The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended and redesignated Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026. Current beneficiaries must re-register between July 10 and September 9, 2024. New applicants must have resided in the U.S. since or before July 2, 2024 to be eligible.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending certain rules for F-1 students from Yemen facing severe economic hardship due to the crisis. From September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, eligible students can request work authorization, increase work hours during school, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status.

On July 12, 2024, the Department of State published new regulations for U.S. adoption service providers to simplify intercountry adoptions by relatives. Effective January 8, 2025, the changes streamline adoption processes, especially for relatives, and enhance transparency and legal compliance. Information sessions will be held for adoption service providers in the coming weeks.

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.