Starting Aug. 19, 2024, you may file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online with the applicable filing fee. There is no fee waiver available for Form I-131F.

Each requestor, including noncitizen stepchildren, must file a separate Form I-131F requesting parole in place, and each requestor must have their own USCIS online account. A parent or legal guardian may create an online account for their minor child if the purpose is to submit a form on behalf of the minor. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, a primary caregiver or legal assistance provider may also help a child create their own USCIS online account. Information on creating a USCIS online account is available on the How to Create a USCIS Online Account page.

UPDATE effective 08/26/2024:

Administrative Stay of Keeping Families Together - as of August 26, 2024, temporarily can't file a I-131F, application for Parole In Place.

On Aug. 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, issued an administrative stay, preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days.

To comply with the district court’s administrative stay, USCIS will, until further notice:

Not grant any pending parole in place requests under Keeping Families Together.

Continue to accept filings of Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.

Continue to schedule biometric appointments and capture biometrics at Application Support Centers (ASCs).

The district court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued at 6:46 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 26, 2024. Individuals granted parole in place under this process before the administrative stay order was issued may still file for any other immigration benefit for which they may be eligible, including employment authorization and adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Please note: You can only apply for employment authorization after your Form I-131F is approved. If you file your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, before USCIS approves your Form I-131F request under this process, USCIS will reject or deny your Form I-765.

Biometric Appointments
USCIS continues to schedule biometric appointments consistent with the administrative stay order issued by the district court on Aug. 26, 2024. All individuals with biometric appointments should plan to appear at their appointment at the scheduled date, time, and ASC indicated on their notice. Individuals should not arrive on a different date, unless they have rescheduled their appointments. Individuals who were turned away at an ASC will have their appointment rescheduled by USCIS.

As a reminder, individuals must print their biometric appointment notice and bring it with them to their appointment. In addition, if individuals are unable to attend the appointment, they can reschedule using the online rescheduling request process, as long as rescheduling takes place before the initial appointment expires. For more information, see the Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment page.



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Who is eligible to apply for Parole in Place under this new program?

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Keeping Families Together?
A. To be considered for this process as a noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

To be considered for this process as a noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security*; and
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

*NOTE: Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021, Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF), a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.
All such requests for parole in place are considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit, in the exercise of discretion, taking into account the totality of the circumstances of each individual request.


Application for Parole in Place must be filed only ONLINE using a new online form I-131F.
Application fee is $580 per person.
Approval is not guaranteed because it is a discretionary and decided on a case-by-case basis.
If approved, will be granted parole under 212(d)(5) for 3 years.
Under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow certain noncitizen “applicants for admission” to be present in the United States on a temporary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit.
If approved, can apply for adjustment of status (aka Green Card) if eligible.
If approved, can apply for a work permit under c(11).

Applying for Employment Authorization

After you are granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you may apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS. To apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as a parolee, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, using the (c)(11) category code with either the required fee or a fee waiver request.
To file Form I-765 online, eligible applicants will access their USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov.

Leaving the United States
A grant of parole in place through Keeping Families Together does not authorize parole back into the United States if you decide to depart. If you depart the United States after being granted parole in place, your period of parole will automatically terminate. If you depart the United States without first obtaining an Advance Parole Document, you run a significant risk of not being able to return to the United States and you may also be ineligible for future immigration benefits.
CAUTION: Travel outside of the United States, even with advance parole, may have severe immigration-related consequences, including with respect to potential inadmissibility or execution of an outstanding order of removal. Parole into the United States is not guaranteed even if you have been granted advance parole prior to leaving the country. You are still subject to immigration inspection at a U.S. port of entry to determine whether you may be paroled into the United States and whether you are eligible for the immigration status you seek. For further information, see our Travel Documents page. Consultation with a qualified attorney or accredited representative is strongly advised prior to any travel outside of the United States.
Subsequent Filing of Form I-130 or Form I-360 Petition
A grant of parole in place does not establish eligibility for future immigration benefits, including an immigrant petition or lawful permanent resident status. To establish eligibility for lawful permanent resident status, the petitioning U.S. citizen spouse or parent of a parolee must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or in the case of certain widow(er)s and their children, parolees must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
USCIS will determine eligibility for those petitions in a separate adjudication. For purposes of Form I-130 based on marriage, you must demonstrate that you entered into a bona fide marriage with the beneficiary, and for a Form I-130 for a stepchild, you must demonstrate a bona fide stepparent-stepchild relationship.
There are additional requirements for Form I-360 for certain widow(er)s and their children, including filing deadlines, residence requirements, and marital status requirements. A stepchild may remain eligible for an immigrant petition despite their parent’s marriage to a U.S. citizen being terminated through death of either parent or divorce, so long as a bona fide stepparent-stepchild relationship continues to exist following the death or divorce.
Subsequent Filing of Form I-485
A grant of parole in place does not by itself establish eligibility for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident under INA section 245(a). A grant of parole in place satisfies the requirement under INA section 245(a) that the applicant has been inspected and paroled by an immigration officer.
However, it does not satisfy any other requirements for adjustment of status, including the requirement to have an approved immigrant petition with a visa immediately available and establishing that the noncitizen is not inadmissible under any applicable ground in INA section 212(a), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a).
If granted parole in place, the noncitizen would need a qualifying family member to file Form I-130 on their behalf, or file Form I-360 on their own behalf (if not previously filed; see above). The noncitizen would also need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and possibly Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, if needed.

С сегодняшнего дня 19 августа 2024 открылась программа, о которой было объявлено в июне. Подача заявления на пароль возможна только онлайн: форма I-131F и госпошлина 580 на человека. Это не заявление на грин карту, а заявление на тип гуманитарного пароля для тех, кто въехал в США без визы. Если пароль утвердят, затем можно будет подавать на разрешение на работу и на грин карту.

Form I-131F guide is here.

Form I-131F.

Additional information.

Hope you find this information helpful!

If you need help, please email to schedule a consultation or use our online scheduler.

Those who have filed an I-485 application adjustment of status must obtain advance parole before they travel outside the US while their I-485 application. Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, at his or her discretion, to “parole into the United States temporarily under such conditions as he [or she] may prescribe only on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit any alien applying for admission into the United States.” Travelling outside the US without advance parole will result in abandonment of the application. It may also result in a finding of inadmissibility at the port of entry.

Nonimmigrants who are in H-1B or L-1 status do not need to apply for advance parole and can return to the US on the underlying H-1B or L-1 visa in their passports. Those in H-1B or L nonimmigrant status who travel on advance parole may be paroled to resume in H-1B and L status under USCIS policy established in the USCIS so called Cronin memo. Nonimmigrants in valid V-1 or V-2/V-3 status or K-3/K-4 status who have an I-485 application pending also do not need advance parole.

It is thus important for the adjustment applicants to obtain advance parole BEFORE departing the US by filing Form I-131. The processing times for an advance parole can be very long and can vary from one USCIS service center to another. These processing times are published on https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. They are not exact processing times as the USCIS qualifies them by stating that 80% of cases are completed within the published processing time. Hence, the processing time may take longer or shorter than the published processing time.

Advance parole can also be granted to one who has been paroled pursuant to INA 212(d)(5) or to one who has been granted deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The instructions to From I-131 provides details under which travel permission is granted under various situations. It should also be noted that if an individual who has been unlawfully present and is subject to the 3 or 10 year bar upon departing the United States, leaving the US under advance parole is not considered a departure for triggering the 3 or 10 year bars under INA 212(a)(9)(B) pursuant to Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly.

Expedited Processing of Advance Parole:

The USCIS has published criteria at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/expedite-requests to expedite the processing of a number of applications including the I-131 application for advance parole. These include

• Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to timely file the benefit request or to timely respond to any requests for evidence;
• Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations;
• Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States;
• Government interests, including cases identified by the government as urgent because they involve the public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests; and
• Clear USCIS error.

The USCIS has included certain travel related requests under “emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations” as follows:

Expedited processing of a travel document may be warranted when there is an unexpected need to travel abroad, for example,  for a funeral. Expedited processing of a travel document may also be warranted when there is a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States for a planned event, but processing times prevent USCIS from issuing the travel document by the planned date of departure. When there is a request to expedite processing of a travel document for a planned event, we will consider whether the applicant timely filed Form I-131 or timely responded to a request for evidence.

Unfortunately, a desire to travel solely for vacation generally does not meet the definition of a pressing or critical need to travel.

The best way to contact USCIS is by contacting the customer support number at 800-375-5283 once the I-131 receipt notice has been issued with the appropriate case number. There are other suggested ways too, set forth at https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter in addition to calling the telephone number such as contacting USCIS’s chatbot, Emma. Submitting documents in support of the request in the USCIS online account is also required prior to contacting the USCIS.

Emergency Advance Parole:

An alternate way to request faster processing of advance parole is by requesting an emergency appointment if there is a pressing need to travel in less than 15 days. See https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/greencardprocesses/traveldocuments/emergencytravel for further details. The USCIS includes the following examples that qualify for emergency parole:

• An applicant who has a pressing or critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
• An applicant who has a pressing or critical need to travel due to the death or grave illness of a family member or close friend.
• An applicant who timely applied for a travel document and requested expedited processing, but their case remains pending, and they now must travel within 15 days for a pressing or critical professional, academic, or personal commitment.

The emergency advance parole will be issued for only 30 days although the previously filed I-131 application will continue to process even if the emergency parole is granted for 30 days. The applicant must have gone through the biometrics procedure. Even if there is already a pending I-131 application that was previously filed, the requestor must submit a completed I-131 application during the appointment at the local USCIS office along with supporting documentation that is listed under the USCIS’s above mentioned expedited criteria.

Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole - Form I-131 with a Filing Fee.

С 11 октября 2024 новая форма заявления I-131 заменила старую форму (edition date 06/17/2024). Новая форма I-131 имеет 14 страниц вместо 5, и много новых опций. Будьте внимательны выбирая опцию для Украины как онлайн так и в бумажной форме. Смотрите на странице 4 в бумажной форме. Госпошлина за эту опцию re-parole for Ukraine $630 (или на $50 дешевле, если подается онлайн). 

Начиная с 27 февраля 2024 украинцы, находящиеся в США по гуманитарному паролю в связи с войной, могут подать заявление на продление пароля (форма I-131 с уплатой госпошлины). ПОСЛЕ того, как пароль продлят, если его утвердят, заявитель может подать заявление на новое разрешение на работу.
​
Важно подать ДО истечения пароля, но можно подать и позже Важно подавать не вместе, а по отдельности: 1) Form I-131, 2) Form I-765 - после утверждения I-131. 

Продление пароля полезно тем украинцам и членам их семей - кто НЕ получили ТПС, у кого нет заявления на грин карту на рассмотрение, и нет других вариантов для лагализации для легализации. Это важно сделать если вы хотите оставаться в легальном статусе, и у вас нет других вариантов.

Предпочтительно подавать онлайн.

Каждый член семьи подает отдльно со своего аккаунта. Заявления не зависят друг от друга.

Пароль продлят на два года с даты истечения текущего пароля.

Утверждение не гарантировано. 

Только ЕСЛИ утвердят пароль,можно будет подавать на разрешение на работу по этой категории. Или вы можете подавать на разрешение на работу по ТПС, если у вас есть статус TPS/

Помните, что с 1 апреля 2024 вступают в силу новые госпошлины.

​
Начиная с 27 февраля 2024 украинцы, находящиеся в США по гуманитарному паролю в связи с войной, могут подать заявление на продление пароля (форма 131 с уплатой госпошлины, которая в настоящее время 575). ПОСЛЕ того, как пароль продлят, если его продлят, заявитель сможет подать заявление на новое разрешение на работу.
Важно подать ДО истечения пароля. Важно подавать не вместе, а по отдельности: 1) Form I-131 - госпошлина $575, 2) Form I-765 - после утверждения I-131. Госпошлина $410.
С 1 апреля 2024 вступают в силу новые госпошлины.

Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, certain Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members displaced by the war and paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022, will be able to apply for a new period of parole (also known as re-parole) for up to two years. USCIS will consider these applications on a discretionary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. To apply for re-parole, eligible applicants should submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the appropriate filing fee through a USCIS online account to save time and reduce errors commonly found on paper-filed forms that can lead to delays. Once approved for re-parole, Ukrainians can then apply for an initial or renewal Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. 

To be eligible for re-parole under this process, you must demonstrate the following: 

• That you are a Ukrainian citizen or their immediate family member who was paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022; 
• That there are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for issuance of a new period of parole, including the urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit factors identified above, as well as any additional factors; 
• That you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion; 
• That you are physically present in the United States; 
• That you have complied with the conditions of the initial parole; and 
• That you clear biographic and biometric background checks. 

You can find your initial date of parole on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
It is important that you file your application for re-parole before the end of your initial parole period. If circumstances allow, USCIS recommends filing your application for re-parole no later than 60 days before the last day of your initial parole period.  

Required Documents
You must use Form I-131 to request re-parole. You can submit Form I-131 online or on paper by mail. You do not need to file Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, or Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, as a supporter is not required for re-parole. Regardless of whether you apply for re-parole online or on paper by mail, you must provide documentation to confirm your initial period of parole and identity, including your photo, name, and date of birth. Examples include: 

• Form I-94; 
• A copy of both sides of your USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if you applied for and received one; 
• A copy of both sides of your U.S. government-issued driver’s license or U.S. government- issued ID, if you applied for and received one; or 
• A copy of the identity (biographical) page of your passport and copies of all admission and parole stamps in your passport for entries into the United States. Please note that children may be included in a parent’s Ukrainian passport; in such cases, the children’s information will not be on the identity page. 

If you submit any document containing information in a foreign language to USCIS, you must include a full English language translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate and include the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. 

Employment Authorization
If USCIS approves your application for re-parole, you can then apply separately for a new EAD, for the duration of your new period of parole, by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS after they approve your re-parole.

If you file Form I-765 before grant of re-parole, USCIS may deny your Form I-765, and will not refund any associated fees. You can apply for an EAD through a USCIS online account.  

While their new EAD application is pending, parolees who have received re-parole may be able to show their new Form I-94 (issued following the grant of re-parole) as acceptable evidence of identity and employment authorization for a period of up to 90 days from the date they are hired (or for reverification of employment eligibility when the initial EAD expires).  To use the I-94 for this purpose, a parolee must have been:  

• Granted re-parole as a certain Ukrainian citizen or an immediate family member;  
• Have a most recent date of entry on or before Sept. 30, 2023; and  
• Have a new I-94 with “UHP” listed as the class of admission.  

Within 90 days, the employee must present an unexpired EAD or unrestricted Social Security card and a List B identity document such as a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to meet the Form I-9 requirements.   

Have You Moved? 
As a condition of your parole, you must update your address with USCIS each time you move and within 10 days of moving. We strongly encourage you to change your address through your USCIS online account. This will help ensure you receive all correspondence and benefits from us in a timely manner and avoid possible delays.  
​
Frequently Asked Questions 
What do I need to know to complete the Form I-131 for re-parole? 
 On the online form, this will be the first question under the first section, called “Basis of Eligibility.” In the same section you must also select “yes” to the question, “Are you applying for re-parole?” 
  
On the paper form, this option is located in part 2, item 1.e. You also must write “Ukraine Re-Parole” at the top of the form if you file on paper and mail your form to the designated filing location. 
  
For detailed instructions on how to apply for re-parole under this process, visit the Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainians webpage. 
 

How much does it cost to apply for re-parole? 
The current Form I-131 filing fee is $575. There is no cost for biometric services. If you want to request a fee waiver, you must file Form I-131 on paper. You cannot apply for re-parole online if you are submitting a fee waiver request.  
  
Note: Our fees will be changing on April 1, 2024. Before filing, you should always check for the most up-to-date filing fee by visiting the Form I-131 page. 
 

Do I need to apply for a new EAD to be able to continue working? 
Yes. If your application for re-parole is approved, you may file Form I-765 through your USCIS online account. Do not file your Form I-765 until after we approve your re-parole application. Eligible parolees whose Form I-765 is approved will receive an EAD that they can present to their employer for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.  
  
If you are approved for re-parole, you may be able to use your updated I-94 as an acceptable identity and work authorization document for a limited time while USCIS adjudicates your Form I-765, if you were paroled on or before Sept. 30, 2023.  Individuals who receive a Form I-131 approval notice showing a new period of parole should visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 website to view and print a copy of their new Form I-94. If USCIS approves your re-parole application, the updated I-94 will show a “class of admission” of “UHP.” 
  
For parolees who are granted re-parole and whose new, unexpired Form I-94 includes a UHP class of admission and a “Most Recent Date of Entry” on or before Sept. 30, 2023, the Form I-94 is an acceptable List A receipt that shows their identity and employment authorization for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This satisfies the Form I-9 requirement for 90 days from the date of hire (or in the case of reverification, the date employment authorization expires). 
 
After the 90-day period, parolees must present an unexpired EAD, or unrestricted Social Security card and acceptable List B identity document from the Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents (such as a state-issued driver’s license or identification card). We recommend filing Form I-765 as soon as we approve your re-parole application. USCIS will provide additional guidance to employers about completion of the Form I-9. 
  

My first EAD is expiring soon. Will USCIS waive the filing fee for my second EAD? 
No. While USCIS did not initially require a filing fee for most of the parolees who are now eligible to apply for this process, you must submit Form I-765 for your second EAD, and include the current filing fee of $410. Before you file, check for the most up-to-date filing fee by visiting the Form I-765 page.  
  
If you want to request a fee waiver, you must file Form I-765 on paper. You cannot apply for an EAD online if you are submitting a fee waiver request. 
 

If I request a fee waiver, will it affect my application? 
 
No. Requesting a waiver of the Form I-765 fee does not affect the adjudication of your employment authorization. 
 

Do I need to file any other forms to apply for re-parole? 
No. You only need to file Form I-131 with the required supporting documents to apply for re-parole.  
 

How soon can I file for re-parole? 
 
It is important that you file your application for re-parole before the end of your initial parole period. If circumstances allow, USCIS recommends filing your application for re-parole no later than 60 days before the last day of your initial parole period. We will be prioritizing cases based on parole expiration dates. 
 

What if my initial parole expires while my re-parole application is pending?  After your initial parole expires, you no longer are in an authorized period of stay unless you have been granted an immigration status, such as asylum or TPS, or are otherwise in an authorized period of stay, such as if you have a pending asylum, TPS, or Green Card application. We encourage you to file your re-parole application as soon as possible. 


Action Items 

• Create your free USCIS online account today to apply for re-parole. By applying online, you can prevent common mistakes on your forms. If you already have an account, confirm that you have access to it. Through a USCIS online account, you can check the status of your case, access your notices from USCIS, communicate with us, and respond to requests for evidence. Even if you plan to apply for re-parole and for a new EAD by paper, you are still encouraged to create a USCIS online account to check on your case status and access USCIS notices. 
• Update your address through your USCIS online account or follow the information provided on our How to Change Your Address webpage if you are filing on paper. This will help to ensure you receive all correspondence and benefits in a timely manner. 
• Review and ensure completion of all attestation requirements through your USCIS online account, including:

• • An attestation that you have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose of an FDA-approved or -authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a WHO-Emergency use listed (EUL) COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • An attestation that you received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test, within 90 days. 

• Gather all required documents. 
• Timely apply for re-parole before your initial parole period ends.  
• Learn more about the benefits of filing online today. 

Important Resources 

• How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Ukrainian 
• How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Russian 
• Request technical support with your USCIS online account. 
• Learn more about re-parole for certain Ukrainian citizens and non-Ukrainian immediate family members at the Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainians webpage. 
• We may have the answer to your questions on our frequently asked questions page.  

​USCIS Launches Online Form to Request a Field Office Appointment.

On August 21, 2023, USCIS announced a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment for certain customer service-related appointment requests, such as ADIT stamp or emergency advanced parole, at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.
Individuals can visit my.uscis.gov/appointment to submit a request for a specific date, time, and type of appointment with their local field office.

This online appointment request form is not a self-scheduling tool and does not guarantee an appointment for the preferred date or time requested. The Contact Center will review and validate each request before confirming the appointment date and time.
Individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives will still have the option to call the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment. However, USCIS strongly encourages users to use the new online appointment request form to improve their overall customer experience. Using the online appointment request form will save time, increase efficiency, and reduce call volume to the USCIS Contact Center.
Visit my.uscis.gov/appointment for more information.

Appointment requests at USCIS offices are for matter relating to the following categories:

• ADIT Stamp: The Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I- 551 stamp) provides temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status that may be issued to Legal Permanent Resident (LPRs) in limited circumstances. It authorizes the holder to work in the United States and be re-admitted to the United States following travel outside of the country. The ADIT stamp is stamped on the individual's unexpired passport or the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record when the applicant is unable to obtain a passport or if the passport is expired. If you are not in possession of a valid passport, please ensure you bring two passport-style photos to your appointment.
  Note: If you were issued an extension notice after filing, and you are in possession of your expired Legal Permanent Resident card, please show these two documents as your valid proof of status upon request. If you are not in possession of your expired Legal Permanent Resident card, your extension notice is no longer valid, please make an appointment to obtain proof of status.
  Check your case status online.

Emergency Advance Parole: 

Field offices sometimes receive emergency requests for issuance of an advance parole document. Whether or not to grant a request for emergency advance parole document depends on if the travel need is considered emergent. “Emergent” means “arising unexpectedly,” while “emergency” means “calling for prompt action.” If you are experiencing an extremely urgent situation, you may request an emergency advance parole appointment at your local field office. You should bring the following items to your appointment.

• A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Valid Passport;
• The correct I-131 filing fee;
• Evidence to support the emergency request (e.g., death certificate, medical documentation); and
• Two passport-style photos.

Determine if you are eligible for Emergency Advance Parole: Emergency Travel

• Note: Asylum applicants, asylees, refugees, and lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum or refugee status are also subject to special rules regarding traveling outside the United States. Additional information regarding traveling outside the United States as well as the consequences that could result if an asylum applicant, an asylee, a refugee, or a lawful permanent resident who obtained such status based on his or her asylum or refugee status returns to his or her country of claimed persecution may be found in the Fact Sheet entitled Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, and Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum Status.
  Note: Asylees (individuals who have been granted asylum) and Lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status may travel abroad with the prior approval of the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such prior approval comes in the form of a refugee travel document. A refugee travel document is valid for one year and is issued to an asylee to allow his or her return to the United States after temporary travel abroad. Like advance parole, a refugee travel document does not guarantee admission into the United States. Rather, the asylee must still undergo inspection by an immigration inspector from CBP to review the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
• Immigration Judge Grant: When an applicant is granted permanent residence or asylum by an Immigration Judge (IJ) during immigration court proceedings or by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), USCIS is responsible for producing the applicants Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or providing proof of status. Typically, the applicant is required to go into the local field office to initiate card production or obtain evidence of status. Please ensure you are in possession of your copy of the Final Order, as well as photo identification and passport to your appointment.
  • IJ Asylum grant applicants should also bring two passport-style photos to the appointment.
  • IJ LPR grant applicants, who do not possess a valid passport, need to bring two passport-style photos to the appointment. Applicants that do not have valid fingerprints on file may be scheduled for an Application Support Center appointment to produce the I-551 LPR Card.

Briefly in Russian:

21 августа 2023 USCIS объявил о новой онлайн функции, где можно самостоятельно получить дату для посещения местного иммиграционного офиса. По этому линку вы сможете послать запрос на время и дату, это не гарантировано когда вы получите дату для посещения офиса. Запрос можно послать самостоятельно или через адвоката. Это будет полезно, например, если вам срочно нужно получить разрешениа на выезд и въезд в США (emergency advance parole).

TPS for Ukraine Updates: Новости по ТПС для Украины.

Today, on July 14, 2022, I attended a conference call with the USCIS headquarters, and they provided important updates about TPS for Ukraine. Below are some of the talking points in English and Russian.

Cегодня 14 июля 2022 USCIS ответили на многие вопросы по ТПС для Украины во время конференции с адвокатами, которую я посетила.

1) USCIS is expecting that the processing time for TPS for Ukraine will be about 6 months. Soon, the processing times will be available at USCIS website. Ожидается, что сроки рассмотрения ТПС для Украины будут 6 месяцев. Скоро даты будут опубликованы онлайн на сайте USCIS.

2) Some TPS applications will be denied. The reasons for denial are inadmissibility grounds, criminal, frivolous asylum application (it is important!), reinstatement of a prior deportation order, etc. Некоторые заявления на ТПС получат отказ. Например, если у вас открыто решение по депортации, вы подавали фривольное заявление на полит убежище в прошлом, у вас есть судимости и другие основания для признания вас невъездным в США. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

3) Application for TPS can be filed online. However, if you are requesting a fee waiver, currently, it can be only filed by mail. However, USCIS is working on making a Fee Waiver request available for online filing soon. Заявление на ТПС может быть подано как онлайн так и по почте. Если вы хотите подать бесплатно - только по почте. USCIS планируют скоро поменять правила - и разрешить подачу бесплатно онлайн (подать заявление на fee waiver).

4) Be careful preparing your application and what documents you are submitting with your application.
Внимательно готовьте свое заявление и документы для подачи.

5) Avoid immigration scams. Consult licensed attorneys, not notarios or someone says that they are a "paralegal" or "immigration consultant". USCIS sees a lot of fraudulent activity.
Избегайте иммиграционного мошенничества. Многие нотариусы, паралигалы и так называемые "иммиграционные консультанты" на самом деле не являются адвокатами, не имеют права давать юридический совет, но занимаются иммиграционными услугами. Обращайтесь за помощью к адвокату. USCIS видит много нарушений и мошенничества по делам ТПС.

6) If your application is pending too long or you didn't receive a Receipt Notice, form I-797, they might be investigating your case more closely. Consult an attorney. Если ваше заявление слишком долго ждет решения или вы даже не получили письмо с номером дела, возможно какие-то проблемы именно с вашим заявлением, и оно требует больше времени. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

7) You can travel to Ukraine and return back to the USA if you have an advance parole (if TPS is pending) or travel authorization (if TPS is granted). Вы можете путешествовать в Украину и обратно в США, если у вас есть travel document. А именно, advance parole (если ТПС все еще на рассмотрении) или travel authorization (если ТПС уже утвержден). Помните, что это требует особого заявления, госпошлины и времени для получения.

8) If you applied for TPS online and made a mistake that you noticed too late, there is a way to correct it through your online account.
Если вы сделали ошибки в своем заявлении онлайн, то есть способы их исправить через ваш аккаунт онлайн.

9) YES, you can have another valid Non-immigrant status while in TPS. However, you must maintain that status. There are rules to follow. Да, вы можете одновременно с ТПС поддерживать другой неиммиграционный статус. Помните, что важно не нарушать это второй статус, чтобы его не потерять (например, студенческий).

10) If you left Ukraine in a hurry and do not have some important documents, there is a way to submit "secondary evidence", and if accepted, it could be used instead of the missing documents from Ukraine.
Если вы оставили на Украине какие-то важные документы и у вас их нет с собой, их можно заменить другими документами. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

11) In some instances, people without Ukrainian citizenship could be granted TPS. В некоторых ситуациях человек не являющийся гражданином Украины может получить статус ТПС для Украины. Это узкие исключения.

12) TPS is issued individually to each applicant (to parents and children separately). You need to submit an application for each family member. There is no "derivative" TPS status. Статус ТПС это не семейный статус. Он не выдается на всю семью. Каждый должен подать индивидуальное заявление, включая детей. Кому-то могут отказать, не взирая на родственные связи, если они не соответствуют требованиям ТПС.

Для консультации с адвокатом, пишите по адресу.[email protected]  ​

​Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. USCIS will no longer issue advance parole documents to a TPS beneficiary’s for travel outside the United States.

If you are a TPS beneficiary (TPS was approved) with an existing, unexpired advance parole document, you may continue to use it for travel outside the United States through the period of validity printed on it.

If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for a new travel authorization document, you should continue to use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application.

USCIS will continue issuing advance parole documents to noncitizens with pending applications for TPS (Form I-821).

Recently we published very important related news on our blog.

Briefly in Russian:

С 1 июля 2022 USCIS начал выдавать новый документ для поездок за пределы США лицам в статусе TPS..

Мы недавно опубликовали на нашем блоге важные новости по этому вопросу и будущей возможности получить грин карту.

Форма заявления - таже форма I-131.

Если заявлние I-821 TPS все еще находится на рассмотрении, то по прежнему USCIS будет выдавать advance parole.

To schedule a consultation, please email us to schedule.

Information about TPS from USCIS. 

Big news for TPS:

On July 1, 2022, USCIS updated its policy regarding eligibility for adjustment of status of certain recipients of TPS.  USCIS clarified that TPS beneficiaries who travel abroad temporarily, with the prior consent of the USCIS (new travel authorization form I-512T), and who return to the USA in accordance with that prior authorization, may be inspected and admitted into TPS upon return, with certain exceptions. TPS beneficiaries whom DHS has inspected and admitted into TPS after such authorized travel are considered “inspected and admitted” and therefore eligible to apply for a green card through a process known as adjustment of status under INA 245(a) and INA 245(k). This is true even if the TPS beneficiary was present without admission or parole when initially granted TPS. USCIS  introducув a new form, TPS Travel Authorization (Form I-512T) for authorizing such travel. A TPS applicant has to be eligible to apply for a green card, in one if the categories, this didn't change.

Briefly in Russian:

1 июля 2022 USCIS опубликовал официальный меморандум, который изменил стырые правила по ТПС. Теперь человек в статусе ТПС, может получить разрешение на поездки за границу, новую форму, которую вводят специально для ТПС, и по возвращении в США, ему или ей будет разрешен официальный въезд в США на основании инспекции офицером на границе. С этим официальным разрешением на въезд, человек сможет подать на грин карту через процесс известный как adjustment of status, даже если до этого они въехали без визы и проживали нелегально в США. Естественно, человек должен иметь основания для подачи на грин карту, в соответствии с законом.

To be eligible for adjustment of status under INA 245(a), a noncitizen must have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States, unless exempt from this requirement. On June 7, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the interpretation that a noncitizen who enters the United States without having been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled, and who is subsequently granted TPS, generally does not meet this requirement.1 USCIS is updating its guidance to reflect the decision of the Supreme Court. USCIS is also updating the effect of authorized travel by a TPS beneficiary on eligibility for adjustment of status under INA 245(a). On August 20, 2020, USCIS adopted a decision by the Administrative Appeals Office in Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as agency policy.

Matter of Z-R-Z-C- held that treating TPS beneficiaries who were paroled upon returning from travel authorized under INA 244(f)(3) as parolees for purposes of eligibility for adjustment of status under INA 245(a) was contrary to the language of the statute, as such noncitizens should not be considered to have been paroled, despite the issuance and use of parole documents for reentry into the United States. The adoption of this holding as the agency’s policy position significantly changed the agency’s position on the effect of authorized travel and return to the United States by TPS recipients. Matter of Z-R-ZC- also held that being “inspected and admitted” after TPS-authorized travel does not constitute being inspected and admitted for purposes of adjustment of status under INA 245(a).  

USCIS has reviewed its interpretation of the relevant statutory authority3 and the effect of TPS authorized travel on eligibility for adjustment of status, and on July 1, 2022, rescinded its designation of Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as an adopted decision.

USCIS is updating its guidance to clarify that TPS beneficiaries who travel abroad temporarily, with the prior consent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and who return in accordance with that prior authorization, may be inspected and admitted into TPS upon return, with certain exceptions. TPS beneficiaries whom DHS has inspected and admitted into TPS after such authorized travel are “inspected and admitted” for purposes of adjustment of status under INA 245(a) and INA 245(k).

This is true even if the TPS beneficiary was present without admission or parole when initially granted TPS.

USCIS is also updating its guidance relating to how it authorizes TPS beneficiaries to travel pursuant to the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Nationality Amendments of 1991 (MTINA).

USCIS is introducing a new form, TPS Travel Authorization (Form I-512T) for authorizing such travel and will no longer be using Authorization for Parole of an Alien Into the United States (Form I512L) for this population. Presenting with a valid Form I-512T allows a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a port-of-entry to admit the named bearer into TPS.

USCIS is also removing guidance and reserving the affected Policy Manual section regarding the effect of TPS and TPS-authorized travel on whether a naturalization applicant was lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as required under INA 318.

The removed guidance did not reflect the 2021 Supreme Court decision that conferral of TPS was not an admission, and it applied the rescinded policy in Matter of Z-R-Z-C- to TPS beneficiaries who returned from authorized travel. Guidance reflecting these changes will be issued subsequently. USCIS is also updating its guidance relating to when adjustment of status applications are in the jurisdiction of USCIS, as opposed to the jurisdiction of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

The update also clarifies that jurisdiction is based on whether or not DHS places a noncitizen into removal proceedings as an “arriving alien.” This guidance, contained in Volume 7 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies prospectively to applications adjudicated on or after July 1, 2022. The guidance in Part B, Chapter 2, Section A, Subsection 5, Temporary Protected Status, also applies retroactively to past travel in all cases arising under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit under the recent decision Duarte v. Mayorkas, 27 F.4th 1044 (5th Cir. 2022), as well as in individual cases arising elsewhere where USCIS has determined that retroactive application is appropriate, as explained in the guidance. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes Adjudicators Field Manual Chapter 54.4(a)(3)(A), TPS Advance Parole Procedures, and any other related prior guidance on the topic.

Policy Highlights:

• Incorporates the Supreme Court’s decision in Sanchez v. Mayorkas.

• Reflects the rescission of Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as an adopted decision.

• Clarifies that if a TPS beneficiary is inspected and admitted into TPS following a return from authorized travel, this meets the requirements of INA 245(a) and 245(k) for adjustment of status.

• Provides that USCIS may deem past travel under advance parole to have been an admission into TPS in certain cases.

• Clarifies the circumstances under which USCIS or EOIR have jurisdiction over adjustment of status applications following a TPS beneficiary’s inspection and admission into TPS after a return from authorized travel.

• Clarifies that jurisdiction over an adjustment application by a noncitizen in removal proceedings is based on whether or not DHS placed the noncitizen into those proceedings as an “arriving alien.”

• Removes and reserves guidance discussing TPS when considering whether a naturalization applicant was lawfully admitted as a permanent resident as required under INA 318. Summary of Changes Affected Section: Volume 7 > Part A > Chapter 3 > Section D, Jurisdiction

• Makes revisions throughout to clarify basis for jurisdiction and to incorporate new policy on effect of TPS-authorized travel. Affected Section: Volume 7 > Part B > Chapter 2 > Section A, “Inspected and Admitted” or “Inspected and Paroled” • Revises Subsection 5 (Temporary Protected Status), in its entirety. Affected Section: Volume 12 > Part D > Chapter 2 > Section C, Effect of Change in Law 

• Removes text under Subsection 2 (Case Law), Temporary Protected Status and Admission or Parole into the United States for Adjustment of Status, and reserves section.

Citation

​Volume 7: Adjustment of Status, Part A, Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures, Chapter 3, Filing Instructions [7 USCIS-PM A.3]; Part B, 245(a) Adjustment, Chapter 2, Eligibility Requirements [7 USCIS-PM B.2]. Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part D, General Naturalization Requirements, Chapter 2, Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization [12 USCIS-PM D.2]. 

USCIS Memo, dated July 1, 2022.

Read another post on this topic here - I-512T Travel Authorization for TPS Beneficiary v. Advance Parole for I-821 pending.

On December 13, 2021, USCIS reminded the public that they offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the recent tornadoes in Kentucky and surrounding states.
The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• 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 waiver requests due to an inability to pay;
• Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
• Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Documents, and Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94); and
• Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

Note: When making a request, please explain how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created a need for the requested relief. If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request.
Visit Special Situations page or call us for more information about how we provide assistance to individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances. To learn how to request these measures, call us at 800-375-5283. For people with disabilities: (TTY) 800-767-1833 or (VRS) 877-709-5797.

​

Briefly for our clients in Russian:

Q/Вопрос: Как я могу подать петицию на VAWA . Я и мой муж расписаны. Проживали вместе, но как оказалось он не в себе когда пьет. Документы на грин карту мы не подавали. У меня нет ни грин карты ни разрешения на работу.

A/Ответ: Добрый день! Вы можете подать петицию VAWA и также заявление на грин карту, разрешение на работу и на поездки БЕЗ участия мужа (во многих случаях это можно делать одновременно).

Если вы замужем (или развелись в течение 2-х лет перед подачей VAWA self-petition), проживали вместе в США (даже если сейчас вы выехали за пределы США), муж вас обижал/бил/притеснял/оскорблял/совершал другие насильственные действия против вас, вы человек моральный и без судимостей и т.п. -- вы можете подать все заявления вместе в USCIS в отдел VAWA, если ваш муж американский гражданин, и даже если он постоянный житель США (т.к. сейчас категория F2A is current).

Подготовка и подача VAWA petition очень сложный и трудоемкий процесс. Крайне важно предоставить и подать вместе ВСЕ сопроводительные документы и доказательства по делу. ВАВА отличается от других петиций тем, что решение по петиции VAWA принимается БЕЗ интервью, а на основании рассмотрения ваших документов. Консультация и помощь компетентного и опытного адвоката по делам ВАВА очень важны.

Сроки рассмотрения дел ВАВА в настоящий момент около 18-24 месяцев. Но в течение этого времени у вас будет разрешение на работу и SSN, если вы подготовили и подали все правильно. Вы можете подать петицию и во время COVID-19, т.к. отдел ВАВА открыт и работает. Всего доброго и удачи!

Если вам нужна помощь и консультация, пожалуйста свяжитесь с адвокатом по адресу [email protected] , мы вам вышлем список вопросов и документов нам нужно просмотреть перед консультацией, подтвердим стоимость и условия оплаты за консультацию, и договоримся о дате и времени телефонной или видеочат video call консультации. По делам ВАВА мы работаем с клиентами со всех штатов.

Мой ответ опубликован here.

Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, an Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum.

Asylum applicants, asylees, and lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status are subject to special rules with regard to traveling outside the United States.

--> An asylum applicant who leaves the United States without first obtaining advance parole shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her asylum application. Advance parole (see: USCIS Form I-131) allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.
Asylum applicants must receive advance parole before leaving the United States.
Advance parole does not guarantee that the alien will be paroled into the United States. Rather, the asylum applicant must still undergo inspection by an immigration inspector from United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

--> Asylees: Asylees (individuals who have been granted asylum) may travel abroad with the prior approval of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such prior approval comes in the form of a refugee travel document. A refugee travel document is valid for one year and is issued to an asylee to allow his or her return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
Generally, the asylee should obtain the refugee travel document prior to departure from the United States, though the applicable regulations also permit the issuance of a refugee travel document abroad under certain circumstances. Like advance parole, a refugee travel document does not guarantee admission into the United States. Rather, the asylee must still undergo inspection by an immigration inspector from CBP.

--> Lawful Permanent Residents: Lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status may also travel abroad with refugee travel documents.  

​Read more here and here.

On November 16, 2018, during Ombudsman’s Office Annual Conference, USCIS Director, L. Francis Cissna confirmed that USCIS will end its practice of denying pending Advance Parole (travel document) applications when applicants travel internationally. This sudden change of policy was a result of the collaboration between USCIS and Ombudsman’s Office. 

Over a year ago, suddenly, USCIS began denying applications for renewals of Advance Parole (I-131) documents, if an applicant traveled internationally while waiting for the I-131 approval. It was followed by thousands of applications being denied for abandonment, people unable to return to the U.S. after a temporary trip abroad, refiling of thousands of advance parole applications, emergency I-131 filings at local USCIS offices, and resulted in strain of the USCIS resources.

Currently, the USCIS website indicates that if an individual has an approved advance parole document while a second one is pending, they can travel on the approved document, provided the advance parole document is valid for the entire duration of the trip (will not expire until after they had returned to the U.S.). In this case, the pending I-131 application will not be considered by the USCIS as abandoned.

​See more here.

Information in Russian: how to apply for adjustment of status in the U.S. Brief overview, including recent changes, effective October 1st and November 19th, 2018.

Информация по русски о том, как подать заявление на грин карту, разрешение на работу и на поездки за границу, не выезжая из США.

(1) Первое видео - информация о грин-карте - краткий обзор с учетом недавних изменений в законе:
ВИДЕО О ГРИН-КАРТЕ

​
(2) Второе видео - продолжение о разрешении на работу и на поездки - как избежать ошибок, отказа или передачи дела на депортации, после новых изменений, которые вступили в силу с 1 октября и 19 ноября 2018:
ПРОДОЛЖЕНИЕ О РАЗРЕШЕНИИ НА РАБОТУ И ПОЕЗДКИ.

​

How USCIS can help people affected by wildfires in California and other unforeseen circumstances? 

On a discretionary basis and upon request, USCIS offers the following immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances: 

--Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. 
--Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
--Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employmentauthorization 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;
--Extension of response time or acceptance of a late response to a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent;
--Rescheduling an interview with USCIS;
--Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); 
--Rescheduling a biometrics appointment. 

Note: When making a request, please explain how the wildfires in California or other unforeseen circumstances are related to the need for the requested relief.

​Read more here.

​On February 14, 2018, USCIS announced that it will now accept credit card payments for filing most of its applications, including I-130, I-129F, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-601, I-90, N-400, N-600, etc.

Currently, credit card payment option is available for the 41 fee-based forms processed at USCIS Lockbox facilities. To pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, applicants will need to use USCIS Form G-1450. 

USCIS will enter credit card data into the Pay.gov system, operated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and will then destroy the Form G-1450 to protect the credit card information.

Applicants for naturalization, N-400, and applicants renewing or replacing their Green Cards, I-90, can already use a credit card if they file online at uscis.gov.

Before making international travel plans, foreign nationals (with the exception of Canadians) must have a valid visa in their passports (preferably multiple-entry) to re-enter the United States. People who did not previously obtain a visa in connection with their current nonimmigrant status (had "change of status"), or whose visa has expired, will need to apply for an appropriate visa at the U.S. Consulate in their home country (and may need to submit a visa application and schedule a visa appointment before they depart the USA). The only exception is for visits to Mexico or Canada for less than 30 days under the visa revalidation rule. People traveling internationally must also have a valid and unexpired passport (or other travel document).
​
U.S. Consulates' visa processing procedures and times vary. Visa applicants should check the website of the Consulate where they plan to apply for their visa to obtain the most accurate information. Due to the increased security and mandatory interviews at most Consulates, visa issuance processing times are unpredictable and could be delayed.

Please visit the U.S. Department of State for information regarding current visa appointment and processing wait times for each Consulate. We recommend a minimum of three to four weeks for the visa process.
Foreign nationals in the United States, who have a pending “change of status” or "extension of status" petition (from one nonimmigrant classification to another, or extension of the status in the same visa category) must remain in the United States until adjudication on their petition is complete. Foreign nationals who travel abroad while an application for change of nonimmigrant status is pending are considered to have abandoned their change of status portion of the petition.

Similarly, a pending advance parole application could be deemed abandoned and denied under recent policy changes. Please keep this in mind because in the past the situation was very different.

Foreign national employees should inform their U.S. employers regarding their plans to travel outside of the United States, and provide their departure and return dates and the countries to which they plan to travel. If possible, employers should provide employees with an employment verification letter that confirms the employee’s continued/current employment based on an approved nonimmigrant visa petition. This letter should be provided before employees depart the United States.

It is important to remember that the I-94 record expiration date governs the foreign national employee’s period of authorized stay in the United States. If an employee’s passport expires before the end date of the work authorization, status may be limited to the expiration date of the passport. If that occurs, the employee will need to renew the passport and travel outside of the country with a valid visa (prior to the expiration date noted on the I-94 record) to obtain a new I-94 record for the full period of stay authorized by the I-797 approval notice. Upon re-entry to the U.S., employees should obtain a copy of their admission record at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site to ensure the entry information is correct.
​
Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President's third travel ban, impacting eight countries, is to be fully enforced, effective December 8 2017, while legal challenges in lower courts are pending. While this ban exempts certain individuals, caution should be taken by nationals of the following countries before traveling: Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Chad, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela.

On September 5, 2017, on behalf of the President and current White House administration, the U.S. Attorney General formally announced the end by rescission of the 2012 immigration deferred action program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA").

DACA did not confer any legal immigration status nor it was a path to the U.S. citizenship. DACA provided protection from deportation and work permits and advance parole/travel documents to approximately 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and provided them with legal work authorization. his is disheartening to youth who have contributed so much both economically and culturally.
​
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") and USCIS will stop processing any initial DACA accepted at the USCIS office after September 5, 2017.

Any applications already accepted by this date will be processed. DHS/USCIS indicated that current beneficiaries of DACA will not be impacted before March 5, 2018, so "Congress can have time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions."

DHS has also announced that it plans to continue to accept DACA renewal applications for any DACA beneficiary whose status expires between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, so long as these applications are accepted by October 5, 2017. Any applications received after October 5 will be rejected. 

Note: if your DACA work permit expires after March 5th 2018, you will not be able to renew it for additional two years, as those who can apply to renew IF their work permit expires before March 5th 2018.

In addition, DACA recipients whose valid employment authorization document is lost, stolen or destroyed may still request a replacement through the normal process.

Important: USCIS will no longer adjudicate advance parole request associated with DACA, any applications for advance parole that are currently pending will be administratively closed and filing fees refunded.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services says that information provided in support of the application will not be proactively provided to Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) or to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the requestor meets the criteria for the issuance of a Notice to Appear or a referral to ICE. However, a DHS spokesman stated that if Congress does not act, then DACA beneficiaries would be treated as any other person who is in the country illegally, and therefore, subject to deportation or removal.

Additionally, all of the information provided to the government by DACA applicants will remain in the DHS system.

DHS has provided a Frequency Asked Questions webpage .

Briefly in Russian:

5 сентября 2017 Генеральный прокурор США заявил об окончании федеральной программы ДАКА, которая вступила в силу в 2012 году во время предыдущей администрации. По этой программе около 800,000 молодых людей получили разрешение на работу, поездки за границу и временную защиту от депортации.

ДАКА заявления поданные до 5 сентября 2017 будут рассмотрены, и утверждены, если соответствуют требованиям программы.

Заявления на продление разрешения на работу, находящиеся на рассмотрении на 5 сентября 2017, также будут рассмотрены.

Заявления на продление разрешения на работу, которое истекает между 5 сентября 2017 и 5 марта 2018, будут приняты и рассмотрены, если заявление на продление получено в иммиграционной службе ДО 5 октября 2017. То есть остался только месяц!

Помните, что если ваше разрешение на работу истекает после 5 марта 2018, вы уже не сможете его продлить на два года, как те, у кого они истекает до 5 марта 2018.

Заявления на разрешение на поездки за границу (advance parole) рассматриваться и утверждаться не будет.

Правительство заявило, что информация о молодых людях, подавших заявление ДАКА, не будет передаваться в соответствующие органы на депортацию (пока), но в будущем, если Конгресс не примет нового закона о защите иммигрантской молодежи, иммиграционная служба будет рекомендовать их на депортацию, так же как и всех других категорий лиц, проживающих в США нелегально.

Вопросы и ответы можно почитать тут.

UPDATE Following the court order, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, the DHS released the following statement:

"From the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):In accordance with the judge's ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled, "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States."
This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the Executive Order.
DHS personnel will resume inspection of travelers in accordance with standard policy and procedure.
At the earliest possible time, the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this order and defend the President's Executive Order, which is lawful and appropriate. The Order is intended to protect the homeland and the American people, and the President has no higher duty and responsibility than to do so.
For the latest information, please visit the DHS website: https://www.dhs.gov/news"

02/01/2017 UPDATE on so called Muslim ban executive order (List of 7 restricted countries: Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Yemen & Libya):

USCIS

On February 2, 2017, the Acting Director of the USCIS confirmed that "...the Executive Order does not affect USCIS adjudication of applications and petitions filed for or on behalf of individuals in the United States, regardless of their country of nationality."

***The previous contrary statements issued by the USCIS and DHS officials are no longer valid.​***

This means that we can expect that all applications filed with USCIS in the United States by (the 7 countries) will be adjudicated.

In Russian:

​2 февраля 2017 USCIS Директор официально уведомил публику о том, что указ президента о лицах из семи мусульманских стран НЕ распространяется на заявления и петиции, поданные в пределах США в иммиграционную службу USCIS, даже если поданы заявителями из этих 7 стран. Это хорошие новости. Так как даже Asylum офис прекратил рассматривать эти заявления, но они начнут рассматривать заявления как и ранее после такого официального заявления.

P.S. ситуация меняется каждый день. Следует следить за официальными сообщениями.

--------------------------------------------

CBP

On February 1, 2017, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) held a meeting with immigration attorneys in San Francisco, CA:

As reported by San Francisco immigration attorneys in attendance, the CBP provided the following explanations regarding executive order ban:

1) All U.S. Legal Permanent Residents will be let into the U.S. without waivers, as of yesterday (Wed., Feb. 1st) afternoon. This includes U.S. Legal Permanent Residents from the 7 banned countries. (Note: The INA - Immigration & Nationality Act is a federal statute. In Section 212 of the INA, it states that all U.S. Legal Permanent Residents have to be let into the U.S. So, CBP is now complying with the law on this.)

2) All dual citizens will be treated as if from the country they present themselves from (which passport they use). So, if someone has French Citizenship and Iranian Citizenship, and uses their French passport, they should be let into the U.S. If they use their Iranian passport, they will not be let into the U.S.

3) CBP confirmed that officers will search electronic devices and social media of anyone it wants more info. on. They called this one of their tools of investigation.

4) Advance Parole travel permits for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) will be honored until they are told otherwise, unless it is an individual from 1 of the 7 banned countries.

5) CBP has not heard of and is not aware of any additional countries that will be added to the list of 7. (On 02/02/2017 the US Department of State also released a statement, saying that DoS has no information about any additional countries  being added to the List of 7.)

6) All U.S. Citizens, even with dual citizenship from restricted countries, will be let into the U.S.

7) Airlines have been given instructions by CBP on who to let board airplanes. This does not mean that some airline employees will bar people from boarding that should be allowed to board.

8) Anyone with a medical issue while in primary or secondary inspection will be attended to by paramedics and taken to the hospital if necessary. If inspection is not complete, a CBP officer will go with the individual to the hospital.

P.S. Situation is very fluid, and can change in the future. It's advisable to follow any official announcement by USCIS, CBP, ICE, Department of State.

On December 27, 2016,  the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has designated as precedential the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office’s (AAO) decision in Matter of Dhanasar.  This precedent decision vacated the previous precedent, NYSDOT --  Matter of New York State Dep’t of Transp., 22 I&N Dec. 215 (Acting Assoc. Comm’r 1998). 
  
The Dhanasar case overview:
 
Mr. Dhanasar has a Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering, 2 M.S. degrees and an impressive credentials and resume, a "rocket scientist". However, when he self-petitioned for a green card under the National Interest Waiver program, the USCIS denied his I-140 petition under the old law (old 1998 precedent, case NYSDOT, which was now overruled by Dhanasar case). The AAO applied a preponderance of the evidence standard and a new NIW test, and decided that: (1) the petitioner’s research in aerospace engineering has both substantial merit and national importance; (2) the petitioner is well positioned to advance his research; and (3) on balance, it is beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and thus of a labor certification. We find that the petitioner has established eligibility for and otherwise merits a national interest waiver as a matter of discretion.

On appeal, on 12/27/2016 the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) concluded that the old precedent, NYSDOT test, was overly restrictive and approved the I-140 petition as a National Interest Waiver. AAO also changed the NIW test.
 
On December 27, 2016, DHS had relaxed rules for applying for NIW National Interest Waiver green card in EB-2 category. It will benefit many potential immigrants who consider applying for a green card under NIW. Many will be able to concurrently submit I-140, I-485, and applications for a work permit and advance parole. Except for India and China, where because of a backlog in EB-2 category, applicants from India and China will be unable to apply immediately for adjustment of status. Being able to qualify for a EB-2 green card as a NIW, will help many to avoid PERM and having an employer to petition for them, and will speed up the process of becoming a permanent resident.
 
This new precedent decision means that USCIS may grant a national interest waiver if the petitioner proves three elements of the test:

(1) that the foreign national’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance; and
(2) that he or she is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
(3) that, on balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirement of a job offer and thus of a labor certification.
 
The new NIW test still leaves discretion in the USCIS hands to determine whether to approve or deny the National Interest Waiver I-140 EB-2 petition. However, each of the three NIW requirements has been relaxed to make it easier for an applicant to prove his case.  
 
For more information on the AAO please visit www.uscis.gov/aao.
The case can be found in the Virtual Law Library of the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.
 
Вкратце по-русски:

27 декабря 2016 решение Административного аппеляционного офиса по иммиграционным делам по делу Дханасар было официально признано DHS / USCIS новым прецедентом для всех последующих дел и петиций USCIS I-140 на грин карту по программе Вейвера в Национальных Интересах (National Interest Waiver).
Вкратце факты дела Дханасар: Г-н Дханасар имеет степень доктора наук и две степени мастера, а также длинный послужной список и впечатляюшее резюме, он эксперт в области ракетостроения и космоса. Когда он подал заявление на грин карту по программе Вейвера в Национальных Интересах, ему было отказано по причине несоответствия тесту на NIW в предыдущем прецеденте, деле 1998 года NYSDOT. Старый тест было очень сложно доказать, особенно третье требование.
Новое прецедентное решение ААО в корне изменило старый тест на NIW: все три требования по тесту были изменены и облегчены. В результате многим заявителям будет проще получить грин карту по этой программе, и избежать PERM и петицию от работодателя. Также многие смогут сразу подать заявления на грин карту adjustment of status, разрешение на работу и поездки за границу пока adjustment of status находится на рассмотрении.
Дело Дханасар тут: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/920996/download

​

 On February 18, 2016, ILRC updated their PRACTICE ADVISORY: FROM ADVANCE PAROLE TO A GREEN CARD FOR DACA RECIPIENTS.

It can be useful not only for DACA grantees, but also for TPS grantees; people considering adjustment of status, but who are ineligible because of their EWI/illegal entry to USA; people with criminal convictions; and those with removal (deportation) orders, or pending removal proceedings.

The advisory explains who is eligible to apply for Advance Parole (travel document), who can safely travel outside of USA, about risks of being denied admission to USA, and why this document is so important.The advisory is available for download as a PDF file here:

http://www.adminrelief.org/resources/item.592261-Practice_Advisory_From_Advance_Parole_to_a_Green_Card_for_DACA_Recipients

​

It's important to stress out that some DACA recipients (grantees) may become eligible to adjust their status to a permanent resident status ("get a green card") AFTER traveling outside the United States on a special travel document, called Advance Parole. 

Please pay careful attention that not all DACA grantees are eligible for advance parole (consult an attorney if not sure), and not every DACA grantee who travels abroad and returns to USA on advance parole travel document will become eligible for a green card through adjustment of status (by filing a I-485 application with USCIS, instead of consular processing of an immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad). An applicant has to be eligible for adjustment in order to apply. Traveling on advance parole helps to overcome some inadmissibility issues and the problem of EWI (entry without inspection).

USCIS will currently only grant advance parole to DACA recipients if the travel abroad is in furtherance of one of the following categories:
 

(1) Humanitarian purposes, including travel to obtain medical treatment, attending funeral services for a family member, or visiting an ailing relative;
 
(2) Educational purposes, such as semester-abroad programs and academic research, or;
 
(3) Employment purposes such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences or, training, or meetings with clients overseas.

Although a new ILRC Practice Advisory is focused on DACA, most of the analysis will also apply to TPS holders.

If you have questions or need help we would be glad to help you. Please email us first to schedule a consultation with an attorney.

In Russian:

Очень важно иметь в виду, что если вам утвердили ваш иммиграционный статус в США как DACA по новому закону, вы можете получить разрешение на поездки за пределы США, и возвращение в США по этому разрешению, которое называется Advance Parole. 

Перед подачей заявления на выезд за пределы США, всегда стоит проконсультироваться со знающим иммиграционным адвокатом. Не всем лицам, находящимся в статусе DACA, положен такой документ, и не всем его выдают. Иногда при возвращении из-за границы бывают проблемы в аэропорту.

Но эта норма закона имеет огромное значение для тех, кто после возвращения в США по документу advance parole, может затем подать заявление на грин карту как adjustment of status, не выезжая за пределы США и не через посольство, а через USCIS. Не все имеют право на adjustment of status (если есть сомнения всегда стоит проконсультироваться с иммиграционным адвокатом). 

Если у вас есть вопросы или нужна помощь адвоката, мы с удовольствием вас проконсультируем и поможем. Для получения консультации свяжитесь с нами вначале по электронной почте.

Read the Advisory here: