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Richards and Jurusik Immigration Update for April 2023 – At Richards and Jurusik, we handle a broad scope of immigration matters. This update covers several USCIS policy changes, our new YouTube videos, the newest Arrive Podcast Episodes, recent client testimonials, and our monthly case spotlight. This update covers changes and updates in April 2023.
On March 31, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy regarding self-identified gender markers on forms and documents. Gender marker selection is no longer required to match the gender indicated on supporting documents.
On March 31, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy regarding civil surgeon signatures on USCIS Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record. Extending the validity of the civil surgeon’s signature from 60 days to up to 2 years.
On March 17, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period from Friday, March 17, 2023, at Noon EST until Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5 pm EST.
On March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance on how they determine an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for EB1, EB2, and EB3 employment-based immigrant visa petitions. Read the full guidance here.
On January 30, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new designs for both green card and employment authorization documents (EAD cards) to improve security. The current card design was introduced in May 2017, and USCIS plans to issue redesigned cards every three to five years as part of its fraud prevention program. Read the details of this announcement here.
On January 24, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued another extension to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors respond to agency requests through March 23, 2023. USCIS anticipates that this will be the final extension of these accommodations, and requesters must comply with the response requirements set forth in any request or notice dated after March 23, 2023.
On January 23, 2023, USCIS announced the extension of green cards (LPR) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. We discuss the announcement of the extension of green cards for Form I-751 and Form I-829 here.
On January 19, 2023, USCIS agreed to resume the bundling and adjudication of USCIS Form I-129 Petition for Alien Worker, USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Status, and USCIS Form I-765 Application for Work Authorization for derivatives when filed concurrently.
On January 12, 2022, USCIS announced the final phase of Form I-907 Premium Processing expansion for Form I-140 under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. We discuss this final phase and what is covered in this announcement here.