U.S. Immigration Update
USCIS Resumes Processing for H-4 AND L-2 Dependent Applications:
On January 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that they would resume the adjudication of H-4 AND L-2 Applications for extensions or changes to status and work authorization with principal Form I-129.
Since March 2019, there have been lengthy processing delays for dependent applications, with applications taking as long as two (2) years to process. Ultimately, a settlement was reached, and USCIS agreed to return to the bundling of I-539 and I-765 for H-4 and L-2 when filled together, along with the underlying I-129.
The resumption of processing these applications will help reduce the extended processing times currently being experienced and alleviate backlog from within the immigration system.
To read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2023/01/21/uscis-settles-lawsuit-that-should-help-h-1b-and-l-1-visa-spouses/?sh=71c9df3c216a
USCIS Extends Covid-19 Flexibilities:
On January 24, 2023, the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an extension to Covid-19 Related flexibilities to help service those still experiencing set back from the pandemic.
Under the current flexibilities, USCIS considers responses from 60 calendar days after notice or set due date. These measures have been implemented from March 2020 until March 23, 2023. Such requests that fall under this extension include the following:
- Request for Evidence
- Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
- Notices of Intent to Deny
- Notices of Intent to Revoke
- Notices of Intent to Rescind
- Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Centers
- Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status, and,
- Motions to Re-open an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 334.4, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.
USCIS anticipates this will be the final accommodation extension and emphasizes that requestors and applicants must comply with any request or dates set after March 23, 2023.
To read more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-covid-19-related-flexibilities-1
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