Online Filing is Now Available for DACA and DACA EAD Renewal
On April 12, 2022, USCIS announced that individuals who have been granted deferred action under DACA may file Form I-821D, Form I-765 (EAD), and Form I-765 worksheet online.
Healthcare workers may request expedited processing of their pending Form I-765s (EADs)
Update 10/20/2022 On 10/20/2022, USCIS extended this flexibility. If you're a healthcare/childcare worker and have a pending I-765 that has been pending for over 90 days, you may request expedited processing. See below for definitions of a healthcare/childcare worker. Original Post 12/28/2021 On December 28, 2021, USCIS issued guidance allowing healthcare workers to request expedited processing...
Settlement Reached: H-4 EAD Renewals Now Also Qualifies For Automatic 180-Day extension and L-2s Get Work Authorization Without EAD.
Update May 12, 2022 On Nov. 12, 2021, USCIS issued a policy announcement to clarify that it will consider E and L spouses to be employment authorized based on their valid E or L nonimmigrant status. Since the November 2021 announcement, the Department of Homeland Security added new Class of Admission (COA) codes to distinguish between E and L spouses and children. As of Jan. 30, 2022, USCIS and...
Individuals From Hong Kong May Apply For Employment Authorization
Update Post May 22, 2023 Eligible Hong Kong residents may apply for EADs through Feb. 5, 2025. On Jan. 26, 2023, President Biden issued a memorandum extending and expanding DED for certain Hong Kong residents for 24 months. Eligible Hong Kong residents covered under DED as of Jan. 26, 2023, may remain in the United States through Feb. 5, 2025, and are eligible to work in the United States. USCIS...
Petitioners with pending U visa petitions are now eligible to receive EADs
On June 14, 2021, USCIS updated its policy manual to allow eligible U visa petitioners (victims of crime in the United States) access to employment authorization sooner. Currently, U visa petitioners are waiting approximately five years before receiving a determination that allows them access to an employment authorization document and grant of deferred action. Through this new process, USCIS...
Policy updates: Expedited processing clarifications; No denial without RFE; Some EADs will be issued for two years
On June 9, 2021, USCIS issued policy updates to improve the immigration system. Improvements are expected to continue under the Biden administration. USCIS is committed to modernizing the immigration system and operating it in a fair, efficient, and humane manner. Expedited Processing USCIS provided further guidance on when expedited processing may be warranted. Please see our post regarding...
Special Employment Authorization for Burmese F-1 Students
DHS will suspend certain requirements governing employment for Burmese F-1 students. This will provide relief to citizens of Burma who are lawful F–1 nonimmigrant students so that they may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F–1 nonimmigrant student status. F–1 nonimmigrant...
Breaking: USCIS to Eliminate Biometrics Requirement for I-539 filers starting May 17, 2021
Update April 19, 2023 USCIS has extended the suspension of biometrics requirements for H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant applicants until Sept 30, 2023. If the suspension applies to you, you do not need to submit a biometrics fee of $85 with your I-539 application. Original Post May 4, 2021 On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced that it will suspend biometrics requirement for individuals filing Form I-539 to...
Expediting a Pending I-765 EAD
Update 6/11/2021 USCIS has clarified the circumstances under which it will consider expedited requests (ER). NBC is processing expedited request (ER) of EADs very quickly. Call USCIS customer service for ER and ask to speak to Tier 2 officer. Tier 2 will call back in a week or so. Provide financial loss docs. Most are approved without any docs. If doc is requested, some examples include a letter...
I-485 EB Processing Update
Update June 19, 2023 Here's a recent approval of an I-485 filed in July 2021. Took almost 2 years. Update January 25, 2023 According to February's visa bulletin, it seems like the F2A category will no longer remain "current." If you are a dependent whose I-485 did not get approved with the principal's I-485, you may consider F2A and have the principal file an I-130 on your behalf. It's difficult...