Policy Update Overview U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially updated its biometric photo reuse policy. Effective immediately, USCIS will only reuse previously collected identity photos if they were taken within the last 36 months. Applicants whose photos exceed this timeframe will be required to attend a new biometrics appointment. What Photos Does This […]
Category Archives: USCIS
21
Dec
Dec
The U.S. government has announced a new fast-track residency pathway commonly referred to as the “Gold Card”, offering permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a $1 million qualifying investment in the United States. This initiative marks a notable shift in U.S. immigration policy—moving away from job-creation-based models toward wealth-based residency eligibility. What Is the […]
30
Jul
Jul
USCIS’s second-quarter data for fiscal year 2025 reveals unprecedented delays and backlogs across key immigration petitions. From green card renewals (Form I-90) to work permits (Form I-765) and EB-1A petitions, the report highlights severe strain on the U.S. immigration system amid growing demand and limited processing capacity. Case Completions Drop Sharply as Pending Workload Surges […]
14
Jul
Jul
According to the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. immigration system is experiencing an unprecedented backlog as of the first quarter of 2025. Over 11.3 million immigration cases are pending, with more than 34,000 unopened cases, causing delays even at the initial processing stage. Which immigration applications are most affected? […]
30
Apr
Apr
In a significant shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) in some H-1B and employment-based green card cases, specifically asking for beneficiaries’ home addresses for the purpose of collecting biometrics. This is raising new concerns among employers, applicants, and immigration attorneys as it signals a departure from standard […]
30
Apr
Apr
If you plan to submit an immigration petition in 2025, now is the time to act.USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) may soon face significant staffing reductions, raising concerns about increased visa processing delays and growing immigration backlogs. According to former USCIS senior advisor Doug Rand, internal memos have circulated urging agency employees to consider […]
31
Oct
Oct
Completing USCIS forms may seem straightforward, but small errors—especially with signatures—can lead to frustrating delays or rejections. Follow these essential tips to ensure your application process goes smoothly. Why Signatures Matter for USCIS USCIS has strict rules regarding signatures. Even a minor error, such as a typed signature or missing mark, can cause your application […]
24
Sep
Sep
Applying for U.S. citizenship can be a smooth and manageable process, especially when you have all the required documents prepared ahead of time. Whether you’ve been a permanent resident for 5 years or are applying based on marriage (after 3 years of residency), this guide will walk you through everything you need for your N-400 […]
31
May
May
𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠, 𝑓𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒́ 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant fee increases for immigration applications, effective April 1, 2024. This major fee revision, the first since 2016, aims to address the financial challenges faced by the agency. All applications submitted after […]
18
May
May
USCIS processing times are inaccurate, but how can you get the best results? Disturbing Historical Trend The USCIS backlog has grown significantly in the past 10 years, with 5,709,833 cases growing by 191 percent in a decade (2013-2022). This is despite the fact that the number of forms filed annually has grown modestly. USCIS has […]
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