USCIS Sets (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) Program Cap for FY-2017
On Sep. 2, 2016, the USCIS set the FY-2017 cap for CW-1 nonimmigrants at 12,998. The CW-1 program is a special nonimmigrant work visa program for the Northern Mariana Islands. It will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2019. In order to qualify for CW-1 stat
USCIS to Create Streamlined Parole Policy for U Visa Petitioners and Derivatives Residing Abroad
The USCIS announced that it will create a streamlined parole policy for eligible U visa petitioners and their derivatives residing abroad. The new policy will make it easier for U visa petitioners and derivatives residing abroad to seek parole into the Un
USCIS Releases New Edition of the Form I-360
The USCIS released a new edition of the Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. The new edition is dated 03/14/16. Starting on October 31, 2016, the USCIS will only accept the new edition. Until then, the USCIS will continue t
Department of Labor Announces Enhancement to iCERT System
On August 26, 2016, the DOL announced an enhancement to the iCERT system for the submission of applications for temporary labor certification for H2A and H2B positions. The iCERT system will now permit the submission of electronic documentation at the tim
Recent Guilty Plea for False Representation of U.S. Citizenship on the Form I-9
On August 17, 2016, the ICE reported that a Kenyan national pled guilty in federal court to falsely representing himself as a U.S. citizen on an official federal form. The indictment alleged that he falsely and willfully represented himself as a U.S. citi
USCIS to Hold Naturalization Ceremonies at National Parks to Commemorate 100th Anniversary of NPS
The USCIS set a target for 2016 to hold 100 naturalization ceremonies at national parks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS). On August 25, the USCIS will mark the date of the 100th anniversary of the NPS by holding 16 n
Certain Forms of Relief May Be Available to Those Affected by Flooding in Louisiana
The USCIS offers several forms of immigration relief to those affected by unforeseen circumstances. Those affected by the recent severe weather and flooding in Louisiana may contact the USCIS or an experienced immigration attorney for guidance if the disa
New USCIS Policy on L1A Petition Adjudications
The USCIS adopted the AAO decision in the Matter of Z-A-, Inc., Adopted Decision 2016-02 (AAO Apr. 14, 2016) as agency policy. The decision requires the USCIS to consider all relevant evidence when determining whether an L1A beneficiary will be managing a
National Benefits Center Forms Processing Times as of June 30, 2016
The USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) released its most recent immigration forms processing time information. This post contains the average processing times as of June 30, 2016.
USCIS Determines Final Action Dates from Visa Bulletin Must be Used for AOS Applications in September 2016
For adjustment of status applications filed in September of 2016, USCIS determined that the application final action dates from the DOS Visa Bulletin must be used for all applications. An alien with an approved immigrant visa petition may file for adjustm
