In the August 2024 visa bulletin, advancements are seen in several Family-Based categories, while most Employment-Based categories show no movement. F2A and F3 categories have seen significant advancements in most countries in chart B, the Date of Filing chart while only F2B for Mexico has seen a 7d advancement in chart A, Final Action Dates. For Employment-Based categories, Indian applicants got lucky since both charts show about one month’s advancements for EB2, EB3 and other workers from India. According to the Department of State, the high demand and number use in EB-3 may require a retrogression in the upcoming visa bulletins.

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to include guidance on adjusting status based on the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program. Effective immediately, this update consolidates existing policies from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual. It provides clear guidelines on eligibility, visa availability, required evidence, and the Child Status Protection Act for DV applicants.

As of July 1, 2024, USCIS has expanded its Case Status Online tool to include intercountry adoption forms, I-600A, I-600, I-800A, I-800, and their Supplements. Applicants and representatives can now check case status online, reducing the need to call or email. This update aims to improve efficiency and provide timely information on case progress.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new resources to combat gender-based violence. This includes a new Directive and Instruction for a victim-centered approach and a dedicated web page. Key updates involve mandatory training for personnel, policy requirements for T and U visa agencies, and resources for dealing with trauma.

USCIS urges applicants to submit the latest editions of forms, effective from April 1, 2024. The grace period for using prior editions ended on June 3, 2024. Check the edition date on each form’s web page or at the bottom of the form and instructions. Submitting mixed editions may result in rejection.

Effective July 3, 2024, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to improve customer service and address procedures for individuals protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367, including VAWA, T, and U visa applicants. Protected individuals can now submit inquiries via the USCIS Contact Center or secure messages. Updated mailing address procedures ensure timely correspondence while maintaining confidentiality.

The Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026. Current beneficiaries must re-register between July 1 and August 30, 2024, to keep their status. New applicants who were in the U.S. by June 3, 2024, can also apply. Certain EADs are automatically extended until August 3, 2025.

USCIS updated guidance for those filing Form I-730, the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. Only the petitioner and their authorized representative can get information about the petition. Have your receipt notice ready when contacting USCIS. If needed, they’ll refer you to helpful online resources or submit a service request for further assistance.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing special employment benefits to F-1 students from Haiti facing economic hardship due to the crisis there. Starting August 4, 2024, eligible students can request work authorization, increase work hours, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status until February 3, 2026.

Starting June 26, 2024, F, M, and J non-immigrant students and exchange visitors who receive Form I-515A at U.S. entry points must email their documents to SEVP instead of mailing them. This change speeds up processing and reduces costs, with email submissions accepted until September 30, 2024.

Effective July 12, 2024, USCIS will end confidentiality protections at naturalization for VAWA self-petitioners and those with T and U nonimmigrant status. This change allows these naturalized citizens full access to e-filing and customer service tools, improving case processing and communication with USCIS. This update addresses requests from stakeholders and enhances support for beneficiaries.

Effective June 14, 2024, USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to clarify the process for adopting a child under the Hague Adoption Convention. The update consolidates existing guidance, explains eligibility, outlines the required order of immigration and adoption steps, and clarifies requirements for adoption service providers. This ensures adherence to Hague Convention standards to protect children’s best interests.