USCIS
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (used to be BCIS, INS)
Recommendations for Paper Filings to Avoid Scanning Delays
Release Date
As USCIS moves towards an increasing electronic environment, USCIS now scans and uploads many documents into electronic database systems. To avoid delays and improve scanning efficiency, USCIS recommends that you do not:
USCIS Clarifies Guidance on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children
Release Date
Effective immediately, USCIS is updating Volumes 5 and 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how U.S. citizenship and naturalization provisions apply to adopted children.
AAO Processing Times (January - March 2023)
| Form Type | Case Type | Completed 0-180 Days | Quarterly Completions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative total of all completions | 88.20% | 932 | |
| I-129CW | Petition for CNMI Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker | 100% | 5 |
| I-129F | Petition for Fiancée | 91.67% | 12 |
Immigration Law
USCIS Updates Guidance on Administrative Naturalization Ceremony Venues
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the types of venues USCIS may use for administrative naturalization ceremonies.
USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for an underlying immigration benefit, including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The requirement had been subject to a temporary waiver since Dec. 9, 2021.
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Self-Selecting a Gender Marker on Forms and Documents
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that, effective immediately, USCIS will accept the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits. The gender marker they select does not need to match the gender marker indicated on their supporting documentation.