USCIS has announced significant updates to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, introducing changes that will affect all green card applicants filing for adjustment of status. The new edition, released on December 10, 2024, includes several important changes designed to reduce confusion among applicants and simplify the process.

DHS has finalized a rule permanently increasing the automatic extension of employment authorization and EADs from 180 to 540 days for eligible noncitizens who file timely renewals. This move supports employers, boosts economic growth, and responds to business community feedback for greater certainty.

DOS issued a final rule that makes updates to reflect a statutory change to the class of individuals who may qualify for Special Immigrant Visas including U.S. government employees. The rule is effective from December 10, 2024.

The Department has published a revised Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024, for determining the applicability of the two-year home country physical presence requirement under INA section 212(e) for J exchange visitor visas. If a visitor’s country is not on the updated list, they are no longer subject to this requirement based on the Skills List. However, they may still be subject to the two-year rule due to U.S. or home government funding or graduate medical training in the U.S.

USCIS now requires Form I-693 (medical exam results) to be submitted with Form I-485 (green card application). Missing Form I-693 may lead to rejection. Applicants should plan ahead, complete the medical exam with approved doctors, and include the sealed results with their application.

USCIS has filled the FY 2025 H-1B cap of 65,000 regular and 20,000 master’s cap visas. With a new lottery system, applications dropped to 470,342 from 758,994 in FY 2024, with 29% selected. No more lotteries will be held, but cap-exempt petitions remain open. Employers should prepare for FY 2026 and check USCIS’s H-1B Cap Season page for updates.

DHS reported record removals in FY 2024, the highest since 2010. Following President Biden’s June 4 Proclamation on southern border entry, over 640 repatriation flights were conducted to 155+ countries, reducing Border Patrol encounters by 55%. DHS continues to expand removal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

DHS has introduced new categories for surviving spouses and children of U.S. government employees who died abroad, enabling eligible family members to obtain permanent resident status under recent laws. Key changes include 12 new classifications, like SS1 (surviving spouse or child) and GS1 (family of certain visa holders). These statuses grant lawful permanent residency and work authorization.

DHS and DOL issued a temporary final rule providing 64,716 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for FY 2025. These visas support U.S. employers in industries like hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing facing labor shortages. Similar supplemental caps were authorized in prior fiscal years under temporary Congressional authority.

USCIS has updated the Policy Manual for F/M nonimmigrant students, clarifying STEM OPT eligibility, online study limits, school transfers, and study abroad. Students can now count one online course or three credits per term toward full-time study. The policy also addresses school transfers, status changes during the 60-day OPT grace period, and rules for study abroad under five months.

The U.S. Department of State hosts Passport Acceptance Fairs for first-time applicants and children using Form DS-11, often on evenings and weekends. Adults renewing with Form DS-82 can apply online or by mail. Find upcoming events by date and state or use the Acceptance Facility Search Tool to locate a nearby facility offering routine and expedited services.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. Eligible Lebanese nationals in the U.S. can apply for deportation protection, work permits, and travel authorization. Additionally, DHS is easing work restrictions for Lebanese F-1 students facing economic hardship, allowing more work hours, reduced course loads, and off-campus work through 2026.