Citizenship
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization: New Design, Greater Security
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued an announcement for new, redesigned Citizenship and Naturalization certificates. The change comes after a successful pilot launch of the improved certificates at several field offices across the country. These eight certificates will have a new design to provide a fresh look and, more importantly, greater safeguards…
Read MoreRequest Naturalization Hearing/Replacement Naturalization Certificate Online
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced yet another initiative to bring immigration filings into the twenty-first century. Now, applicants can request a replacement naturalization certificate (Form N-565) and a naturalization hearing (Form N-336) online. The change follows several other programs for online filing of some of the most requested immigration documents. Says USCIS director…
Read MoreFOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Requests Now Online
On May 30th, USCIS announced the launch of an online processing system, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Immigration Records SysTem (FIRST). The online platform will allow users to submit, manage, accept FOIA requests online. Previously, such requests only were processed through mail, fax, and email; documents were then transferred via mailed compact disc. USCIS…
Read MoreSocial Media Screening Included in State Department Efforts towards ‘Extreme Vetting’
On March 30th, the State Department released a proposal that would greatly slow processing for all visa classifications and provide sensitive data to the State Department officials. In response to the Trump Administration policies towards ‘extreme vetting’ of foreign nationals entering the United States, the State Department announced that it would begin to screen the social…
Read MoreUSCIS to Destroy Returned Green Cards, EADs, & Travel Documents after 60 Days
USCIS announced recently that, beginning April 2nd, all Permanent Resident Cards, Employment Authorization Cards (EADs), and Travel Documents returned as undeliverable by the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be destroyed after 60 business days unless USCIS is contacted by the recipient. A change of address, without proper reporting to USCIS, could result in a…
Read MoreUSCIS Processing Times Gain Transparency
USCIS recently announced exciting news for those with pending USCIS cases. A new pilot website now offers a user-friendly platform that estimates the processing time for your application. The website is still in the testing stages and will first offer the service to four types of forms. Clearer Processing Times Several factors impact the processing…
Read MoreScheduling an InfoPass Appointment: Online Services Could Soon End
InfoPass is a free online service that allows individuals to schedule an appointment with a USCIS immigration officer. The online platform offers 12 different languages to make scheduling an in-person appointment easier. InfoPass is accessible from both computers and mobile devices to make scheduling available anywhere. The appointments scheduled through InfoPass are intended for specific…
Read MoreNew USCIS Requirements: Valid Signature
Last week, USCIS released a memo outlining stricter requirements for petitioners and applicants seeking immigration benefits. The memo outlines that a petitioner or applicant must provide a “valid signature” to receive approval from a USCIS. A valid signature is defined by USCIS as any handwritten mark or sign by an individual to signify his or…
Read MoreWalk-in Biometric Appointment
Although an application support center (ASC) may refuse a walk-in, some applicants for permanent immigration benefits have successfully completed biometric appointments at a local ASC on a date before their scheduled appointment notice. If you decide to walk-in to your nearest ASC, you may have to wait for few hours because the center will prioritize…
Read MorePublic Charges Must Go: Changes to FAM
While the debate over immigration continues in Washington, a lot of questions have emerged regarding “public charge” non-citizens. Last week, the White House released proposed guidance for DACA recipients in which “Status is subject to revocation for criminal conduct or public safety and national security concerns, public charge, fraud, etc.” The announcement comes in addition…
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