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Release Date 

05/27/2021

Due to updated guidance from the CDC, USCIS has updated its visitor policy. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a face covering. Individuals two years old and older who are not fully vaccinated must still wear a face covering.

To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be at least two weeks after receiving a second dose in a two-dose series or at least two weeks after receiving a dose of a single-dose vaccine.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.

This temporary guidance was set to expire May 31, 2021. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended the Form I-9 requirement flexibilities from June 1 to August 31, 2021.

Release Date 

05/28/2021

USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide clarification regarding certain naturalization applications filed by veterans of the U.S. armed forces under section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Release Date 

05/07/2021

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: May 10, 2021 

Synopsis

To protect yourselves, carry evidence that your extension application was timely filed and you left because you had an urgent need to do so. Also, take a screenshot or printout of the FAQ on the CBP website: “How can I extend my stay while in the United States?

For more on this article please see the attachment below.

Release Date 

05/10/2021

Program Will Provide Opportunities for Foreign Entrepreneurs

USCIS recently updated the following form:

Fee Schedule

05/17/2021 01:38 PM EDT

You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page.

For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.

Release Date 

05/17/2021

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. The grant opportunities will provide up to $10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.

Release Date 

05/18/2021

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that removes from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) an interim final rule (IFR) issued in October 2020, which has since been vacated by a federal district court.

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: May 20, 2021 

Synopsis

You must be able to demonstrate “sustained national or international acclaim” in your field. You do that through one of the two ways. First, either you must have received a one-time national or internationally recognized award. Second, if you do not have such an award, alternatively, you must pass two tests: quantitative and qualitative.

For more on this article please see the attachment below.

As I had said in our last community conference call, our office inquired. A USCIS officer advised not to submit medicals without an RFE. He said wait for the RFE or bring them to the interview. 

Release Date 

04/27/2021

USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual instructing officers to give deference to prior determinations when adjudicating extension requests involving the same parties and facts unless there was a material error, material change, or new material facts.

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: April 28, 2021 

Synopsis

New or Initial F and M students who were not previously enrolled in a program of study on March 9, 2020, will not be able to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant student for the 2021-22 academic year if their course of study is 100 percent online.

For more on this article please see the attachment below.

Published by: The Times of India  - Date: April 28, 2021

Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:

Rajiv S. Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com told TOI, “Business entities make plans based on consistency and predictability – not being able to rely on the availability of professional workers was not conducive to business nor to non-citizen workers.”

USCIS recently updated the following forms:

Document Verification Request Supplement

04/08/2021 07:54 AM EDT

Starting June 28, 2021, USCIS will only accept the 04/08/21 edition. Until then, you can also use the 05/29/18 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Verification Request

04/08/2021 07:36 AM EDT