Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register, announcing that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to initiate a nationwide trial for updates to the current naturalization test. The naturalization test comprises four components: reading, writing, civics, and English speaking ability.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced process improvements to assist noncitizen workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, labor rights violations. These changes include a streamlined and expedited deferred action request process aimed at safeguarding noncitizen workers from immigration-related retaliation by exploitative employers.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released its FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan (PDF, 6.79 MB), providing a comprehensive roadmap for the agency's workforce to enhance its capabilities and contribute to the realization of the nation's highest ideals.

USCIS has prolonged the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This pertains to individuals requesting an extension of stay in or a change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new guidance today, facilitated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to support stateless noncitizens in the United States seeking immigration benefits or having submitted requests to USCIS. Stateless individuals, those lacking legal citizenship in any country, face challenges in obtaining legal identity and encounter difficulties accessing education, healthcare, marriage, and job opportunities.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that specific individuals seeking parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can now electronically file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. 

Eligible individuals for online Form I-131 filing include: 

Those requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for an individual outside the United States (under application types 1.e. or 1.f. on the paper Form I-131), excluding those seeking initial parole under USCIS family reunification parole processes (such as the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program, or Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program). 
Individuals already paroled within the United States who are seeking a new period of parole or re-parole (under application types 1.e. or 1.f. on the paper Form I-131) to remain in the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released policy guidance outlining the eligibility criteria for both initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances, in accordance with existing regulatory requirements found at 8 CFR 204.5(p). 

To be eligible for an initial EAD based on compelling circumstances, an applicant must fulfill the following criteria: 

The principal applicant is the primary beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, falling within the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd employment-based preference category.

Commencing on July 31, 2023, the National Visa Center (NVC) of the Department of State will initiate the issuance of invitations for the family reunification parole (FRP) processes applicable to Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. 

On July 7, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced new FRP processes for these countries.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing additional guidance on the interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program within the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) implemented by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). This guidance specifically addresses the required investment timeframe and the treatment of investors associated with terminated regional centers.

Release Date: 01/12/2024

In a significant move aimed at improving customer experience during the H-1B cap season, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed plans to introduce organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season.