As USCIS continues to grapple with backlogs and extended processing delays, the issuance of receipt notices has also be impacted with some taking 3 weeks or longer to arrive by mail. Coupled with mail delivery issues at USPS, it has now become a challenge just to get the receipt notice in hand. It is no longer easy or expected to receive the receipt notice within a few short days. Receipt...
There is now a specific webpage for customers to keep track of updates lockbox filing locations. USCIS will provide updates regularly and will also announce updates on social media. However, applicants are encouraged to follow the "Where to File" section of each form's webpage for the most up-to-date filing address and instruction.
Update Post 09/16/2021 USCIS releases policy guidance highlighting the following: "..beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693." Original Post 08/31/2021 On August 25, 2021, the CDC announced that...
Since March of 2021, visa numbers have been current for Chinese or Indian nationals filing for green card under the employment-based first preference (EB1) category. This means that an applicant may file their green card applications (I-485) concurrently with their I-140 petition instead of waiting 3 to 10 years for visa number availability under second or third preference categories. The...
Update August 18, 2021 The USCIS has updated its website to clarify that: if an I-485 applicant receives a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) for a new I-693 medical exam because the I-693 on file with USCIS is over two years old, but the applicant’s I-693 on file with USCIS is valid under the temporary extension to four years and they otherwise meet the requirements, then the applicant should...
Update August 18, 2021 We responded to one I-693 RFE on 08/16/2021. Green card was approved today, 08/18/2021. Please respond to I-693 RFEs ASAP! It does not seem like USCIS is working hard to approve I-485s before 10/01/2021. Original Post August 10, 2021 On or around August 3, 2021, some of our clients informed us that they received an odd text from USCIS requesting that they submit I-693...
USCIS announced on August 9, 2021 that a new Form I-485 (edition date 03/29/2021) will allow applicants to apply for social security number (SSN) or a replacement SSN card. Previously, applicants had to apply for SSN at their local Social Security Office and may require multiple trips. The new form contains the following new section regarding SSN: This new Form improves efficiency and helps...
USCIS no longer accepts written requests. Reschedule requests must now be made via the USCIS Contact Center by calling 1-800-375-5283. Your request to reschedule must: 1) be made before and time of the original appointment and 2) establish good cause for rescheduling. Please also see a sample recent biometrics appt notice without the option to mail in rescheduling requests.
Update 08/11/2021 Two more examples of extremely long wait times for biometrics appointment notice. An I-485 FB was filed on 09/03/2020. Biometrics Appt notice was issued 9 months later.An I-751 was filed on 12/17/2020. Biomtrics Appoint notice arrived 8 months later. Update 08/04/2021 Another example of a late biometrics appointment. I-90 was filed in September 2020. Biometrics arrived in July...
On July 16, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new mailing address for its Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Atlanta National Processing Center (ANPC) which will become effective on August 25, 2021. What this means for PERM cases, specifically PERM recruitment, is that the notice of filing must show the new address starting September 5, 2021. The new address is: U.S....
