USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Earlier known as INS. USCIS is responsible for providing immigration benefits to applicants. Homepage http://wwww.uscis.gov

Special Update as of April 21, 2010: Relief for Foreign Nationals Stranded due to the Icelandic Volcano Eruption

This advisory is for foreign nationals stranded in the U.S. because of the airport closures in Europe due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.  If you have exceeded or are about to exceed your authorized stay in the U.S. you may be permitted up to 30 days to depart.

 Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

USCIS Advises Foreign Nationals Whose Work Permits Expire Before CNMI

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will grant parole-in-place status to certain foreign nationals in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).  Foreign nationals without umbrella permits whose work permits expire before new visa categories are available to them under federal immigration laws may be eligible for this interim status.

USCIS and NPS Renew Partnership to Enhance Meaning and Stature of Citizenship Ceremonies

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) renewed its official partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior¿s National Park Service (NPS) to enhance the meaning and stature of citizenship ceremonies. USCIS and NPS first signed the agreement in September 2006 to connect America¿s newest citizens to national parks throughout the country. These historic and often picturesque sites provide an ideal backdrop for citizenship ceremonies.

USCIS Reminds Haitians to Register for Temporary Protected Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Haitian nationals that the registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is fast approaching. Haitian nationals, who have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 12, 2010 and who meet other TPS eligibility requirements, must file their applications for TPS no later than July 20, 2010. The TPS designation for Haiti will remain in effect through July 22, 2011.

Special Humanitarian Parole Program for Haitian Orphans Draws to a Close at Request of Haitian Government

The Haiti government has requested that the United States provide them with a final list of orphans being considered under the Special Humanitarian Parole Program for Haitian Orphans.  As a result, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will stop accepting new requests for consideration under the special program as of April 14, 2010, and will resume regular processing of intercountry adoptions.  

USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it continues to accept H-1B nonimmigrant petitions subject to the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 2011) cap. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received for both the 65,000 general cap and the 20,000 U.S. master’s degree or higher educational exemption.

USCIS has received approximately 13,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. The agency has received approximately 5,600 petitions for individuals with advanced degrees.

H-1B Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Cap Season

The H-1B Program

U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

For more information about the H-1B program, see the link to the left under temporary workers for H-1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models.

Change of Filing Location for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced revised filing instructions and addresses for applicants filing an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).  The change of filing location is part of an overall effort to transition the intake of some USCIS forms from USCIS local offices and Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities.  By Centralizing form and fee intake to a Lockbox environment, the agency can provide customers with more efficient and effective initial processing of applications and fees.