We are now seeing RFEs issued under the new USCIS guidance that provide 30 days to respond, rather than the 84-day response period practitioners have commonly received in cases.
USCIS Raises the Stakes: Incomplete Immigration Filings May Face Immediate Denial
USCIS has updated its policy guidance regarding eligibility evidence and adjudication of immigration benefit requests.
Continue Reading USCIS Raises the Stakes: Incomplete Immigration Filings May Face Immediate Denial
26 Insights for Employers Sponsoring Immigration Applications in 2026
Despite heightened scrutiny, evolving adjudication standards, and continued operational pressure on U.S. immigration agencies, 2026 may prove a viable — and even advantageous — year for U.S. employers to sponsor global talent. The employers who may see the greatest success might approach sponsorship strategically, plan well in advance, and incorporate lessons learned from government practices
U.S. Department of Education No Longer Recognizes ACICS as an Accrediting Agency
USCIS posted a notice that as of Aug. 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This change affects two immigration-related student programs and other immigration benefits. Click here to see a list of ACICS schools.
English language study programs
USCIS Updates Policies to Improve Immigration Services
On June 9, 2021, USCIS issued three new Policy Alerts in the USCIS Policy Manual. These updates support Executive Order (EO) 14012, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans,” directing federal agencies to identify strategies that promote inclusion and identify barriers that impede access to
USCIS Issues Limited Help to Employers Facing RFEs and NOIDs
On March 27, 2020 and March 30, 2020, USCIS announced limited help to employers facing requests for evidence (RFE) and notices of intent to deny (NOID) during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The announcement will permit employers who receive an RFE, NOID, Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT), or appealable
USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for Fiscal Year 2019 H-1B Cap Petitions
Starting on Monday, Jan. 28, USCIS will resume premium processing for all fiscal year (FY) 2019 H-1B cap petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption (the Master Cap). This applies to any H-1B cap petition filed in or before April 2018. Any petitioner who has received requests for evidence (RFEs) regarding their pending
USCIS Continues to Increase Number of RFEs and Denials Issued
Since President Trump issued his “Buy American and Hire American” Executive Order in April 2017, USCIS has been issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) at unprecedented rates. While the H-1B visa category was specifically targeted as one requiring stricter scrutiny and reform efforts, USCIS has also focused on other visa types for significant adjudication
USCIS Issues Two New Policy Memoranda on Notices to Appear and Denials in Lieu of RFEs and NOIDs – What This Means for You
On June 28, 2018, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Memorandum titled “Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens.” Later, on July 13, 2018, the USCIS issued a Policy Memorandum titled “Issuance of Certain RFEs and NOIDs.”