USCIS Announces Final Rule Adjusting Benefit Application and Fees
USCIS announced a final rule adjusting the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective December 23, 2016.
USCIS receives most of its funding from the fees paid by applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits. As a result, they are legally required to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine the funding level necessary to administer immigration laws, process benefit requests, and provide infrastructure to support those activities.
Fees will increase for the first time in six years by a weighted average of 21 percent for most applications and petitions. This increase is necessary to recover the full cost of services provided by USCIS.
For more information, please click here.
USCIS Offers Immigration Relief to Those Affected by Hurricane Matthew
USCIS offers the following immigration relief measures to people affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Matthew:
- Change of nonimmigrant status or extension of nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the U.S., even if the request is filed after the authorization period of admission has expired
- Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS
- Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate
- Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay
- Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence of Intent to Deny but were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence, or respond in a timely manner
- Replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card
- Rescheduling of a biometrics appointment
For more information, please click here.
USCIS Extends Public Comment Period for Draft Form I-765V
USCIS is allowing an additional 30 days for public comments regarding a new form, Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse. Form I-765V will be used to collect information that is necessary to determine if an applicant is eligible for an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a new EAD, or an interim EAD as a qualifying abused nonimmigrant spouse. Comments will be accepted until November 17, 2016 and should address the following points:
- Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility
- Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used
- Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected
- Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond
For more information, including instructions on how to submit comments, please click here.
To view a draft version of Form I-765V, please click here.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.