Can a Conditional Resident Get a Green Card on a New Basis?
Becoming a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. and getting a green card is a big step for many immigrants. If you get your green card through marriage and your marriage is less than two years old at the time your application is approved, you will first be given conditional permanent resident (CPR) status. Your…
US Immigration Now Checking Social Media for Antisemitic Content
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that starting in April 2025, U.S. immigration officials will begin reviewing the social media accounts of certain applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The stated goal of USCIS is to screen for antisemitic content or links to “terrorist” groups. What’s Changing?The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…
USCIS Requires I-693 Medical Exam Form to Be Submitted with Green Card Applications
USCIS has announced that it now requires some applicants applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to also file a completed Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) with their application for adjustment of status. If you do not include a completed I-693 with your I-485, then USCIS may reject your entire…
New Interview Process for Certain I-360 VAWA Petitioners
In November of 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would implement a new interview requirement for certain Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners who have both a pending I-360 and I-485 application. What are the Key Changes? Important Considerations? Why did USCIS make this Change to the Interview Process? USCIS emphasizes…
USCIS Announces that Applicants for Adjustment of Status no longer need to prove that they have received the COVID-19 Vaccination
On January 22, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service announced a new policy that it will waive the requirement that applicants for adjustment of status (Form I-485) present proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccination on their I-693 Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. USCIS further confirmed that from and…
USCIS Announces 36-Month Extension for Green Card Renewals
Starting on September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically extend the validity of Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards) to 36 months for all lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to replace their Green Card. If you file Form I-90 correctly to renew an expiring or expired Green Card, you will…
USCIS Shares Best Practices for Filing Forms by Mail
On August 24, 2024, USCIS released a list of its best practices and top tips for filing forms by mail. These tips are divided into three separate sections: (1) Complete Your Form Accurately; (2) Assemble Your Application, Petition, or Request; and (3) Mail Your Application, Petition, or Request. Here is a brief summary of these…
Did You Know USCIS Will Now Automatically Extend Your Green Card When You Apply for Citizenship?
If you are applying for U.S. citizenship but your green card has expired or is about to expire, you might worry about your status while you are waiting for USCIS to process your application. However, USCIS has a new policy to help with this. Now, when you file your citizenship application (Form N-400), USCIS will…
USCIS Provides Updated Guidance on Late Filed Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests
On January 24, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Policy Manual, stating that it may excuse a nonimmigrant’s late filing for an extension of stay or change of status under specific conditions, if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. The update clarifies that extraordinary circumstances are defined…
USCIS introduces new Online Form to Request In-Person Appointments at Local Field Offices
On August 21, 2023, USCIS announced that it had launched an online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to make requests for in-person appointments at their local USCIS field office. This is a change from the previous procedure which only allowed appointments to be scheduled by calling the USCIS Contact Center. You can access…
