Jamaican Citizen Arrested for Making a False Claim of Citizenship to Register to Vote in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, a Jamaican citizen, has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with unlawfully making a false claim of citizenship in order to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge after Wallace made her initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, Wallace entered the United States in December 2010 on a six month B-2 tourism visa and did not return to Jamaica as required. In January 2024, Wallace registered to vote

DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will be effective on July 14, 2025. 
 
At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation.  
 
"This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent," said Secretary Kristi Noem. "We've reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanista

June 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of June 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	+2 Months 24 Days	+2 Months 24 Days	+2 Months 24 Days	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	No Change	No Change
F3	+2 Months 21 Days	+2 Months 21 Days	+2 Months 21 Days	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	+2 Months	No Change	No Change

June 2025 Visa Bulletin

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

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

June 2025 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	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	22APR05	15JUL12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	01JAN06	08FEB12
F3	22JUN11	22JUN11	22JUN11	15JAN01	22SEP03
F4	01JAN08	01JAN08	15JUN06	15MAR01	01JUN05

"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	01APR06	22APR15
F2A	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR07	01OCT13
F3	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	22SEP04
F4	01JUN08	01JUN08	01DEC06	30APR01	01JAN08

First 100 Days: USCIS Delivering on Making America Safe Again

Ensuring National Security and Restoring Commonsense Policies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is aggressively working to ensure America's national security by addressing vulnerabilities in immigration policies, reducing exploitation of humanitarian parole programs, and assisting enforcement agencies in identifying and removing illegal aliens.

In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, USCIS has restored robust screening and vetting capabilities; re-emphasized fraud detection and deterrence; reduced exploitation of the immigration system through humanitarian and temporary protected status programs; in partnership with other agencies, helped reduce encounters at our southern border and increase safety at home, with violent criminal aliens rapidly being removed from our neighborhoods; and intro

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2025

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) 2025 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2025, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2025 TFR). April 18, 2025, was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under the FY 2025 early second half returning worker allocation.

Additional information on the FY 2025 supplemental visas is available on the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-non-agricultu

Litigation-Related Update on CHNV

On April 14, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a Preliminary Injunction Order staying parts of the March 25, 2025 Federal Register notice titled, "Termination of Parole Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV)." See Svitlana Doe, et al., v. Noem, et. al., No. 25-cv-10495 (D. Mass. Apr. 14, 2025). Pursuant to the order, the parole termination notices that were sent to aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela pursuant to the Federal Register notice are stayed and therefore not currently in effect. No new requests for CHNV parole will be processed.

DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

WASHINGTON— Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens' antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

Consistent with President Trump's executive orders on Combatting Anti-Semitism, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism and <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister

Chicago Businessman Indicted on Immigration Fraud Charges

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly providing false and fraudulent information to U.S. authorities to obtain immigration benefits for his foreign national clients, following an investigation assisted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Jose Gregorio Sosa Cardona operated Delta Global Solutions, Inc., which assisted individuals in applying for asylum, immigrant visas, lawful permanent residence cards, and other immigration benefits. From 2020 to 2024, Sosa Cardona conspired with two employees of his firm and others to knowingly provide false and fraudulent information to USCIS for his foreign national clients who were seeking benefits, according to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses Sosa Cardona of, among other things, fabricating foreign law

USCIS Assisted in Investigation Leading to the Arrest of Central Coast Woman on Complaint Alleging She Created Hundreds of Bogus Medical Documents for Immigration Applicants

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in the investigation of a San Luis Obispo County woman arrested on a federal criminal complaint last month. The complaint alleges she created hundreds of fraudulent immigration documents by misusing physicians' credentials to show compliance with medical examination requirements for immigrants to register for green cards or otherwise adjust their immigration status.

Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, of Nipomo, is charged with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

"The fraudulent conduct described in the criminal complaint undermined the int

Visa Bulletin June 2025 Predictions

For official May 2025 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-may-2025.aspx

Please see June 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	08APR16	08APR16	08APR16	08AUG05	01AUG12
F2A	22JAN22	22JAN22	22JAN22	22MAY21	22JAN22
F2B	01AUG16	01AUG16	01AUG16	22FEB06	15FEB12
F3	08MAY11	08MAY11	08MAY11	22FEB01	01NOV03
F4	15JAN08	15JAN08	01JUL06	08APR01	22JUL05

"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	01MAY06	08JUN15
F2A	22MAR25	22MAR25	22MAR25	22MAR25	22MAR25
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22JUN07	08NOV13
F3	22SEP12	22SEP12	22SEP12	22JUN01	22OCT04
F4	08JUN08	08JUN08	08OCT06	22MAY01	01APR08

USCIS Assisted in Case Resulting in Bronx Former Attorney Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Large-Scale Immigration Fraud

NEW YORK – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in a case resulting in the sentencing of a Bronx-based former immigration attorney. Matthew Podolsky, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Kofo Amankwaa was sentenced to 70 months in prison for immigration fraud in connection with his supervision of a multi-year scheme to file fraudulent immigration documents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Amankwaa pled guilty on Sept. 17, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who imposed the sentence.

Podolsky said: "Kofi Amankwaa, a former immigration attorney, made a mockery of the U.S. immigration system and VAWA — a law that p

Update on TPS for Haiti

On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025.

FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary.

Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $215 H-1B registration fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each be

DHS Terminates the 2023 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer support the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS and related benefits associated with the 2023 designation will no longer be in effect starting 60 days after publication of the Federal Register notice.

Update on Form I-134A

Due to the Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, Securing Our Borders, USCIS is pausing acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, until we review all categorical parole processes as required by that order.

May 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of May 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	No Change	No Change	No Change	+3 Months 21 Days	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+17 Days
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months
F4	+5 Months	+5 Months	No Change	No Change	+5 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	+3 Months 17 Days	+3 Months 17 Days	+3 Months 17 Days	+3 Months 17 Days	+3 Months 17 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	+2 Months	+2 Months	No Change	No Change	No Change

May 2025 Visa Bulletin

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

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

May 2025 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	15MAR16	15MAR16	15MAR16	22APR05	15JUL12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22JUL16	22JUL16	22JUL16	01JAN06	08FEB12
F3	01APR11	01APR11	01APR11	15JAN01	22SEP03
F4	01JAN08	01JAN08	15JUN06	15MAR01	01JUN05

"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	01APR06	22APR15
F2A	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR07	01OCT13
F3	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	22SEP04
F4	01JUN08	01JUN08	01OCT06	30APR01	01JAN08

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants

Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant's failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.

H-1B Final Rule, H-2 Final Rule, and Revised Form I-129 Effective Jan. 17, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security's H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025, modernizing and improving requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs. USCIS will also publish a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 01/17/25) on Jan. 17, reflecting combined changes associat

USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating its policy guidance to clarify how we evaluate eligibility for the second preference employment-based (EB-2) classification for immigrant petitions filed with a request for a national interest waiver (NIW).

In general, an employer files an EB-2 petition using Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, after obtaining a labor certification from the Department

USCIS Aids in Conviction of Two Men, Extradition of Third in 2022 San Antonio Alien Smuggling Tragedy

SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in a significant human smuggling investigation that resulted in the conviction of two men and the extradition of a third for their involvement in 53 deaths and 11 injuries in 2022. As part of the investigation, USCIS combed hundreds of immigration records and conducted electronic database searches to verify victim and subject identities.

Felipe Orduna-Torres, 30, and Armando González-Ortega, 55, were convicted by a federal jury for their roles in the tragedy. The two men, along with others, smuggled approximately 66 individuals into the United States inside a tractor trailer that lacked functioning air conditioning. As temperatures soared, many of th

USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female.

Consistent with the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, USCIS is returning to its historical policy of recognizing two biological sexes.

"There are only two sexes — male and female," said DHS Assistant Secretary for Pub

FY 2026 H-1B Initial 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) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master's cap). We have randomly selected enough beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations 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 display a registration status. For more information, visit the <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2b760e97-882e-421

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2025 and Filing Dates Now Available for Supplemental Visas

USCIS received enough petitions to meet the H-2B statutory cap for the second half of fiscal year 2025. The filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2025 are now available.

H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2025

USCIS received enough petitions to meet the congressionally established H-2B cap for the second half of FY 2025. March 5, 2025, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date on or after April 1, 2025, and before Oct. 1, 2025. We will reject new cap-subjec

Visa Bulletin May 2025 Predictions

For official April 2025 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-april-2025.aspx

Please see May 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	08APR16	08APR16	08APR16	15APR05	01AUG12
F2A	22JAN22	22JAN22	22JAN22	01JUN21	22JAN22
F2B	01AUG16	01AUG16	01AUG16	01MAR06	01FEB12
F3	15MAY11	15MAY11	15MAY11	08MAR01	15APR03
F4	22AUG07	22AUG07	01JUL06	08APR01	15FEB05

"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	01MAY06	08JUN15
F2A	22NOV24	22NOV24	22NOV24	22NOV24	22NOV24
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22JUN07	08NOV13
F3	01OCT12	01OCT12	01OCT12	22JUN01	22OCT04
F4	22APR08	22APR08	08OCT06	22MAY01	01APR08

USCIS Probationary Reinstatements

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a Temporary Restraining Order in Maryland, et al v. United States Dep't of Agriculture, et al, No. 25-cv-00748, Docket No. 43 (D. Md.) on March 13, 2025. USCIS has made every effort to contact all impacted individuals who were terminated by USCIS on February 14, 2025. If you believe that you fall within the Court's order and have not been contacted, please reach out to uscis-ochco@uscis.dhs.gov. Please provide a password protected attachment that provides your full name, your dates of employment at USCIS (including date of termination), and one other identifying factor such as date of birth or social security number. If available, please attach the termination notice. If you are identified as an individua

April 2025 Visa Bulletin

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

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

April 2025 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	15MAR16	15MAR16	15MAR16	01JAN05	15JUL12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22JUL16	22JUL16	22JUL16	01JAN06	22JAN12
F3	01APR11	01APR11	01APR11	15JAN01	22MAR03
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	15JUN06	15MAR01	01JAN05

"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	01APR06	22APR15
F2A	15OCT24	15OCT24	15OCT24	15OCT24	15OCT24
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR07	01OCT13
F3	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	22SEP04
F4	01APR08	01APR08	01OCT06	30APR01	01JAN08

April 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of April 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	+3 Months 23 Days	+3 Months 23 Days	+3 Months 23 Days	+1 Month 9 Days	+4 Months 7 Days
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	+2 Months	+2 Months	+2 Months	+6 Months	+3 Months
F3	+9 Months	+9 Months	+9 Months	+1 Month 23 Days	+2 Months
F4	No Change	No Change	+2 Months 7 Days	+14 Days	+2 Months 17 Days

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months	No Change
F2A	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months	+3 Months
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+6 Months	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+4 Months 14 Days
F4	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month 17 Days	No Change	No Change

Update on TPS for Haiti

On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025.

Visa Bulletin April 2025 Predictions

For official March 2025 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-march-2025.aspx

Please see April 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	15DEC15	15DEC15	15DEC15	22MAR05	01MAY12
F2A	15FEB22	15FEB22	15FEB22	08JUN21	15FEB22
F2B	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	01SEP05	01DEC11
F3	22JUL10	22JUL10	22JUL10	01FEB01	08FEB03
F4	22AUG07	22AUG07	15APR06	15MAR01	01DEC04

"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	08DEC06	08NOV13
F3	08OCT12	08OCT12	08OCT12	22JUN01	22MAY04
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	01SEP06	22MAY01	01APR08

FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary.

Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $215 H-1B registration fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each be

DHS Terminates the 2023 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer support the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS and related benefits associated with the 2023 designation will no longer be in effect starting 60 days after publication of the Federal Register notice.

March 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of March 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	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	+2 Months 14 Days
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Months 14 Days

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	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

March 2025 Visa Bulletin

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

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

March 2025 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	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV15	22NOV04	08MAR12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22MAY16	22MAY16	22MAY16	01JUL05	22OCT11
F3	01JUL10	01JUL10	01JUL10	22NOV00	22JAN03
F4	01AUG07	01AUG07	08APR06	01MAR01	15OCT04

"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

Update on Form I-134A

Due to the Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, Securing Our Borders, USCIS is pausing acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, until we review all categorical parole processes as required by that order.

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants

Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant's failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, to Oct. 19, 2026, due to armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Ukraine's extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of TPS is warranted beca

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, to Oct. 19, 2026, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Sudan's extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of T

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 10, 2025, the extension of the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela for 18 months, from April 3, 2025, to Oct. 2, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about re-registering for TPS as a current beneficiary under Venezuela's extension.

After consultation with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month extension of TPS is warranted base

H-1B Final Rule, H-2 Final Rule, and Revised Form I-129 Effective Jan. 17, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security's H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025, modernizing and improving requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs. USCIS will also publish a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 01/17/25) on Jan. 17, reflecting combined changes associat

USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating its policy guidance to clarify how we evaluate eligibility for the second preference employment-based (EB-2) classification for immigrant petitions filed with a request for a national interest waiver (NIW).

In general, an employer files an EB-2 petition using Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, after obtaining a labor certification from the Department

USCIS Updates Filing Procedures for Form I-140

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a Federal Register notice (FRN) providing updated procedures for submitting a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, accompanied by a permanent labor certification, application for Schedule A designation, or national interest waiver (NIW) request.

On June 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implemented a new system for permanent labor certifications, called the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG), and revised the Application for Permanent Employment Certification (Form ETA-9089) for use within the FLAG system. The revised Form ETA-9089 coll

Visa Bulletin March 2025 Predictions

For official February 2025 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-february-2025.aspx

Please see March 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	15DEC15	15DEC15	15DEC15	22MAR05	01MAY12
F2A	22FEB22	22FEB22	22FEB22	15JUN21	22FEB22
F2B	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	01SEP05	01DEC11
F3	22JUL10	22JUL10	22JUL10	01FEB01	22NOV02
F4	22AUG07	22AUG07	15APR06	15MAR01	01JUN04

"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	08DEC06	08NOV13
F3	08OCT12	08OCT12	08OCT12	22JUN01	22MAY04
F4	22MAR08	22MAR08	01SEP06	22MAY01	01MAY08

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the First Half of FY 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025 with start dates on or before March 31, 2025, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2025 TFR). Jan. 7, 2025 was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under the FY 2025 first half returning worker allocation.

We are still accepting petitions for H-2B nonimmigrant workers with start dates on or before March 31, 2025, for the additional 20,000 visas allotted for nationals of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti

DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Extending Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador

Extension Allows Eligible Salvadoran Nationals to Maintain TPS and Employment Authorization 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador for 18 months, from March 10, 2025, to Sept. 9, 2026, due to environmental conditions in El Salvador that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to re-register for TPS under El Salvador's TPS extension.

After reviewing the country conditions in El S

February 2025 Visa Bulletin

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

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

February 2025 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from February 1 to February 28 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

February 2025 Visa Bulletin Analysis

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

Please see below analysis of February 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	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 Offices Closed Jan. 9, 2025

President Biden has declared Thursday, Jan. 9, a National Day of Mourning to remember the life and legacy of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, and has issued an Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025.

Accordingly, all USCIS offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9. We will reschedule all naturalization ceremonies, interviews, and appointments set for that day, and promptly inform

USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

On Jan. 17, 2025, we will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date: 01/17/25). The form has been revised to align with the recently announced H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule.  

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USCIS Updates Guidance on Flexibilities Available During and After Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating our Policy Manual to clarify flexibilities that may be available to benefit requestors during and after an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. 

The update explains that during certain emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that may present unanticipated challenges to immigration benefit requestors, we may use our discretion to implement certain flexibilities relating to requests for extension of stay and change of status,

USCIS Updates Guidance on Case Assistance and Feedback

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating Volume 1, Part A, of the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the available avenues for case assistance or feedback.

Specifically, the update:

• Recommends that stakeholders submit changes

DHS Publishes Final Rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings

As part of our continued efforts to deliver more timely consequences for noncitizens encountered who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States—efforts that have resulted in a 60% decrease in unlawful entries since June 4—the Department of Homeland Security has finalized the rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings, following publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in May 2024.

This rule will enhance operational flexibility by allowing asylum officers to consider whether certain noncitizens are barred from asylum or withholding of removal based on national security or public safety grounds during <a target='_blank' href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/