Immigration Blog Luba Smal Attorney at Law - Smal Immigration Law Office

H-1B Visa Cap Gap New 2025 Rule Expands Work Authorization for F-1 Students

4/2/2025

On December 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced the H-1B Modernization Rule, which took effect on January 17, 2025, and is still in effect. This rule brings a significant change to the F-1 cap-gap extension, offering greater flexibility for foreign F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status.

What Is the F-1 Cap-Gap Extension?
The F-1 cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision that bridges the gap between the expiration of an F-1 student’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT and the start of their H-1B status. Under the previous rule, this extension ended on October 1st. However, with the new 2025 rule, the extension can now continue until as late as April 1st of the following calendar year, providing up to six additional months of valid status and work authorization.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Cap-Gap?
To be eligible for this extension, F-1 students must:

Be the beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition requesting a change of status (not consular processing); and
Be in a valid period of OPT/STEM OPT at the time the application is received by USCIS.

Benefits for Employers and F-1 Students
This extension reduces the need for finding interim solutions for employment authorization or navigating periods of unpaid leave.

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain EADs work permits from April 2024 to Sep 2027

5/30/2024

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain EADs or Work Permits where an application for an extension was timely filed.

On April 4, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a temporary final rule increasing the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) to up to 540 days (from up to 180 days). The final rule is effective April 8, 2024, through September 20, 2027, except for the amendments to 8 CFR 274a.13(d)(5), which are effective from April 8, 2024, through October 15, 2025.
Noncitizens in certain employment eligibility categories who timely file Form I-765 (the Application for Employment Authorization) to renew their EADs may qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring EAD while their application remains pending. To be eligible for the automatic extension, (1) the Form I-765 must be properly and timely filed before the applicant’s current EAD expires (except certain applicants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or a pending TPS application); (2) the renewal application must be under a category that is eligible for automatic extension (the list of categories can be found here); and (3) the category on the applicant’s current EAD must match the “Class Requested” listed on the Form I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt Notice.
The final rule increases the automatic extension period to up to 540 days for the following eligible EAD applicants: (1) applicants who timely and properly filed Form I-765 on or after October 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on April 8, 2024; and (2) applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 on or after April 8, 2024, and on or before September 30, 2025. As such, eligible renewal EAD applicants who meet one of these two categories may now receive up to 540 days of temporary work authorization while their renewal applications remain pending.

Effective April 8 2024 USCIS Automatically Extends EAD Work Permit for 540 Days

4/5/2024

On April 8, 2024, USCIS will publish a temporary final rule that will provide automatic extensions of work authorization for certain employment authorization and document (“EAD”) renewal applicants.
Effective October 26, 2023, USCIS shortened the automatic extension for certain EADs from 540 days to 180 days.

USCIS has now determined that the 180-day automatic extension is not enough time, given the number of EAD renewal applicant. To avoid lapses and the issues that arise from individuals losing work authorization, DHS is temporarily amending existing regulations to increase the automatic extension period to 540 days, up from 180, for certain applicants.

The rule will apply to those applicants whose EAD applications were timely filed on or after October 27, 2023, if their application is still pending on April 8, 2024. The temporary final rule will also apply to EAD renewal applicants eligible to receive an automatic extension who timely and properly file their EAD application on or after April 8, 2024, and on or before Sept. 30, 2025.

The following EAD categories will qualify for the 540-day extension:

Adjustment of status applicants (C09);
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) (A12 or C19);
Refugees and asylees (A3 and A5);
Noncitizens who have properly filed applications for asylum and withholding of deportation or removal (C08);
Approved self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and their qualified children (A31);
H-4 spouses with a valid H-4 I-94 (C26);
E-1, E-2, and E-3 spouses with a valid E spousal I-94 (A17), however, E-1, E-2 and E-3 spouses are employed incident to valid E-1S, E-2S and E-3S status and do not need to apply for an EAD;
L-2 spouses with a valid L-2 I-94 (A18), however, L-2 spouses are employment authorized incident to their L-2S status and do not need to file for an EAD.

Employers who have employees working pursuant to the automatic EAD extension will not need to do an I-9 update until the employee reaches the end date of their 540-day extension.

Read more here.

Начиная с 8 апреля 2024, USCIS автоматически продлевает разрешения на работу на 540 дней (вместо 180) для некоторых категорий, поданные после 27 октября 2023.

How to Apply for Re-Parole for Up To Two Years for Ukrainians in the USA

2/28/2024

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 Premium Processing Fees Increase on February 26 2024

1/5/2024

USCIS has announced that fees will increase for all requests for Premium Processing. The increases will apply to all requests for premium processing that are postmarked on or after February 26, 2024. According to the USCIS, one reason for the increase is to account for inflation in 2021, 2022, and the first half of 2023.

The guaranteed premium processing time for most non-immigrant and immigrant employment-based petitions is 15 calendar days (45 days for certain Form I-140 Immigrant Petitions) and 30 days for Form I-539 and I-765 applications filed by individuals.

The following table, provided by the USCIS, shows the fees currently in effect as well as the fees that will apply starting February 26, 2024:

Read USCIS' announcement here.

If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024 with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.

ALERT: Starting June 26, 2024, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539.
As of June 13, 2023, USCIS has been accepting Form I-907 requests, filed via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

How a Person on Humanitarian Parole Can Apply for a Non-Work SSN?

1/3/2024

Q: I came to the United States on Humanitarian Parole from Ukraine (or Venezuela, Haiti, etc). I didn't apply for a work permit yet, and I do not have an employment authorization yet. I need a SSN to apply for certain benefits. Can I apply for a SSN even though I don't have a work permit yet?

A: Yes, you can.

Parolees from several countries who have been granted humanitarian parole may be eligible to apply for a U.S. social security number. There are two potential methods.

(1) You can either apply directly to the Social Security Administration, or (2) you may apply for one when you file Form I-765 Application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
A humanitarian parolee with only a Form I-94 or a parole stamp in their passport may only apply for a non-work Social Security number (SSN). If you are applying for benefits, your local welfare or social service agency should provide you with a referral letter to the Social Security Administration explaining that the agency needs your SSN in order to process your application for benefits. With this letter, the Social Security Administration will accept your application for an SSN.
To apply for a non-work SSN directly through the Social Security Administration, fill out the application for a Social Security Card and print the application. Bring it to your nearest Social Security Administration office, along with your passport, I-94, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and the referral letter from the welfare or social services agency. You may need to make an appointment in advance at the Social Security Administration. Prepare translations of any required documents in advance.
The link for the social security card application can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
You can look up the closest Social Security Administration office at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp#officeResults
You may also apply for a social security number when you apply for your work permit, which can be provided to employers. When filling out your Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD), check boxes 14 and 15 to receive a Social Security Card. You may do this even if you previously received a non-work SSN. The information you provide on this form will then be sent to the Social Security Administration to issue you a social security card.

Once you receive your Social Security Card, please remember to sign it, and keep it in a safe place (it is not advisable to carry it on your person).

Here is a guidance from the SSA office: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211600

Here is an application for a work permit, which can be filed online at USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Ukraine Redesignated for TPS from October 2023 to April 19 2025

8/18/2023

18 августа 2023 Миграционная Служба США объявила о продлении временного гуманитарного статуса ТПС для украинцев еще на 18 месяцев с 20 октября 2023 по 19 апреля 2025. Все те кто находятся в США на 16 августа 2023 теперь могут подать новое заявление на ТПС (если ранее не было) или продлить ваш период ТПС на 18 месяцев.
Все заявления лучше всего подать онлайн.
Тем у кого оно есть разрешение на работу по ТПС, разрешение на работу или work permit (EAD) будет продлено автоматически на год до 19 октября 2024, при условии, что вы подали на пере-регистрацию ТПС.
Студентам с Украины разрешено подавать на разрешение на работу по новому правилу, и также разрешено уменьшить количество часов в в колледже.

Our contact email is here and to schedule a consultation, please follow the link https://calendly.com/lubasmal/

In English:

On August 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security USCIS announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of TPS for Ukraine, allowing Ukrainian nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine) residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023, to be eligible for TPS.

Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Ukraine so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period.

The extension allows approximately 26,000 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through April 19, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements.

An estimated 166,700 additional individuals may be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of Ukraine. This population includes nationals of Ukraine (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Ukraine) in the United States in nonimmigrant status or without lawful immigration status.

Current beneficiaries who wish to extend their temporary protected status must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from August 21, 2023 through October 20, 2023 to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization without a gap. USCIS is automatically extending EADs previously issued through October 19, 2024.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Ukraine. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Ukraine, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through April 19, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Initial, first-time applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Ukraine must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from August 21, 2023 through April 19, 2025. Applicants may file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately at a later date. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Students are Eligible for Premium Processing

3/6/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.

I-907 filing fee of $1,500 must be paid separately.

Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to F-1 students in these categories. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail.
“The availability of premium processing for certain F-1 students, in addition to the ease of online filing, will streamline the immigration experience for a great many international students,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “The ongoing expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we continue to create operational efficiencies and increase access to the immigration system for stakeholders, applicants, petitioners, requestors, and those we serve.”
Premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases, and students requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:

Beginning March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if they are filing under one of the following categories:
- (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students.
Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.

USCIS will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-765 if received before March 6, and will reject any premium processing request for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 that is received before April 3, 2023.
To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending
USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account, which offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond to Requests for Evidence online.
Applicants who previously filed a paper Form I-765 and wish to file Form I-907 online to request premium processing should reference the USCIS Account Access Notice they received for the Online Access Code and details on how to link their paper-filed cases to their online account, or they will not be able to file Form I-907 online and will need file a paper Form I-907 with the Chicago lockbox.
As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system, and is being implemented in a phased approach.
The addition of online filing for Form I-907 brings the total number of forms available for online filing to 16. The Forms Available to File Online page has links to file all of these forms. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper versions of all forms by mail. More than 1.8 million applications, petitions and requests were filed online in FY 2022, a 53% increase from the 1.2 million filed in FY 2021.

TPS for Haiti from February 4, 2023 to August 3, 2024

1/25/2023

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted a Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The notice provides information about how to register or re-register for TPS under Haiti’s extension and redesignation for an additional 18 months, from February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024. Last month, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the 18-month extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS.

The registration process begins on January 26, 2023. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Haiti must file an application.

The extension of TPS for Haiti allows approximately 107,000 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through August 3, 2024, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. It is estimated that approximately 105,000 additional individuals in the United States may be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of Haiti. Only individuals who have been continuously residing in the United States since November 6, 2022, are eligible for TPS under Haiti’s redesignation.

Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status to August 3, 2024, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from January 26, 2023, through March 27, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization without a gap. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their current EADs expire on February 3, 2023, and is automatically extending through February 3, 2024, the validity of EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Haiti.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under Haiti’s initial TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, do not need to file either application again.

New applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Haiti must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024. Haiti TPS applicants may file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, either with their Form I-821 or separately at a later date. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

The Federal Register notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew their EAD, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.

U4U Uniting for Ukraine and Afghan Parolees Eligible for Refugee Benefits I-765 Work Permit

11/23/2022

Congress has recently passed laws relating to certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees that have included language providing that parolees covered by the legislation “…shall be eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits available to refugees admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157)....”

Under DHS regulations, refugees are authorized employment incident to status, and under current USCIS policy and practice, refugees are not charged a fee by USCIS for their initial Form I-765, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Parolees, however, are not employment authorized incident to status, and must pay a fee (currently $410) for their EAD, unless the fee is waived or exempted.
To implement the statutory language “other benefits available to refugees” in the context of section 2502(b), P.L. No. 117-43 (Afghan parolees) and section 401 of Public Law 117-128 (Ukrainian parolees), USCIS is providing the benefits of employment authorization incident to status normally accorded to refugees and a no-fee initial (and replacement of an initial) EAD to Afghan and Ukrainian parolees so that they receive the same treatment as refugees.
Effective Nov. 21, 2022, Ukrainian and Afghan parolees, and their qualifying family members, with certain classes of admission are considered employment authorized incident to parole, which means that they do not need to wait for USCIS to approve their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, before they can work in the United States.

This updated policy guidance applies to the following individuals, if their parole has not been terminated:

Afghan parolees whose unexpired Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, contains a class of admission of “OAR.” If you are an Afghan parolee covered under section 2502(b), P.L. No. 117-43 who did not receive an “OAR” class of admission on your Form I-94, please email U.S. Customs and Border Protection at [email protected] to update your class of admission, if appropriate;
Ukrainian parolees whose unexpired Form I-94 contains a class of admission of “UHP”; and
Ukrainian parolees whose unexpired Form I-94 contains a class of admission of “DT” issued between Feb. 24, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, and indicates Ukraine as the country of citizenship on the document.

For these parolees, their unexpired Form I-94 is an acceptable receipt they may present to their employer to show their identity and employment authorization for for the purposes of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The receipt 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). Individuals who received a Form I-94 when they entered the United States should visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Form I-94 page to view and print a copy of their Form I-94. If you do not have a passport, you can use your A-Number to retrieve your Form I-94 online at the site above by choosing “Get Most Recent I-94.” Enter your A-Number in the Document Number field and enter your country of citizenship or “USA” in the Country of Citizenship field.

After the 90-day period, parolees must present an 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). Ukrainian and Afghan parolees must still file a Form I-765 to receive a physical EAD. USCIS will provide additional guidance for employers about completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Effective Nov. 21, 2022, USCIS is also exempting the fee to file Form I-765 for Ukrainian parolees filing for the first form I-765, application for an EAD by mail. Afghan parolees under OAW are already exempt from the fee for an initial paper-filed Form I-765 (and a replacement EAD) through Sept. 30, 2023.

Effective Dec. 5, 2022, USCIS will be able to process fee exemptions for online filings of Form I-765 for eligible Ukrainian and Afghan parolees. We encourage use of online filing for more efficient processing.
See Uniting for Ukraine and Information for Afghan Nationals pages for more information about submitting Form I-765. See File Online page for more information about creating an account and filing online.

Briefly in Russian:

Если вы приехали в США по программе Uniting for Ukraine из Украины, с 21 ноября 2022 вы имеете право работать в США первые 90 дней без предварительного получения разрешения на работу, если на вашей карточке I-94 Admission Record о въезде в США стоит статус UHP или DT.

Вы можете также подавать заявление на получение карточки соцстрахования на основании этой формы I-94 и штампа пароль в паспорте.

Чтобы получить саму карточку разрешение на работу, нужно подать заявление Form I-765 или по почте или онлайн в USCIS. C 21 ноября 2022 подача первого заявления I-765 по почте стала бесплатной для укаринских беженцев по программе U4U. С 5 декабря ожидается что подача первого I-765 также станет бесплатной онлайн (пока онлайн требует оплату). Эти новый изменения произошли из-за того, что Конгресс США приравнял статус пароль из Украины и Афганистана к статусу беженца.

Parole Uniting For Ukraine Can File I-765 as C11 Work Permit Online

7/28/2022

Most individuals paroled into the United States for urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit purposes pursuant to INA section 212(d)(5) are eligible to seek employment authorization under category (c)(11). Generally, this includes individuals who are paroled into the United States, including individuals paroled through the Uniting for Ukraine process. Please see the Form I-765 instructions for more information.

Effective immediately, applicants for employment authorization under category (c)(11) may file Form I-765 online, with limited exceptions. Applicants seeking a waiver of the filing fee or those eligible for a fee exemption, such as Afghan nationals paroled through Operation Allies Welcome and filing an initial Form I-765, must continue to submit Form I-765 by mail. Whether applications are submitted by mail or electronically, USCIS is committed to employing technological solutions and efficiencies to reduce processing times.

To file Form I-765 online, eligible applicants must first visit my.uscis.gov, to create a USCIS online account.

Briefly in Russian:

Начиная с 28 июля 2022, люди приехавшие в США по паролю, включая гуманитарный пароль и программа для Украины U4U - могут создать аккаунт онлайн и подавать заявление на разрешение на работу также онлайн. Есть исключения. Если вы просите освободить вас от уплаты госпошлины, это заявление по прежнему подается по почте.

Для записи на консультацию к адвокату, пишите нам по электронной почте.

To schedule consultation with immigration attorney, please email us.

TPS for Ukraine Updates from USCIS

7/14/2022

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]

Premium Processing for I-765 Work Permit and I-539 Change of Status

6/17/2022

In March 2022, USCIS published the Final Rule in Federal Register, and announced that Premium Processing soon to become available for several new USCIS applications, including I-765 - work permit, I-539 - change of status for a student F-1, F-2, J-1, etc.

Expected timeframes or processing times will be 30 days.

The Final Rule was published in Federal Register in March 2022.

When USCIS updates information and forms on their website, premium processing will become available.

The fee for a premium processing (USCIS I-907) must be paid separately and in addition to the base filing fee.

В марте 2022 было объявлено о намерении сократить сроки рассмотрения многих петиций и заявлений. Для ускорения рассмотрения было предложено распространить процедуру Ускоренного рассмотрения на новые группы заявлений. В том числе, на разрешение на работу и на смену статуса с туристического на студенческий. Такие заявления предполагается будут рассмотрены в течение 30 дней. Дополнительные госпошлины будут взимать в дополнение к базывым госпошлинам.

Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension Up to 540 Days

5/17/2022

С 4 мая 2022 разрешение на работу считается продленным на 540 дней (вместо 180 дней), если новое заявление подано до срока истечения предыдущего в определенных категориях. Это временное правило действует с 4 мая 2022 по 26 октября 2023.

Effective May 4, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is temporarily amending existing DHS regulations related to expiring employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants. The prior extension period of up to 180 days will automatically increase to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their current EADs.

The up to 540-day automatic EAD extension only applies to those EAD categories currently eligible for the previous up to 180-day automatic extension of employment authorization and EAD validity. USCIS will provide up to 360 days (for a total of up to 540 days) of additional automatic extension time to eligible applicants with a pending EAD renewal application on the temporary rule’s effective date and for 540 days thereafter (that is, from May 4, 2022 to Oct. 26, 2023).

Applicants with pending I-765 renewal applications as of May 4, 2022, will not receive a new receipt notice reflecting the increased EAD automatic extension period. However, Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day automatic extension will still meet the regulatory requirements for employment authorization. Therefore, individuals who show Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day extension, along with their qualifying EADs, still receive the up to 540-day extension under this rule.

What does the Temporary Final Rule mean for your employees?

If an employee’s automatic extension lapsed prior to May 4, 2022, the employment authorization automatically resumed, and the EAD validity period began on May 4, 2022 and will continue up to 540 days from the expiration of the EAD card.
If an employee’s EAD card has expired but the employee still has time remaining in the 180-day extension, they are now able to receive an additional 360 days, for a total of 540 days past their EAD “Card Expires” date.
If an employee’s EAD card has not expired yet and the Form I-765 is still pending, then the employee will receive an automatic extension of up to 540 days once their EAD card expires before their Form I-765 is adjudicated.
If an employee files an EAD renewal application between May 4, 2022 and Oct. 26, 2023, then the employee’s EAD will automatically be extended up to 540 days if their EAD card expires before their Form I-765 is adjudicated.

Are my employees eligible for the 540-day extension?
To qualify for the extension, the employee must:

Fall within the following categories: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, A17*, A18*, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C26*, C31, and A12 or C19. (See below for guidance on A17, A18 and C26)
Have timely filed a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, before their current EAD expired.
Have an I-797C, Notice of Action for the filed Form I-765 that contains the same category code as their expiring EAD.

EAD extension rule will no longer apply to applications after Oct. 26, 2023, USCIS will return the 180 automatic extension rule.

Categories A17, A18 and C26.

For employees who fall within EAD categories A17 (E spouses), A18 (L-2 spouses) and C26 (H-4 spouses), the extension period cannot exceed the Form I-94 end date. Employees will need to present their expired EAD, their I-797C Notice of Action and Form I-94 to determine the extended expiration date. In these instances, the extension may be greater than 180 days but fewer than the additional 360 days, as the EAD must expire when the Form I-94 ends.

For additional information on EAD renewals, visit our Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension page:

USCIS Started Accepting Credit Card Payments for Many Applications

2/15/2018

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.

New Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization EAD: Can Request SSN Simultaneously

10/2/2017

Today, on October 2, 2017, USCIS made an announcement of a new revised form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (work permit).

If you file a new revised form I-765, edition date 07-17-2017, you can request the SSA to issue you a SSN. Applicants who receive their approved EAD (work permit) from USCIS should receive their Social Security card from SSA within the following two weeks, which would help to save time. Filing fee remains the same.

The revised USCIS form includes additional questions that allow applicants to apply for an SSN or replacement card without visiting a Social Security office. Starting today, USCIS will transmit the additional data collected on the form to the SSA for processing.

New form I-765 is here.
USCIS announcement is here.

In Russian:

Сегодня, 2 октября 2017, Иммиграционная служба USCIS опубликовала обновленную форму, заявление на разрешение на работу, Form I-765. Дата новой формы 07-17-2017.

Старая форма будет приниматься до 4 декабря. После 4 декабря 2017 только новая форма будет приниматься USCIS.

Преимущество новой формы, которую сегодня уже поместили на вебсайте, заключается в том, что заявитель одновременно подает также заявление на карточку соцстрахования, SSN, и через две недели после утверждения разрешения на работу, заявителю пришлют карточку соцстрахования, что поможет получить карточку и начать работать намного быстрее.

Объявление можно почитать тут.

New Green Card and Work Permit EAD Design Effective May 1, 2017

4/19/2017

USCIS announced a redesign to the Permanent Resident Card (aka a Green Card) and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). USCIS will begin issuing the new cards on May 1, 2017.

NEW the Redesigned Cards will:

Display the individual’s photos on both sides;
Show a unique graphic image and color palette:
Green Cards will have an image of the Statue of Liberty and a predominately green palette;
EAD cards will have an image of a bald eagle and a predominately red palette;
Have embedded holographic images; and
No longer display the individual’s signature.

Also, Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back.

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the existing design format because USCIS will continue using existing card stock until current supplies are depleted. Both the existing and the new Green Cards and EADs will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

In Russian:

Начиная с 1 мая 2017, иммиграционная служба США начнет выдавать грин карты и разрешения на работу нового образца. Изменения сделаны с целью сделать федеральные документы более защищенными от подделок.

Новые грин карты и разрешения на работу будут другого цвета, подпись с карточки уберут, оптическую полоску уберут с грин карты, фото будет на обоих сторонах грин карты и т.п.

Если после 1 мая вы получите грин карту или разрешение на работу старого образца, не волнуйтесь, они тоже действительны до конца срока действия документа. Таким образом USCIS избавляются от запасов карточек старого образца перед тем как начать использовать карточки нового образца.

USCIS Reissues I-797 Receipts for I-765 Application for a Work Permit Filed Between July 21 2016 and January 16 2017

2/24/2017

On February 24, 2017 USCIS announced that they are re-issuing and mailing new receipts to applicants for a work permit EAD. No need to worry if you receive a second receipt, USCIS Form I-797. It's to notify you that your old expired work permit or EAD was automatically extended for additional 180 days if you filed I-765 while your previous EAD was still valid. This applies to applications filed after July 21, 2016 and before January 16, 2017. Applications filed after January 17, 2017 already receive a new form of I-797 extending EAD for 180 days.

USCIS Release Date: February 24, 2017

Starting February 16, 2017, USCIS began reissuing receipt notices (Form I-797) to individuals who applied to renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) between July 21, 2016 and January 16, 2017, and whose applications remain pending in the following categories:

(a)(3) Refugee
(a)(5) Asylee
(a)(7) N-8 or N-9
(a)(8) Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau
(a)(10) Withholding of deportation or removal granted
(c)(8) Asylum application pending
(c)(9) Pending adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(c)(10) Suspension of deportation applicants (filed before April 1, 1997), cancellation of removal applicants, and special rule cancellation of removal applicants under NACARA
(c)(16) Creation of record (Adjustment based on continuous residence since January 1, 1972)
(c)(20) Section 210 Legalization (pending Form I-700)
(c)(22) Section 245A Legalization (pending Form I-687)
(c)(24) LIFE Legalization
(c)(31) VAWA self-petitioners

On January 17, 2017, USCIS began automatically extending expiring EADs for up to 180 days for renewal applicants in these categories. However, some of the receipt notices that USCIS sent out before that date did not contain the applicant’s EAD eligibility category. Therefore, the reissued receipt notices will contain:

The applicant’s EAD eligibility category;
The receipt date, which is the date USCIS received the EAD renewal application and which employers must use to determine whether the automatic EAD extension applies;
The notice date, which is the date USCIS reissued the receipt notice; and
New information about the 180-day EAD extension.

Applicants may present the reissued receipt notice with their expired EAD to their employer as a List A document for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to show that they are authorized for employment.
Applicants with an EAD based on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who filed their EAD renewal applications before January 17, 2017, already received a 6-month extension through the Federal Register notice that extended their country’s TPS designation. Therefore, these applicants will not receive a reissued receipt notice. Please visit the Temporary Protected Status page for current information on each TPS designation. All renewal applicants who file Form I-765 applications on or after January 17, 2017, including TPS renewal applicants, will be receiving Form I-797 receipt notices that contain eligibility category information and information about the 180-day EAD extension.

In Russian:

24 февраля 2017 г USCIS иммиграционная служба США опубликовала пресс релиз для публики о том, что после 16 февраля 2017 они начали высылать новые уведомления I-797 о принятии заявление на продление разрешения на работу, форма I-765. Нет необходимости пугаться и звонить в иммиграционую службу. Это делается потому, что по новым правилам, если вы подали заявление на продление разрешения на работу до истечения срока действия (после 21 июля 2016 и до 16 января 2017), то его автоматически продлили на 180 дней. Вы можете показать это уведомление вашему работодателю, когда вы оформляетесь на работу как доказательство того, что вам разрешено работать в США в течние следующих 180 дней пока вы ждете новое разрешение на работу. Оно имеет такую же юридическую силу как само разрешение на работу.

NEW EAD I-765V Application for a Work Permit for Abused Spouse of NIV A, G, E-3, H visas

2/14/2017

Certain abused nonimmigrant spouses may use new USCIS Form I-765V (edition date 01-19-2017) to request an employment authorization document (EAD).

You may file for employment authorization if you are, or were, the abused spouse of a nonimmigrant who was admitted under INA section 101(a)(15)(A), (E)(iii), (G), or (H) [admitted in A, E-3, G, or H nonimmigrant status], and you either accompanied or followed to join your abusive nonimmigrant spouse.

Please note that this doesn't apply to all nonimmigrants, but only to those whose spouse is A, G, E-3 and H visa holder, and an abused spouse was admitted to the United States on an appropriate dependent visa.

The INA section 106 employment authorization categories are subdivided as listed below:
1. Abused spouse of an A nonimmigrant – (c)(27).
2. Abused spouse of an E-3 nonimmigrant – (c)(28).
3. Abused spouse of a G nonimmigrant – (c)(29).
4. Abused spouse of an H nonimmigrant – (c)(30).

Also, this doesn't entitle an applicant to a future claim to a lawful permanent resident status (aka green card). This is intended to be a temporary work permit only, to allow a foreign national to work, live, get a SSN in USA.

In Russian:

USCIS опубликовал новую форму I-765V заявление на разрешение на работу для некоторых жен и мужей НЕиммигрантов, которые подвергались домашнему насилию в семье, и находящихся в США временно в соответствии с неиммиграционной визой, полученной как супруг A, G, H, E-3.

Форма заявления была опубликована 19 января 2017 и может быть найдена тут.

Помните, что это временное разрешение на работу, и получение этого разрешения не гарантирует и не является основанием для последующего получения грин карты в США. Это временная мера помощи неиммигранту, попавшему в тяжелую ситуацию из-за насилия в семье.

Automatic extension of work permit EAD for 180 days if I-765 filed while previous work permit still valid

1/27/2017

On January 17, 2017, a new rule requiring automatic extension of a work permit for additional 180 days after the expiration date was published at Federal Register.

Federal Register: "Finally provide additional stability and certainty to U.S. employers and individuals eligible for employment authorization in the United States, this final rule changes several DHS regulations governing the processing of applications for employment authorization.

First, to minimize the risk of any gaps in employment authorization, this final rule automatically extends the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs or Forms I-766) in certain circumstances based on the timely filing of EAD renewal applications."

Concurrently, DHS eliminates the regulatory provisions that require adjudication of the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765 or EAD application) within 90 days of filing and that authorize interim EADs in cases where such adjudications are not conducted within the 90-day timeframe.

See final 8 CFR 247a.13(d).

17 января 2017 в Федеральном Регистре были опубликованы изменения в процедуру продления разрешения на работу. Это было сделано бывшей администрацией президента.

Новое правило установило порядок автоматическое продление срока действия разрешения на работу на 180 дней, пока ваше заявление на продление находится на рассмотрении, учитывая, что подано вовремя до истечения срока действия предыдущего разрешения на работу.

В соответствии с новым правилом, после подачи заявления в USCIS на продление разрешения на работу, форма USCIS I-765, пока заявление рассматривается, заявителям пришлют по почте форму нового образца (форма I-797), которая будет автоматически продлевать предыдущее разрешение на работу на 180 дней.

Полный перечень заявителей, на которых распространяются эти правила внизу.

List of the work permit renewal applicants, who are authorized automatic 180-day extension:

1) Aliens admitted as refugees (274a.12(a)(3))
2) Aliens granted asylum (274a.12(a)(3))
3) Aliens admitted as parents or dependent children of aliens granted permanent residence under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the INA (274a.12(a)(7))
4) Aliens admitted to the United States as citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau under agreements between the United States and those nations (274a.12(a)(8))
5) Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal (274a.12(a)(10))
6) Aliens granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) (regardless of the employment authorization category on their current EADs) (274a.12(a)(12) and (c)(19))
7) Aliens who have properly filed applications for TPS and who have been deemed prima facie eligible for TPS under 8 CFR 244.10(a) and have received an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit” under 8 CFR 244.10(e) and 274a.12(c)(19)
8) Aliens who have properly filed applications for asylum or withholding of deportation or removal (274a.12(c)(8))
9) Aliens who have filed applications for adjustment of status under section 245 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1255 (274a.12(c)(9))
10) Aliens who have filed applications for suspension of deportation under section 244 of the INA (as it existed prior to April 1, 1997), cancellation of removal under section 240A of the INA, or special rule cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (274a.12(c)(10))
11) Aliens who have filed applications for creation of record of lawful admission for permanent residence (274a.12(c)(16))
12) Aliens who have properly filed legalization applications pursuant to section 210 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1160 (274a.12(c)(20))
13) Aliens who have properly filed legalization applications pursuant to section 245A of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1255a (274a.12(c)(22))
14) Aliens who have filed applications for adjustment of status pursuant to section 1104 of the LIFE Act (274a.12(c)(24))
15) Aliens who are the principal beneficiaries or qualified children of approved VAWA self-petitioners, under the employment authorization category “(c)(31)”

USCIS updated forms I-485, I-765, I-129, I-140

1/19/2017

On January 17, 2017, USCIS updated the following USCIS form(s):

- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
New edition dated 01/17/17. Starting 02/21/17, USCIS will only accept the 01/17/17 edition. Until then, you can use previous editions. However, all filings postmarked 12/23/16 or later must include the new fees or we will reject them.
- Form I-485 Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
New edition dated 01/17/17. Starting 02/21/17, USCIS will only accept the 01/17/17 edition.
- Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
New edition dated 01/17/17. Previous editions dated 12/23/16, 08/13/15, 03/26/15 and 10/23/14 are also accepted. However, all filings postmarked 12/23/16 or later must include the new fees or we will reject them.
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
New edition dated 01/17/17. Starting 02/21/17, USCIS will only accept the 01/17/17 edition.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
New edition dated 01/17/17. Starting 02/21/17, USCIS will only accept the 01/17/17 edition.

Briefly in-Russian:

17 января 2017 иммиграционная служба США обновила формы нескольких важных иммиграционных заявлений, включая заявление на грин карту I-485 и на разрешение на работу I-765 (а также I-129, I-140 etc). Старые формы действительны только по 21 февраля 2017. Рекомендуется использовать новые формы, не дожидаясь февраля, и не забывать о том, что суммы госпошлин тоже поменялись 23 декабря 2016. Новые формы уже опубликованы на вебсайте иммиграционной службы.

You can see all current and valid USCIS immigration forms and filing fees here.