Recent Policy Updates
1. USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions
Date: January 15, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy guidance to clarify the evaluation criteria for the second preference employment-based (EB-2) classification, specifically for immigrant petitions filed with a request for a national interest waiver (NIW). This update aims to provide clearer guidelines for petitioners seeking NIWs under the EB-2 category.
2. DHS Finalizes Rule on Automatic Work Permit Extensions
Date: December 10, 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formalized a rule allowing immigrants with expired work permits to continue working for up to 18 months while awaiting renewal. This measure addresses significant backlogs in processing employment authorization document (EAD) renewals and applies to various immigrant groups, including refugees and asylum seekers.
3. USCIS Updates Policy Manual for T Visa Applicants
Date: October 23, 2024
Effective October 23, 2024, USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to incorporate changes and clarifications from the final rule on the classification for victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons (T Visa). The updated guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications pending or filed on or after August 28, 2024.
4. USCIS Updates Guidance for Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Date: May 22, 2024
USCIS has updated its Policy Manual regarding family-based immigrant visa petitions, including Form I-130 and, in limited situations, family-based Form I-360. The update explains procedures for correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status, and routing procedures for approved petitions.
5. USCIS Updates Policy Manual on EB-5 Entities
Date: July 16, 2024
USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reflect changes from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA). The guidance addresses compliance consequences for regional centers, new commercial enterprises (NCEs), job-creating entities (JCEs), and EB-5 investors, clarifying the impact of noncompliance and outlining protections for good faith investors.For comprehensive and up-to-date information on U.S. immigration policy updates, please refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
