USCIS News

USCIS News Articles

  • H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program in USA: Complete Details Released

    Published on December 21, 2023

    The DOS has now introduced a pilot program for the domestic renewal (also known as H-1B stamping informally) of H-1B nonimmigrant visas. The program, running from January 29 to April 1, 2024, aims to test the feasibility of resuming domestic visa renewals and reducing global visa wait times. Eligible applicants can apply online, and written…

  • a man in a suit picks out the odd man out in a crowd

    Will the USCIS Know About Unauthorized Employment?

    Published on November 11, 2023

    One of the most explicit immigration laws in the United States is the government’s stance against unauthorized employment. It is a violation of the country’s immigration and labor laws, which can attract heavy punishments. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unauthorized employment is any labor or service performed for an employer…

  • USCIS Update What To Do If You Are A Laid Off Nonimmigrant Worker Cover Photo

    USCIS Update: What To Do If You Are A Laid Off Nonimmigrant Worker

    Published on March 20, 2023

    If you are a nonimmigrant worker who has been laid off, there are steps you can take to remain in the United States during a period of authorized stay. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided information and guidance on its website to assist nonimmigrant workers in this situation. If your employment…

  • USCIS certified translation

    What are the USCIS Certified Translation Requirements

    Published on January 11, 2023

    One of the many requirements when submitting documents to USCIS related to your immigration case is a certified translation of any document that is not in English. Typically, these include birth certificates, divorce certificates, marriage certificates, academic degrees, death certificates, passports, bank statements, police records, transcripts, affidavits, and so more. The exact requirements are laid…

  • Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

    G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

    Published on September 21, 2021

    Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request (FOIA), is used to request USCIS immigration records (for yourself or someone else with their permission) as well as agency policies, data, and other types of records. Before using USCIS FOIA Form G-639 to request documents, you should check to ensure that USCIS has not already added them…

  • USCIS ombudsman

    USCIS Ombudsman | Requesting Help Guide

    Published on September 14, 2021

    The Ombudsman is an independently operated organization within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that helps individuals and employers with issues or problems related to their immigration case with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This arm of the Department of Homeland Security also takes measures to pinpoint systemic issues within USCIS and make suggestions…

  • processing time

    USCIS Hoping For More Accurate Processing Times with New Calculations

    Published on May 13, 2021

    One of the worst parts about the immigration system is all the waiting. It is not uncommon for clients to check USCIS processing times daily. Fortunately, USCIS is pilot testing what they hope to be a more accurate processing time calculation. The forms in the pilot phase are a sampling of forms used in family-based…

  • biometric requirement waived

    Biometrics Requirement to be Waived for Some I-539 Applicants

    Published on May 12, 2021

    On May 3rd, USCIS acting associate director Connie L. Nolan announced that a policy change was being finalized that would waive the biometrics requirement for H-4, L-2, and E dependents, beginning May 17, 2021, and would be expected to expire automatically after two years (May 17, 2023). The policy change is being introduced to reduce…