Effective November 1, 2023, a change in filing location for H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications mandates that these submissions be directed to the Texas Service Center. During a 60-day transition period from November 1, misdirected forms filed at the California Service Center (CSC) or Vermont Service Center (VSC) will not face rejection.

Effective from August 21, 2023, the USCIS Potomac Service Center (PSC) has initiated its relocation to a new facility in Camp Springs, MD. Consequently, the PSC will cease accepting paper responses for various correspondence types, including Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Intents to Deny (ITD), Requests for Evidence (RFE), or supporting documentation related to pending filings at the PSC.

Commencing November 13, 2023, the PSC will no longer receive mailed correspondence.

Effective November 13, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is shifting the filing location for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when submitted alongside Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, from service centers to the USCIS lockbox.

In a joint effort with the Department of State (DOS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed the roster of nations whose citizens are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the upcoming year. The formal notice, set to be published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2023, unveils the addition of Bolivia to the list of eligible countries for both programs, effective immediately.

This update, effective immediately, aims to enhance the efficiency of the SIJ adjudication process for specific applicants. The revision aligns with the July 31, 2023, declaratory order in Casa Libre/Freedom House v. Mayorkas. Notably, the 180-day time frame for USCIS to adjudicate an SIJ petition is applicable solely to the initial adjudication, excluding any subsequent motions or appeals filed after a petition denial.

Your Green Card serves as proof of U.S. employment eligibility when filling out Form I-9. It allows you to apply for a Social Security Card and a state driver's license. For reentry to the U.S. after a trip abroad, your Green Card is valid for trips up to 1 year; trips longer than 1 year require a reentry permit.

If you've submitted a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and your case is currently pending with USCIS, here is important information to keep in mind. 

Updating Your Address with USCIS If you move to a new address, it's essential to update your address with USCIS within 10 days of your move.

If you're a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident and your Green Card needs replacement due to various reasons, you can initiate the process by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, either online or through traditional mail.

What to do If Green Card Denied? In the event of an application denial, you will receive a letter outlining the reasons for the decision. While appeals are not permissible, you do have the option to make a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider to the same office responsible for the initial unfavorable ruling.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to roll out redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) starting from January 30, 2023. These updated designs are equipped with state-of-the-art security features to bolster national security and enhance customer service.