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