U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced the option to file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, online for specific affirmative asylum applicants. USCIS still accepts the latest paper version of this form by mail, providing flexibility to applicants.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Eligibility: If you were recently paroled into the United States and your parole is still valid, or if you've applied for asylum, and your application has been pending for a minimum of 150 days, you are likely eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document allows you to work legally in the United States.

DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has introduced procedures to facilitate the safe and orderly entry of nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, along with their immediate family members, into the United States. These processes consider qualified individuals who lack U.S. entry documents and are currently residing outside the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual related to the 2-year foreign residence requirement for J nonimmigrant exchange visitors. This update provides details on how USCIS assesses compliance with the requirement, the evidence required to demonstrate fulfillment, and situations where satisfying the requirement may be practically impossible.

Certain renewal applicants who have submitted Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, are eligible for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is under review.

On October 26, 2023, the USCIS is releasing new guidance concerning the EB-5 Regional Center Program. This update incorporates changes from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 into the USCIS Policy Manual. It builds upon the initial update made on October 6, 2022.

The changes include reorganizing Part G, Volume 6 of the Policy Manual, with a few revisions to reflect the new structure.

In a recent announcement, USCIS has introduced a case-by-case extension of the initial parole period for specific Afghan nationals. This extension, granting an additional two years, is applicable to individuals who meet the following criteria:

They were paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and Sept.

Understanding the Distinction An appeal involves a comprehensive review of an unfavorable decision and the school's certification eligibility by both the original deciding body (SCU or SAOC) and an independent entity, the Administrative Appeals Team (AAT). The AAT conducts appellate reviews to ensure consistency, accuracy in immigration law interpretation, and timely decisions in line with the National Security Investigations Division's (NSID) mission.

If you've recently received a Notice of Denial, Automatic Withdrawal (AW), or Withdrawal on Notice (WON) from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) School Certification Unit (SCU) or SEVP Analysis and Operations Center (SAOC), you have several options:

Appeal
Motion to Reopen
Motion to Reconsider
A combination of Motion and Appeal

The decision letter from SCU or SAOC will outline the reasons for denial or withdrawal, your rights, and filing details, including deadlines.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has developed these guidelines to provide designated school officials (DSOs) with additional information about the required evidence, in accordance with federal regulations. This information
is for schools seeking SEVP certification or making updates to Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.