WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced significant updates to the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole (FRP) processes, marking a modernized approach to enhance efficiency. Released in Federal Register notices, these changes, a result of stakeholder feedback, aim to simplify the process by allowing most steps to be completed securely online, eliminating the challenges associated with travel, time, and paperwork.

If you find yourself unable to depart as planned due to unforeseen circumstances, you have the option to extend or change your status while providing an explanation for the delay. It's crucial to apply for this extension or change before your authorized period of admission expires.

As of April 1, 2024, the new fee rule will be implemented, requiring the use of the updated 04/01/24 editions for the following forms: 

Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker 
Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker 
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers 
Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative 
Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and the form’s supplements 

Despite our usual practice of allowing a grace period for new forms, the listed forms include essential changes needed for the administration of the new fees.

Typically, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants are not eligible to extend their stay or alter their status. However, according to existing regulations, if an emergency situation prevents the departure of a VWP entrant, USCIS may, at its discretion, grant up to 30 days to facilitate satisfactory departure (refer to 8 CFR 217.3(a)). For VWP entrants previously granted satisfactory departure but unable to leave within this 30-day period due to emergency-related issues, USCIS has the authority to temporarily provide additional 30-day periods of satisfactory departure.

One of the primary advantages of having a USCIS online account is the ability to file forms online and monitor your case's progress conveniently, regardless of your location. The initial step involves creating an account.

If you are collaborating with an attorney or representative, they can also establish their own account to oversee your case.

ALERT: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would like to remind the public that the United States provides immigration and related services to assist individuals affected by emergencies and unforeseen circumstances, including the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Commencing February 27, 2024, Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members meeting the eligibility criteria and currently present in the United States can apply for re-parole, allowing them to continue their temporary stay in the country. This process is applicable to Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were initially paroled into the United States on or after February 11, 2022. Applications for re-parole will be considered on a discretionary, case-by-case basis, taking into account urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

On February 28, 2024, we introduced new myUSCIS organizational accounts, enabling multiple individuals within an organization and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.

We are issuing an update to the USCIS Policy Manual that provides fresh insights into the EB-5 Regional Center Program, encompassing new information on regional center designation and obligations, project applications, as well as direct and third-party promoters.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unveiled a Federal Register notice detailing the implementation of a new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process for Ecuador. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's successful strategy of expanding legal pathways and enhancing enforcement to address irregular migration.