USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Earlier known as INS. USCIS is responsible for providing immigration benefits to applicants. Homepage http://wwww.uscis.gov

Supplemental Guidance for Processing I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers

As announced in Ref A, 9 FAM 40.92 has been updated with information and guidance to consular officers related to a new final rule permitting certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for an I-601A provisional waiver of unlawful presence before leaving the United States for their immigrant visa appointments. This cable provides supplemental information for posts in processing these cases.

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FOIA Request Processing Times Updates

Current Average FOIA Request Processing Times

(All times in business days)

 

USCIS uses a three-track system to process FOIA requests for alien file material.

  • Track One (19 days):  Simple requests;
  • Track Two (32 days):  Complex inquiries that normally necessitate additional search and review time; and
  • Track Three (36 days):  Requests by individuals scheduled for a hearing before an immigration judge.

 

USCIS uses a two-track system to process FOIA requests for non-alien file material.

USCIS Call Routing Changes at The National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

In order to provide faster and more efficient service beginning August 16 USCIS will be changing call routing procedures at the National Customer Service Center (NCSC). This will be a great advantage for attorneys and  BIA accredited representatives. Attorney's can quickly connect with the NCSC customer service representative and avoid long delays.Customer representatives will evaluate the nature of the call and transfer or accept service request for detailed review.

Department of State to Host Google+ Hangout on Visa Processing for Same-sex Couples

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
August 7, 2013

Last week, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the Department of State would begin processing visas for same-sex couples in the same manner that it considers applications for opposite-sex spouses. On Thursday, August 8 at 1 p.m. EDT, the Department will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss what these new guidelines mean for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants.

USCIS Form Improvements Initiative

Easy-to-Use Formats: We are publishing many of our forms in a 2-column, Adobe fillable format. When completed electronically, this format restricts incorrect entries and provides informational pop-up boxes to assist customers.

User-Friendly Look and Feel: We have improved several of our naturalization forms to include clear and comprehensive instructions in plain language.

USCIS Releases Employee Tentative Nonconfirmation Email Notification (TNC)

A Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC) is issued if there is a record mismatch that needs to be resolved before the employee can be confirmed as work authorized.  On July 1, 2013, E-Verify announced a new customer service enhancement that will allow email notification to employees of a TNC at the same time it notifies the employer.