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.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced measures on June 18, 2024, to speed up employment-based nonimmigrant visas for U.S. college graduates with job offers. The new guidelines will help consular officers recommend waivers of ineligibility faster, making it easier for eligible individuals to receive their work visas.

USCIS has extended the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan through March 9, 2025. Affected individuals will receive a Form I-797, Notice of Action. Current beneficiaries must re-register to maintain their TPS benefits. DHS previously extended re-registration periods for submitting TPS applications.

On June 3, 2024, the US President signed a Proclamation under the Immigration and Nationality Act, suspending the entry of certain noncitizens at the southern border due to emergency circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule to address asylum eligibility and entry conditions. The rule takes effect on June 5, 2024.

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to allow certain Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitioners to file Form I-360 in person at a USCIS field office if they have less than two weeks before their 21st birthday. This policy, effective March 30, 2023, aims to address filing challenges due to juvenile court delays. For others, Form I-360 must be filed by mail.