Richards and Jurusik Immigration Update for April 2023

Richards and Jurusik Immigration Update for April 2023

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.

USCIS Update – USCIS Removes 60-Day rule signature rule for Form I-693
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USCIS Update – USCIS Removes 60-Day rule signature rule for Form I-693

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.

USCIS Update – USCIS Extends H1B FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration
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USCIS Update – USCIS Extends H1B FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration

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. 

USCIS Update – USCIS Issues Guidance on how Employers can show Ability to Pay Wages
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USCIS Update – USCIS Issues Guidance on how Employers can show Ability to Pay Wages

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.

USCIS UPDATE – USCIS Redesigns Green Card and EAD Card
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USCIS UPDATE – USCIS Redesigns Green Card and EAD Card

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. 

USCIS Updates – USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities through March 23, 2023
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USCIS Updates – USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities through March 23, 2023

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.

USCIS Announces 48-Month Extension of Green Cards for I-751 and I-829 Petitioners
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USCIS Announces 48-Month Extension of Green Cards for I-751 and I-829 Petitioners

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. 

USCIS Update – USCIS to Resume bundling Petitioner Form I-129s and Derivative I-539s
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USCIS Update – USCIS to Resume bundling Petitioner Form I-129s and Derivative I-539s

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. 

USCIS Update – USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing for EB-1 and EB-2 and I-140 Petitions
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USCIS Update – USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing for EB-1 and EB-2 and I-140 Petitions

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.