
F2B	+1 Month 21 Days	+1 Month 21 Days	+1 Month 21 Days	No Change	No Change
F3	+5 Months 9 Days	+5 Months 9 Days	+5 Months 9 Days	No Change	No Change
F4	+17 Days	+17 Days	+1 Month	+1 Month	+8 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	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 Announces Strengthened Integrity Measures for H-1B Program

Announces FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period and Online Filing of H-1B Petitions

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of and reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process, including by reducing the potential for gaming the registration system and ensuring each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf. USCIS is also announcing the initial registration period dates for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap, and the launch of an online filing option for <a target='_blank' href="https

USCIS Issues Final Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration and Naturalization Fees

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. The final rule will allow USCIS to recover a greater share of its operating costs and support more timely processing of new applications.

The final rule is the result of a comprehensive fee review, as required by law, and follows the January 2023 publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking. The review concluded that the current fee schedule falls far short in recovering the full cost of agency operations, including the necessary expansion of humanitarian programs, federally mandated pay raises, add