Category: Green Card (I485) family-based
Update: February Visa Bulletin FY 2024
Visa Bulletin Update FY 2024
USCIS Announces Increase in EAD Validity Period to 5 Years
In a significant announcement on September 27, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shared a notable update on the Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The agency is extending the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs to five years for certain categories of noncitizens, including those admitted as refugees, granted asylum, and more.…
Visa Bulletin Update FY 2024
February 2024 USCIS determined that for November 2023, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. The most notable change is in the F2A category, where the final action dates for most countries moved forward from November 2019 to February 2020. Categories in the employment-based…
Importance of Verifying Your Green Card Issuance: USCIS May Incorrectly Approve your GC Too Early
Navigating the labyrinth of immigration procedures is not an easy task, and even when everything is done correctly, errors can still happen. This can sometimes be due to oversights on the part of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article will focus on one such case, where we represented a client whose…
Case Study: Navigating the I-360 VAWA Self-Petition Process for Battered Spouses
Abuse, particularly within a family structure, can create a cycle of dependency and fear. For non-U.S. citizens married to abusive U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the fear of losing immigration status often compounds their predicament. In this case study, we explore how the I-360 VAWA self-petition provided a pathway to safety and independence for a…
USCIS Policy Updates Simplified: The Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility
We are summarizing the recent policy updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the “public charge ground of inadmissibility.” What is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge ground of inadmissibility is a legal term used in immigration law. It refers to a rule that can deny visas, admission, or…
DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on July 7, 2023, the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These measures aim to reduce irregular migration and promote family unity by offering a lawful pathway for nationals of these countries whose family members are U.S. citizens…
Processing Times for Family-based petitions and applications, including I-130 and I-485
September 12, 2024 Based on recent sample case approvals, here is a processing time range for various categories. 1. Spouse of U.S. Citizen (I-130 and I-485 Combined) 2. Parent of U.S. Citizen (I-130 and I-485 Combined) 3. Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident (I-130 Only) 4. Unmarried Child of U.S. Citizen (I-130 Only) 5. Fiancée (I-485…
Visa Bulletin Update FY 2023
September 2023 September 2023 Visa Bulletin Highlights USCIS announced that for September 2023 applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart and applicants in all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates chart. August 2023 August 2023 Visa Bulletin Highlights Continual monitoring and necessary adjustments to these categories…
Changing Consulate Interview Venue for LGBT Applicants
Oftentimes, LGBT beneficiaries of family-based (I-130) and fiance(e) visa petitions (I-129F) may want to change the visa interview location where the safety of the LGBT applicant may be at issue. The Department of State understands these concerns and has provided the following procedure for changing venue.