On January 24, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified its policy on how the agency decides on extension of stay or change of status requests. Nonimmigrants in the United States may file a request to extend …
USCIS Increases EAD Validity Period to Five Years
On September 27, 2023, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) increased the validity period of initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens from two years to five years. This increase in the EAD validity period …
TPS for Ukraine Extended and Redesignated
On August 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for another 18 months, beginning October 20, 2023 to April 19, 2025. The DHS has also redesignated Ukraine for TPS, which …
Online Request for In-Person Appointments at USCIS Field Office Now Available
Individuals may now submit requests for an in-person appointment at their local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office through an online form instead of calling the USCIS Contact Center. This online form is primarily for those seeking to …
Biometrics Appointment Can Now Be Rescheduled Online
Applicants with a pending application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are now able to reschedule most biometric services (fingerprinting) appointments online before their appointment date through their myUSCIS online account in most cases. Before, applicants could …
USCIS Provides Guidance on EAD Based on Compelling Circumstances
On June 14, 2023, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new criteria for individuals to qualify for an initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on the individual’s “compelling circumstances” per 8 CFR 204.5(p). “Compelling circumstances” …
USCIS Removes 60-Day Signature Rule for Civil Surgeons on Form I-693
On March 31, 2023, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) removed the 60-day rule for civil surgeon signatures on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Before this change, the Form I-693 was only acceptable …
Lawful Permanent Residents May Request to Receive ADIT Stamp (I-551) by Mail Delivery
Some permanent residents may now receive their Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp by mail, so that they can avoid scheduling an in-person appointment at a local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office. The ADIT stamp, …
USCIS Extends Off-Campus Work Authorization Period for F-1 Students Under SSR
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now allow F-1 students that qualify for Special Student Relief (SSR) to work off-campus for longer than one year. The SSR is a benefit for F-1 students that are citizens of …
USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its rules for calculating a noncitizen’s age for an immigrant visa to be available. This clarifying change allows more dependent noncitizen children to be able to qualify for a green card …