Latest News

H-2A and H-2B Ombudsman Customer Service On-line Survey

The OFLC Ombudsman is pleased to announce a new on-line survey intended to encourage stakeholder feedback on their experience with Ombudsman Program. Survey questions are designed to promote the enhancement of customer service and overall satisfaction with the Program. The survey is located on both the H-2A and H-2B Ombudsman webpages: H-2A Ombudsman Webpage H-2B Ombudsman Webpage

Exception to the Two Year Custody and Two Year Residency Requirement for Abused Adopted Children

This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers in adjudicating Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant, filed by a self-petitioning adopted child, when the adopted child has been battered or abused. Please click the attachment for more information on the memorandum

USCIS Announces Fiscal Year 2013 Grant Recipients on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome more than 18,000 new citizens during more than 180 naturalization ceremonies from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23 in honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.Museums, historic libraries, government landmarks and national park sites will provide the backdrop for this week-long celebration of citizenship and the achievements of our newest citizens.

USCIS Updates Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Statistics

  • USCIS statistics on DACA cases through 8/31/13, showing a total of 567,563 DACA requests accepted for processing, 555,958 biometric appointments scheduled, 455,455 requests approved, and 9,578 requests denied. 13,960 applications were accepted and 2,154 applications were denied in August 2013. Please check attached DACA Statistics.

Extension of Validity of Medical Certifications on Form I-693

This policy memorandum (PM) temporarily extends the validity of civil surgeon endorsements on Form I-693 for adjustment of status and temporary residence applicants.This PM updates the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) by revising Chapter 40.1(c), (AFM Update AD 13-13). The guidance contained in this PM is controlling and supersedes any prior guidance on the subject.

Click the attachment to read more about the memorandum.

State Department Releases Instructions for the 2015 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

Online registration for the DV 2015 Program will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and conclude on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4). See the attached Diversity Visa Program Instructions for the DV 2015 Instructions and any available translations.