Navigating Naturalization: What the New Good Moral Character Policy Means for You
Are you thinking about applying to become a U.S. citizen? Naturalization is a profound journey, allowing you to fully participate in American society. A key part of this process is showing that you possess Good Moral Character (GMC). Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum, effective August 15, 2025, that…
USCIS Changes Policy on the Validity of I-693 Medical Exams
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has updated its rules about the medical exam form used in immigration applications – Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). What is changing? Starting June 11, 2025, if a civil surgeon signs Form I-693 on or after November 1, 2023, the form is only valid…
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…
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…
DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela
On July 11, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it had extended the designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months. This designation of TPS will allow eligible nationals from Venezuela to apply for an extension of their protected status and also apply for a (optional)…
New USCIS Policy allows certain applicants to obtain Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid for 2 years
On February 7, 2022, USCIS updated its General Guidelines on the Maximum Validity Periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), or work permits, for certain filing categories. This guidance allows eligible applicants to obtain EADs that will be valid for 2 years when they file initial or renewal EAD applications (filed on Form I-765). Before this…
New USCIS Policy Guidance provides more favorable interpretation of shared residence requirement for VAWA Petitioners.
On February 10, 2022, USCIS issued a Policy Guidance alert addressing certain changes to its interpretation of the shared residence requirement for petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Specifically, USCIS will no longer require VAWA petitioners to currently reside or to have resided in the past with his or her abusive spouse during…
