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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
This section is to update our readers on the transfer of INS Service and functions to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Click here for the New USCIS Website..
Information regarding immigration rules will be available on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Website
The links below are in chronological order,latest at the top.
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USCIS Interpretation of Specialized Knowledge for Chefs and Specialty Cooks Seeking L-1B Status 
This Memo clarifies that Chefs or Specialty Cooks general;ly are not considered to have "specailized knowledge" for L-1B purposes, even though they may have knowledge of a restaurant's special recipe or food preparation technique.
USCIS Notice On FY 2005 H-1B Processing
The USCIS announced that as of August 18, 2004, it had received 45,900 petitions that would count against the FY 2005 H-1B cap.
USCIS Reminder for Change in Photograph Standard
The purpose of this memo is to remind about change in passport style photographs, which is effective from September 1, 2004 and to provide additional guidance on implementation of the new standard.
USCIS To Terminate Fingerprint Contract with Designated Law Enforcement Agencies
USCIS announces that, on 10/1/04, it will terminate its contract with Designated Law Enforcement Agencies, where some immigrants in rural areas have gone for fingerprints. After that time, USCIS will direct people to the ASCs for fingerprinting.
USCIS Link for Official Emergency Information, Procedures and Office Closings
This page links to the latest information and procedures in response to a specified emergency or issue concerning the staff or customers of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS has announced that its Tampa office is closed as of 2:00 EDT on 8/12/04 due to weather conditions associated with an incoming hurricane.
USCIS Launches Infopass In Upstate New
York and New Jersey
InfoPass now available in Newark and Buffalo Districts.
USCIS Announces One-Year TPS Extension For
Somalia
The USCIS announced a one-year extension of Temporary
Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia until September 17, 2005.
For the Press
Release, see here. For the Fact
Sheet, see here. For the Federal
Notice , see here.
USCIS Launchs InfoPass Online Appointment in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
USCIS announces that InfoPass, its internet-based appointment system, was formally launched in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices on August 5, 2004.
USCIS Memo Instructs Petitions and Applications for Transsexual Individuals
The purpose of this memo is to provide guidance related to the adjudication of petitions and applications filed by or on behalf of, or document requests by, transsexual individuals, including those who have either undergone sex reassignment surgery, or are in the process of doing so.
USCIS Employer Bulletin on Temporary I-551s as Evidence of Employment
Authorization for I-9 Purposes
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance to employers regarding the acceptability of the New Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) with temporary I-551 language for The form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
USCIS Announces Changes in Photo Standard to Take Effect August 2nd, 2004
The USCIS announced a change in the photo
requirements for all applicants from a three-quarter face position to a
standard, full frontal face position to take effect August 2, 2004.
For a photo flyer, see
here .
USCIS Field Guidance on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Petitions
The purpose of the memo is to provide policy and procedural clarification on the adjudication of Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions. This guidance memorandum, the third since the 1997 statutory amendment, consolidates and supercedes all previous guidance issued by the INS(Immigration and Naturalization Service).
USCIS Plans to Launch InfoPass Nationwide
USCIS announces that InfoPass has commenced in New York and that USCIS will implement InfoPass nationwide to include 33 USCIS Districts by September 2004. Dates for commencement of operation by region are included in the press release.
USCIS Announces Extension Of Stay For F And J Visa Holders Until H-1B Petitions Are Decided
USCIS announced that certain academic and exchange
foreign students (F and J Visa holders) seeking to adjust to H-1B status
may remain in the US legally until their H-1B petitions are decided. For
the USCIS press release, Click Here. For the Federal
Register notice, Click Here.
USCIS Announces Extension of Certification Deadline for Certain Foreign Health Care Workers from Canada and Mexico
USCIS Announces Extension of Certification deadline for nonimmigrant health care workers to obtain visa screen certificates for only Canadian and Mexican TN status holders who were employed in TN status before 9/23/03 and held a valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction.
DHS ConcludesTemporary Protected Status (TPS) For Montserrat Nationals
The DHS announced the conclusion of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Montserrat and a six month extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) until February 27, 2005.
USCIS Announces New Work Authorization Documentation For Citizens of Federated States of Micronesia
USCIS Announced change in the documentation that citizens from the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM) can use as proof of permission to work in the U.S.
USCIS Issues "Fact Sheet" on Backlog Elimination Strategy
New strategy and initiatives represent a focused
effort to eliminate the backlog and ensure a six-month or less processing
time by the end of 2006 while enhancing national security.
USCIS Director Aguirre Testifies on Backlog Reduction
Director Aguirre discusses USCIS' backlog reduction
plan in his Congressional testimony. The plan aims to reduce processing times
to a maximum of six months by the end of fiscal 2006. Read
USCIS Backlog Elimination
Strategy..
USCIS Launches New Los Angeles I-90 Pilot Project to Replace or Renew A Green Card Within Days
The
USCIS announced the launch of the I-90 pilot project in Los Angeles that
will reduce the wait time to replace or renew a permanent resident card or
green card from a year to less than a week. .
USCIS Introduces New Employment Authorization Document with Enhanced Security Features
.
USCIS Reminds Applicants for Adjustment of Status to Obtain Advance Parole before Summer Travel Abroad
The USCIS announced that it
has expanded its electronic filing or E-Filing program. USCIS has added 6
immigration applications online, including Forms I-129, I-131, I-140,
I-539, I-821, I-907.Read thePress Release andFact Sheet. Access Online Filinghere.
USCIS Reminds Applicants for Adjustment of Status to Obtain Advance Parole before Summer Travel Abroad
The
USCIS Press Release reminds adjustment of status, NACARA section 203, and
asylum applicants that they must obtain approval of their Advance Parole
applications prior to departure. Those who depart the U.S. without
approval of Advance Parole may be denied admission and/or the underlying
application. .
USCIS Introduces New Employment Authorization Document With Enhanced Security Features
The USCIS announced
that new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards will be issued with
additional features including, a magnetic strip, a two-dimensional
barcode. The new EAD cards are expected to become available in June 2004.
.
Guidance from U.S. Employment of Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the other Freely Associated States >
Guidance on employment Authorization for the Republic
of the Marshall Islands and the other Freely Associated States.
.
Guide for U.S. Businesses Hiring Temporary Employees from Outside the U.S >
USCIS Director Eduardo Aguirre Addresses the Fee Adjustment
USCIS Director Aguirre
issued a press statement on the the recent fee hike saying, "This is an
important moment for USCIS; we are fundamentally transforming a tired
immigration services system, uniformly recognized in need of reform, into
a more efficient and effective operation." .
USCIS Memo Provides Guidance for CIS or Asylum Offices to Correct Erroneous I-94s
USCIS Memo provides
guidance for CIS or Asylum Offices to Correct Erroneous I-94s. The USCIS
will not correct I-94s issued by CBP, but will direct individuals with
erroneous CBP-issued I-94s to go to CBP for corrections.
.
USCIS Launches Pilot Program In Dallas District Office To Concurrently Process I-130s And I-485s
The USCIS announced its pilot program in the Dallas
District Office to concurrently adjudicate I-130s and I-485s in a
remarkably short timespan. For the Dallas
Press Release and Fact Sheet
about this pilot program. Learn more about InfoPass here.
USCIS Expands Online Case Status
The USCIS announced the addition of several new
features to its online case status system. For the press release, click
here . For the fact sheet, click
here.
USCIS Publishes Final Rule on Immigration Benefits Fees Increase
The USCIS published a final rule in the Federal Register adjusting immigration application fees by approximately $55 per application, and increasing the biometric fee by $20, effective April 30, 2004.
USCIS Announces Fee Increase
The USCIS announced a new fee structure, effective on April 30, 2004; 15 days after publication in tomorrow's Federal Register. The new fees add an average of $55 to the current cost of immigration benefit applications, and increases the biometrics fee by $20 for certain applications.
New USCIS Immigration Benefit Application Fees
USCIS Issued new Immigration Benefit Application Fees. This fee will be effective from April 30, 2004.
BCBP Proposes Rule for Overtime Compensation and Premium Pay for Customs Officers
This document proposes to amend the definition of ``customs
officer'' for the purpose of eligibility for overtime compensation and premium pay. These revisions are necessary to reflect
recent changes in the functions and organizational structure of U.S. Customs and Border Protection consistent with the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Asylum Interviews to Change in Location for Ohio, Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana
USCIS announced that it has changed the location where some interviews are held for certain asylum applicants who live in Ohio, Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana.
USCIS Notice of Circuit Ride Location Changes for the Chicago and Houston Asylum Offices
This notice informs asylum applicants and applicants for
relief under section 203 of the NACARA 203 of changes in certain asylum and NACARA 203 interview locations.
USCIS Issues Fact Sheet for Fee Waiver Guidance
USCIS issued a fee waiver guidance fact sheet providing direction on what constitutes "ability to pay.
USCIS Issues Reminder To Obtain Advance Parole Before Traveling Aboard
The USCIS issued a travel advisory reminding individuals that advance parole be submitted to the USCIS (Form I-131) before traveling abroad.
Section 6 of the Child Status Protection Act
USCIS releases a memo regarding Child Status Protection Act.
USCIS Notice for Issuance or Replacement of Northern Mariana Card
USCIS releases Notice of Information Collection for Issuance or Replacement of Northern Mariana Card.
USCIS Announces H-2B Procedures - Reaches Cap
The USCIS announced on March 10, 2004, that it had reached the 66,000 cap for H-2Bs as of March 9, and thus will reject all petitions that are subject to the cap that are received after that date.
USCIS Publishes H-1B Cap Information In Federal Register
The USCIS will process H-1B petitions for new employment for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2004 now that the cap for H-1B petitions for FY 2004 has been reached.
USCIS Announces New Procurement
USCIS will be soliciting proposals to provide various citizenship and immigration information services.
USCIS Aguirre Testifies On Proposed Temporary Worker Program
USCIS Aguirre testified today before the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration where he presented President Bush's recent proposal for a new temporary worker program.
USCIS Proposes Fee Adjustment to Enhance Service
USCIS Prioritizes Backlog Reduction in FY 2005 Budget
USCIS releases Fact Sheet and News
Release which shows that there is 60% increase in funding dedicated to
the reduction of the immigration benefits backlog.
USCIS Memo On Special Immigrant Concurrent Filing
William Yates, USCIS Associate Director for
Operations issued a guidance memo regarding the recent change of the
filing procedures for aliens eligible to file Form I-360 separately or
concurrently with Form I-485 under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the INA. For
the related Memo click here. For the Attachment:
Federal Register 69 FR 3380 click
here
.
Streamlined Processing for Certain Adopted Children
Effective January
20, 2004, newly entering IR-3 children will receive Certificates of
Citizenship within 45-days of entering the U.S.Read
the Fact Sheet, and Update.
USCIS Guidance Memo on Tax Exempt Status for Religious Organizations
Guidance memo from William Yates, Assoc. Dir. of Operations, indicates that qualifying as a "church" is only one means of qualifying as a religious organization, and that an organization may qualify if it can establish that its tax classification is due to religious factors and it operates under principles of a particular faith.
Naturalized Soldiers Looking Forward to New Opportunities in U.S.
The Chicago office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a special naturalization ceremony on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.
Extension of Status for Conditional Residents with Pending Forms I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
USCIS releases memo on Extension of Status for Conditional Residents with Pending Forms I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. The IMFA amended the Immigration and nationality Act by adding a new section 216, which imposes an initial 2-year period of conditional residency on a person who acquired permanent resident status based on recent marraige.
Prepared Remarks of USCIS Director Aguirre about "Guarding Liberty, Securing America’s Open Society,"
On December 05, 2003 USCIS Director spoke at The Summit Institute’s International Forum about "Guarding Liberty, Securing America’s Open Society,".
USCIS Offers New On-line Customer Service Features
The USCIS has added two new on-line services: credit card payment options for electronically filed applications, and processing date information to the case status system.
DHS Issues Interim Rule Regarding Re-Registration Requirements For the Special Registration Program
DHS Interim rule amends existing regulations by suspending the 30-day and annual re-registration requirements for aliens who are subject to the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Registration. Instead of requiring all aliens subject to NSEERS to appear for 30-day and/or annual re-registration interviews, the DHS will utilize a more tailored system in which it will notify individual aliens of future registration requirements.
USCIS Celebrates National Adoption Month
In honor of National Adoption Month, USCIS takes you on a personal journey of one American family who adopted a child from Cambodia.
USCIS Manual Instructs Affirmative Asylum Procedures
USCIS' manual instructs asylum office personnel on how to process affirmative asylum applications
BCIS Seeks Comments on Transit Without Visa and other Records
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement sought comments on Inspection of Persons Applying for Admission, Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and International-to-International Agreements, Application-Checkpoint Pre-enrolled Access Lane, Form I-866; and Arrival Record, Form I-94AOT. The BCIS also sought comments on: Health and Human Services Statistical Data for Refugee/Asylee Adjusting Status, Form I-643.
Final Regulation on Certification of Foreign Health Care Workers: Adjudicator's Field Manual Update AD 03-31
William Yates, Associate Director for Operations of the BCIS issued a memorandum to BCIS service center directors, regional directors, office of international affairs, and BCBP on the final regulation on certification of foreign health care workers.
Homeland Security Presidential Directive Regarding Establishment of New Terrorist Screening Center
The Office of the Press Secretary of the White House issued a Presidential directive on the integration and use of screening information to protect against terrorism. For the fact sheet on the Terrorist Screening Center issued by the Office of the Press Secretary of the DHS.
Aguilar to Lead Office of Citizenship
Eduardo Aguirre, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), announced today that Alfonso Aguilar has been appointed Chief of the Office of Citizenship. In this new position, Mr. Aguilar will lead the CIS agenda to promote instruction and training on citizenship responsibilities to both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
Sunset of Additional $1,000 Filing Fee Imposed by American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) and Return to 65,000 Annual Limit on H-1B Petition Approvals
A 9/15/03 memo from William Yates indicates that H-1B petitions filed with the $1000 training fee Oct. 1 or later will be returned or, if the fee is in a separate check from the $130 fee, the $1000 check will be returned. A revised I-129W will be required.
BCBP Publishes Notice of Information Collection Request on FAST Commercial Driver Application
The Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request (ICR), utilizing emergency review procedures, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).
Notice of Limited Admission for F, M, and J Students and Their Dependents Who Present Deficient Documents on Entry from BCBP
New form I-515A notifies the applicant of the 30 day limitation on admission and provides instructions for submission of required documentation to the BCBP.
ICE Tests New Electronic Monitoring Program
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention and Removal Program unveiled a pilot program in its Florida Field Office that uses Electronic Monitoring Devices (EMD’s).
DHS Implements Statutory Requirements for Health Care Workers
Under section 212(a)(5)(C) of the Act, an alien who seeks admission to the United States for the primary purpose of performing labor as a health care worker, other than a physician, is inadmissible unless he or she presents a certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or an equivalent credentialing organization. Any equivalent credentialing organizations must have been approved by the Secretary of DHS in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
BCIS: Case Status via the NCSC ( National Customer Service Center) 800 Number
As a next step BCIS started Case Status check via the NCSC ( National Customer Service Center) 800 Number. Customers can call 1-800-375-5283 toll-free for automated case status assistance on Service Center filed cases. This new number replaces the toll numbers previously used on receipt notices (Service Center numbers).
Filing a Waiver of the Joint Filing Requirement Prior to Final Termination of the Marriage
A 4/10/03 memo from the BCIS states that an alien whose conditional resident status is approaching the 2-year anniversary, but who is unable to file a joint petition to remove the conditions because divorce proceedings have commenced, may not apply for a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on the ‘good faith’ exception.
Questions and Answers Regarding Extension of TPS Granted to Certain Hondurans and Nicaraguans
Extension of Temporary Protected Status has been granted to certain Hondurans and Nicaraguans residing in the United States.
BCIS Revised the Application for Posthumous Citizenship
BCIS recently revised the Application for Posthumous Citizenship, Form N-644 with updated information about the eligibility of certain deceased veterans for the honor of United States citizenship.
Fact Sheet for E-Filing and other BCIS Services Online
A BCIS Fact Sheet dated 4-25-03 discusses electronic filing and other BCIS services online.
BCIS Takes First Step to Offer Online Filing
A BCIS News Release dated 4-25-03 announces the agency’s first steps toward the electronic filing of certain immigration forms.
Expected Launch Date for BCIS E-filing is May 29, 2003
BCIS has advised that the expected launch date for efiling of I-765s and I-90s is May 29, 2003. The date was inadvertently left blank on the 4/25/03 press release announcing the efiling program.
Advance Copy of Regulation which Allows BCIS to Accept Electronically Filed Forms
Advance copy of regulation change to allow BCIS to accept electronically filed forms. No launch date is given, but I-765s and I-90s are expected to be the first forms involved, and will require collection of biometrics at an ASC before the cards can be issued. The regulation is slated for publication 4/29/03.
Recent Immigration-Related Legislation and Regulations
Updates on new legislation and regulations that will impact the business community’s access to foreign workers, and articles that will help employers learn about the pitfalls and opportunities in our immigration laws.
The Meaning of 8 CFR 274a.12(a) as it Relates to Refugee and Asylee Authorization for Employment
A 3/10/03 BCIS memo reiterates that the date employment authorization begins for asylees and refugees is the date on which they attained such status, irrespective of the issuance of an EAD, and continues for as long as they are in that status.
BCIS Lists Entities Debarred for Labor Condition Violations
A memo from Thomas Cook, Acting Assistant Commissioner at BCIS, lists the entities that DOL has advised are debarred from approval of nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions.
BICE Begins Seeking Out Specific Iraqi Nationals Unlawfully in U.S. and Apprehending Them
BICE on 3/20/03, began seeking out and apprehending specific Iraqi nationals unlawfully present in the U.S. The initiative is part of the recently announced “Operation Liberty Shield.”
BICE Announces Removal of 103 Pakistanis in cooperation with Govt. of Pakistan
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that, in cooperation with the government of Pakistan, 103 Pakistanis were removed to Islamabad, for a total of 500 removals to Pakistan in the past year.
BCIS Will No longer Allows Waivers of Photo Requirements for Replacement I-551 Green Cards for Religious Objections
A 2/14/03 memo from then-INS Field Operations EAC Johnny Williams indicates that the agency will no longer allow waivers of the photograph requirement for replacement I-551 green cards for "religious/ethnic" reasons.
Guidance on Various Medical Issues - INS Memo
A 10/17/02 INS memo from Executive Associate Commissioner for Field Operations, Johnny Williams, provides guidance on medical examinations, vaccination requirements, waivers of medical grounds of inadmissibility, and designation of civil surgeons and revocation of such designation.
BCIS Takes First Step Toward Development of New Citizenship Test
The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) announces the launch of a pilot project to standardize the English, government, and U.S. history tests administered to citizenship applicants, with the goal of having a new naturalization test in place by late 2004.
BCIS Takes First Step Toward Development of New Citizenship Test
The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) announces the launch of a pilot project to standardize the English, government, and U.S. history tests administered to citizenship applicants, with the goal of having a new naturalization test in place by late 2004.
BCIS Interim Management Directors Named
The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Gordon England, and Acting Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), Eduardo Aguirre Jr., have announced the appointment of Interim Regional Directors and Interim District Directors for the BCIS.
Interim Management Flow Charts for BCIS
Flow charts, covering the transition period ONLY, for the management of the DHS Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services. Changes are expected as the conversion to BCIS progresses.
FY 2003 Funding Fact Sheet from the DHS
A 3/1/03 Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet lists the Department’s funding priorities for fiscal year 2003.
BCBP Interim Management Directors Named
Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, Asa Hutchinson, and Commissioner of Customs, Robert C. Bonner, today announced the appointment of interim Directors for Field Operations in the new Bureau of Customs and Border