Dear Readers,

The USCIS is opening the HART Service Center to tackle significant backlogs in processing urgent immigration cases. The center will handle four types of cases, including U visa applicants and VAWA status petitions, and aims to expedite access to essential services such as work authorization and legal status. While more work needs to be done to improve USCIS's performance, the HART Service Center offers hope to thousands of immigrants and their families waiting for their cases to be resolved.

USCIS has issued policy guidance clarifying citizenship and naturalization provisions for adopted children. This guidance outlines adoption requirements, citizenship eligibility for adopted children in and outside the U.S., and addresses disrupted or dissolved adoptions. It aims to help adoptive families and adoptees understand citizenship requirements without changing existing regulations.

Please feel free to contact the immigration lawyers us at NPZ Law Group by e-mailing us at [email protected] or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (extensions 104 or 204). At VISASERVE - NPZ Law Group, our US and Canadian immigration and nationality lawyers are eager to assist you, your friends, colleagues, and family members with any complex immigration and nationality law matters. We pride ourselves on providing rapid and personalized service to our clients.

DREAMERS ON THE PATH TO HEALTH COVERAGE: HHS PROPOSES RULE CHANGE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS.

HHS proposes rule change to redefine "lawfully present," granting DACA recipients access to Medicaid and ACA exchanges. Aiming to reduce uninsured rates and improve healthcare access for Dreamers, this change aligns with ACA goals. Public comment open until June 23, 2023.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS HART SERVICE CENTER: A BEACON OF HOPE FOR BACKLOGGED IMMIGRATION CASES.

USCIS unveils the HART Service Center to tackle backlogs in humanitarian, adjustment, removal, and travel cases. This facility, set to operate remotely, promises expedited processing for U visa applicants, VAWA status petitions, unlawful presence waivers, and family reunification cases, providing hope and relief to immigrants and their families.

To read more, please click here . . .

UNDERSTANDING ADOPTED CHILDREN'S PATH TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP: USCIS CLARIFIES POLICY.

USCIS clarifies citizenship and naturalization rules for adopted children in new policy guidance. Learn requirements for child definition, U.S. citizenship eligibility for those residing inside and outside the U.S., and the process for obtaining citizenship documentation. Guidance also covers disrupted or dissolved adoptions.

To read more, please click here . . .

BEYOND THE H-1B LOTTERY: UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL IN THE US WITH THE O-1B VISA.

Unlock your creative potential in the US with the O-1B visa! An alternative to the H-1B lottery, this option offers extraordinary artists and creatives flexibility, no annual cap, and a path to permanent residency. Discover eligibility criteria, benefits, and how it can advance your career. Consult an immigration attorney and start your journey today!

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF BIOMETRICS SUBMISSION SUSPENSION FOR CERTAIN FORM I-539 APPLICANTS.

USCIS extends biometrics suspension for specific I-539 applicants (H-4, L-2, E) till Sept. 30, 2023. Adjudications proceed using biographic info & background checks; $85 biometric fee not required. Permanent exemption in progress. Case-by-case discretion for biometrics remains.

To read more, please click here . . .

DOS VISA BULLETIN UPDATE: VISA BULLETIN FOR MAY 2023 - IF YOUR "PRIORITY DATE" IS CURRENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW?

EB1 Category:

No changes in the EB1 category; China and India maintain a cutoff date of February 1, 2022. DOS warns of potential retrogression for EB1 China and India, while other countries remain current.

EB2 Category:

EB2 India and China's cutoff dates stay the same (India: January 1, 2011; China: June 8, 2019). All other countries retrogress to February 15, 2022. DOS anticipates further EB2 India retrogression, possibly next month, but aims to restore it to January 1, 2011, by October 2023 Visa Bulletin.

EB3 Category:

India's EB3 cutoff date is June 15, 2012, while China advances to April 1, 2019. Other countries retrogress to June 1, 2022.

EB3 Other Workers:

China's cutoff advances to April 15, 2015, and India remains at June 15, 2012. All other countries' cutoff is January 1, 2020, with expected retrogression in upcoming months.

EB4 Category:

No movement across all countries, retaining a cutoff date of September 1, 2018.

EB5 Category:

China's EB5 unreserved cutoff progresses to September 8, 2015. India maintains a June 1, 2018, cutoff date, and all other EB5 categories and countries remain current. DOS foresees further EB5 India unreserved retrogression, aiming for a June 1, 2018 cutoff date in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin.

To view the current cutoff dates for each visa preference category and country of chargeability, please click here to access two charts provided by the U.S. Department of State's monthly visa bulletin.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – LABOUR DISRUPTIONS IMPACT AT IRCC.

Labour disruption impacts IRCC services, causing delays in processing applications, appointments, and citizenship events. Online applications remain open, and emergency consular assistance is available. Temporary residents can extend their status, and essential staff continue supporting vulnerable populations. Expect limited capacity and processing delays, including priority applications from crisis zones.

To read more, please click here . . .

The Public Service Alliance of Canada's general strike has caused delays and disruptions to several Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services. While some services remain available, expect delays and rescheduled appointments. It's important to be aware of the changes and plan accordingly. We'll update you on how services are impacted.

To read more, please click here. . .

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T GET MARRIED ON A K1 FIANCÉ VISA?

In this video, immigration attorney Snehal Batra, Esq. of the NPZ Law Group discusses the consequences of not getting married after entering the US on a K1 fiancé visa. Learn about the 90-day window, potential immigration issues, and options for those who find themselves in this situation. Snehal also touches on marriage, divorce, and green card processes for K1 visa holders. If you're facing a similar dilemma, reach out to the NPZ Law Group for professional advice and assistance.

CSPA POLICY UPDATE: HOW USCIS'S NEW GUIDANCE AFFECTS CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT AGE CALCULATIONS.

In this episode, we discuss the recent policy guidance issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on calculating child's age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). We discuss the confusion that arose in 2015 with the Department of State's Visa Bulletin's two-chart system and the implications of USCIS's decision to use either the final action date chart or the filing date chart for CSPA calculations. Learn how this policy update will impact applicants filing adjustment of status, the potential to file a motion to reopen for denied cases, and the relief it brings to families facing the risk of their children aging out. Don't miss this essential information on navigating the complexities of US immigration policy!