When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: August 2019

Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.

USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day by Welcoming Nearly 7,500 New Citizens

WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the country by welcoming almost 7,500 new citizens in nearly 110 naturalization ceremonies between July 1 and July 5. The naturalization ceremonies will be held in venues across the country, and include several notable ceremonies.

Affidavit of Support

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA, is a contract an individual signs agreeing to use their financial resources to support the intending immigrant named on the affidavit. The individual who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor once the intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident. The sponsor is usually the petitioner who filed an immigrant petition on behalf of the intending immigrant.

“Northern Mariana Islands Long-Term Legal Residents Relief Act” Guidance for Certain Individuals Present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

USCIS announced today it will automatically extend parole, and employment authorization if applicable, for certain residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This extension of parole will provide relief while USCIS establishes procedures for obtaining the new CNMI Resident status, which was created by the Northern Mariana Islands Long-Term Legal Residents Relief Act (PDF) (Public Law 116-24), signed by President Trump on June 25, 2019.

USCIS Expands FIRST: A Fully Digital FOIA System

WASHINGTON— USCIS is announcing the expansion of its digital Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Immigration Records System (FIRST). FIRST is the only system in the U.S. government that allows users to submit and track FOIA requests and receive documents digitally. This process will save time, improve efficiency, and reduce potential errors that can occur with manually handling paper.

June 20, 2019 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)

Nonimmigrant Visas

Substantial transcription for video

Discussion Topics, Thursday, 20 June 2019:

FAQ: Impact on current H-1B if another H-1B is denied ||H-1B joining another employer while a transfer, extension or amendment is pending|| When does one become H-1B cap exempt - change of status/visa stamp? ||What to do when past immigration problems are causing a current visa denial? || Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3 || Can priority dates be transferred between husband and wife? || Applying for green card while on student (F-1) visa.

Other: Transferring EB priority dates || I-485 delay || EB-5 travel || B-2 visa extension || Consequences of H-1B extension denial || EB-1C eligibility || Multiple H-1B transfers simultaneously || Travel on AC21 Advance Parole, etc.