Recent USCIS guidance on preferring consular processing has raised questions about its impact on adjustment of status applications and adjudication trends.
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Immigration Insights Episode 25 | A Discussion of the May 21 USCIS Policy Memorandum on Adjustment of Status
A new USCIS Policy Memorandum signals a major shift in adjustment of status policy, potentially redirecting applicants toward consular processing abroad. GT immigration lawyers break down the implications and offer practical guidance.
New USCIS Policy Memorandum Addresses Adjustment of Status Adjudications
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, outlining a change to the adjustment of status process under Form I-485.
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USCIS Mandates Concurrent Filing of Form I-693 with Adjustment of Status Applications
On Dec. 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency will now require, with immediate effect, the concurrent filing of Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with all adjustment of status applications. The updated policy represents an abrupt departure from USCIS’ prior filing requirements for adjustment of
June 2024 Visa Bulletin Updates
On May 8, 2024, the U.S. State Department posted the June 2024 visa bulletin. The Dates for Filing Chart for June 2024, as shown below, is more favorable than the Final Action Dates Chart. The Dates for Filing chart for June 2024 only applies to those who are consular processing outside the United States.
USCIS Announces Further Updates to Policy Manual Regarding Interpretation of Child Status Protection Act Provisions
On Aug. 24, 2023, USCIS announced further updates to Chapter 7 of the Policy Manual, made with the goal to expand the number of children who may be able to secure CSPA eligibility for permanent residence as dependents of their parents.
By way of background, on Feb. 14, 2023, USCIS updated the Policy Manual to clarify
USCIS Policy Manual Updates Make It Easier to Identify Adjustment of Status Applicants Subject to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility
On July 20, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual to make it easier for green card applicants to identify who may be considered inadmissible to the United States on the grounds that they are likely to become a public charge.
The new guidance is designed to enable applicants to respond
USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, which makes a key change in the interpretation of when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for the purpose of calculating a child’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Under this new guidance, starting Feb. 14, 2023, USCIS will
USCIS Announces an Expanded Collaboration with the Social Security Administration for LPR Applicants
On Aug. 9, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants filing for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of their Adjustment of Status application process. Accordingly, USCIS released a new, revised version of the Form I-485, Application
Iranian Nationals No Longer Eligible for Changes to E-1 and E-2 Status or Extensions of E-1 and E-2 Status
As of Jan. 23, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept requests for changes to E-1 or E-2 status or extensions of E-1 or E-2 status from Iranian nationals and their dependents (see USCIS notice concerning termination of eligibility). This change applies to Iranian nationals who are already in the United States and are seeking an extension of their E-1/E-2 status or were planning to submit a change of status to E-1/E-2. Affected applicants who currently have pending applications will be issued Notices of Intent to Deny by USCIS. This policy change does not affect Iranians who are in the United States currently holding E-1 or E-2 status as they may remain in the United States until their current status expires.
Continue Reading Iranian Nationals No Longer Eligible for Changes to E-1 and E-2 Status or Extensions of E-1 and E-2 Status