The newly finalized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule, published on July 17, 2026, marks the most comprehensive overhaul of U.S. international student regulations in decades. Taking effect on September 15, 2026, the 553-page regulation completely replaces the traditional "Duration of Status" (D/S) system with...
The term "extraordinary circumstances" is not explicitly defined by a set checklist or list of qualifying factors under current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.This phrasing comes from a major USCIS policy shift issued on May 21, 2026 (Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199). Under this policy,...
The following are the latest updates on Asylum processing: Strict Signature Rule: A new USCIS policy takes effect July 10, 2026, clarifying that if USCIS accepts a benefit request and later determines it lacks a valid signature, the agency may, at its discretion, reject or deny...
In a sharp rebuke to President Trump, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Constitution guarantees automatic birthright citizenship to virtually all children born in the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the court's 6-3 opinion. The decision firmly rejected the executive order that Trump issued...
Filing a fiancé visa (K-1 visa) requires the U.S. citizen petitioner to file Form I-129F with USCIS. To qualify, the couple must have met in person within the past 2 years, both must be legally free to marry, and you must intend to officially wed...
What is the status of new USCIS Policy of requiring green card applicants to apply in their country and not in the US for adjusting status? As of late May 2026, USCIS has issued a new policy memorandum (dated May 21, 2026) that signals a significant...
After an asylum interview with a USCIS asylum officer, the decision process typically follows two potential paths, but as of late November 2025, USCIS has paused making final decisions on all pending asylum applications. Asylum interviews will continue, but final outcomes are currently delayed. The General...
Filing an I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for a caregiver is the second major step in the employment-based green card process. If you already have an approved PERM Labor Certification, your employer (the petitioner) can now submit the petition to USCIS to establish the...
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA), you can request: Your own immigration records; Someone else’s immigration records, if you have their written permission; and Agency policies, data, communications, and other records How to Request and Receive Records as Quickly as Possible Step 1: Read...
The landscape for Asylum-Based Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has shifted significantly due to several major policy changes and a sweeping new regulatory proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [1, 2] If you currently hold an approved, valid...
Question:I am the beneficiary of a Fiancee visa petition. When I entered the United States I used Fiancee visa but did not marry the one who filed the Fiancee petition. I am now married to a US citizen who filed an I-130 petition that was...
If you are married to a person who continuously abused you, then you do not have to wait for him to file a petition for you. You may file a self-petition as abused spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. If abuse is happening,...