On January 4, 2023 the Federal Register will publish proposed fees for a range of USCIS benefit petitions and applications. Noteworthy: Filing your form online will keep fees down. I-130 and I-751 petitions fees will increase dramatically (over 100% for the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence). And a modest $35 increase is proposed for the N-400 Application for Naturalization.

Missing: Reimbursement of fees for petitions or applications that take FOR-EV-ER.

The 60-day public notice-and-comment period ought to be interesting. Stay tuned.

USCIS has announced that, effective October 1st, all immigrant applicants seeking admission as U.S. permanent residents must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to complete the medical examination process. Waivers on religious grounds are available, and certain medical exceptions will apply. This is a significant policy shift that will likely delay processing of many applications. Stay tuned for further details.

USCIS has announced that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Previously, applicants for permanent residence had to apply for an SSN by also submitting an application for employment authorization (I-765), if eligible for employment incidental to the adjustment of status. All other applicants for Adjustment of Status had to apply separately for an SSN at their local Social Security office. All adjustment of status applicants may now apply for the SSN by simply requesting the SSN in form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Good news friends and clients! I have relocated to southern New England with the opening of an office in Providence, Rhode Island. If you are in the northeast, please call (401) 601-7453 with your immigration inquiries. As always, ten minute phone consultations are free!

10 Dorrance St., Suite 700, Providence RI 02903