USCIS is revising the current naturalization test with improvements to ensure it continues to serve as an accurate measure of a naturalization applicant’s civics knowledge and that it reflects best practices in adult education assessments. The former USCIS director signed the Revision of the Naturalization Civics Test Memorandum. This memorandum announces the revision of the [...]
We have been informed that due to the new biometrics requirement for all I‑539 applicants, USCIS has discontinued its prior practice of providing premium processing as a courtesy for I‑539s filed concurrently with an I‑129 petition. We believe this could cause significant delays and impact H-4 and L-2 EAD extensions.
It was obvious, panic and frustration had gripped my client. She blurted out, “they’re killing it, aren’t they?” She was referring to a memo that had just been issued by the USCIS, but it almost sounded like she was referring to the proverbial golden goose. The memo announced a change in policy, restoring and empowering [...]
On 7/10/19, the House passed H.R. 1044 by a vote of 365 to 65. If enacted, the bill would eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants and increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants from 7 percent to 15 percent. Read the pdf of the H.R. 1044 bill.
USCIS 60-day notice and request for comments on proposed revisions to the electronic H-1B Registration Tool. Comments are due 8/26/19. Federal Register Notice
USCIS released a fact sheet on naturalization including information about the naturalization process and naturalization statistics for FY2018.
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 [...]
USCIS released a report on H-1B approvals and denials for the top 30 employers with the most initial and continuing approvals for FY2018. The report also includes data on the percentage of completions with RFEs from FY2015 to the first quarter of FY2019.
USCIS releases data on H-1B receipts, completions, and RFE from FY2015 to FY2019 (through 3/31/19).
USCIS will begin premium processing for all remaining FY2020 H-1B cap-subject petitions on 6/10/19. Petitioners may file a Request for Premium Processing Service, with the USCIS service center processing their petition on that date. USCIS will not use pre-paid mailers between 6/10/19 and 6/24/19. Read the news release.