Check your I-94 as soon as you arrive: CBP may not have given you the maximum duration of stay

When working on a beneficiary's H-1B extension, I-140, or I-485 filing, we would send a checklist to the beneficiary listing information and documents that we need to prepare the petition or application. One of the items listed is a copy of the most recent I-94. We often encounter a situation where the beneficiary is shocked to find out that their I-94 has already expired after downloading it...

The Supreme Court Rules TPS Is Not an Admission for Purposes of Adjustment of Status

The Supreme Court just handed down a decision that will deflate the hope of filing for green card (while present in the U.S.) for about 400,000 individuals in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The case concerns the plight of Jose Sanchez who with his wife and three children entered the US illegally in 1997. His fourth child was born in the U.S. and is a U.S. Citizen. In 2001, after...

Questions and Answers regarding USCIS customer service (Contact Center)

The following can be accessed from the CIS ombudsman's office. Topics include  reaching tech support, scheduling biometrics appointments, expedite requests, and more. Q1. What happens if a caller needs assistance in a language other than English or Spanish? A1. We continue to evaluate the need to provide services in additional languages.  Currently, if the caller needs assistance in a...

Qualified Veterans Living Overseas May File for Naturalization

On May 28, 2021, USCIS issued additional clarifications in its policy alert that certain veterans who served and were honorably discharged from the military but are not lawful permanent residents (LPRs) may file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) to naturalize under INA 329 even if they are currently residing outside the United States. The policy guidance also clarifies that...

National Interest Exceptions Available for Visitors from China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland

Update 08/18/2021 DOS updated its FAQ regarding the extension of validity to 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kington, Ireland, and India. Update Post 07/07/2021 The DOS on 06/29/2021 extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIEs)...