Updates
Technical Update - Implementation of Fees for Submission of Benefit Requests
December 02, 2019This technical update incorporates into Volume 1 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced October 25, 2019, regarding submission and acceptance of fees for immigration benefit requests. This guidance became effective December 2, 2019.
POLICY ALERT - Adjustment on New Basis After Termination of Conditional Permanent Residence
November 21, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and clarify when USCIS may adjust the status of an applicant whose conditional permanent resident (CPR) status was terminated.
POLICY ALERT - USCIS Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification
November 19, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification.
POLICY ALERT - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule
November 06, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising its policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule, published on July 24, 2019, and effective November 21, 2019.
Technical Update - Implementation of Policy Guidance on Defining “Residence” in Statutory Provisions Related to Citizenship
October 29, 2019This technical update incorporates into Volume 12 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced August 28, 2019 addressing requirements for “residence” in statutory provisions related to citizenship. This guidance became effective October 29, 2019.
POLICY ALERT - Fees for Submission of Benefit Requests
October 25, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding submission and acceptance of fees for immigration benefit requests. This guidance becomes effective December 2, 2019.
Technical Update - Replacing the Term “Foreign National”
October 08, 2019This technical update replaces all instances of the term “foreign national” with “alien” throughout the Policy Manual as used to refer to a person who meets the definition provided in INA 101(a)(3) [“any person not a citizen or national of the United States”].
Technical Update - Clarifying Policies and Procedures for Replacing Permanent Resident Cards
September 27, 2019This technical update clarifies that, in circumstances involving the replacement or reissuance of a Permanent Resident Card, an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) is always required as outlined in form instructions and regulations. This may differ from the general reissuance policy.
POLICY ALERT - Defining “Residence” in Statutory Provisions Related to Citizenship
August 28, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address requirements for “residence” in statutory provisions related to citizenship, and to rescind previous guidance regarding children of U.S. government employees and members of the U.S. armed forces employed or stationed outside the United States. This guidance becomes effective October 29, 2019.
POLICY ALERT - Employment Authorization for Parolees
August 19, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating its existing policies on the exercise of discretion to address the use of discretion when assessing if certain foreign nationals who are paroled into the United States should be employment authorized.
Technical Update - Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation
June 06, 2019This technical update changes language to state that USCIS officers “may” refer proposed civil surgeon designation revocations to the USCIS Office of Chief Counsel for review. Previously, the language specified that USCIS counsel “must” review any proposed civil surgeon designation revocation.
Technical Update - Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation and Department of State’s 90-Day Rule
June 05, 2019This technical update incorporates clarifications regarding the Department of State (DOS)'s "90-day rule." While this "rule" does not apply to USCIS because it is DOS policy, USCIS is clarifying that it may also find that an applicant made a willful misrepresentation due to a status violation or conduct in the United States that is inconsistent with the applicant's prior representations, especially where the violation or conduct occurred shortly after the consular interview or admission to the United States.
POLICY ALERT - USCIS Public Services
May 10, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding services USCIS provides to the public, including general administration of certain immigration benefits, online tools, and up-to-date information.
Technical Update - Communicating with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
May 03, 2019This technical update removes references to sending documents to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by mail or fax. CDC now prefers all requests for waiver consultations and any subsequent notifications from USCIS to be communicated by email.
Technical Update - Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
May 03, 2019This technical update incorporates minor clarifying editorial changes to the policy guidance regarding the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648).
POLICY ALERT - Controlled Substance-Related Activity and Good Moral Character Determinations
April 19, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that violation of federal controlled substance law, including for marijuana, remains a conditional bar to establishing good moral character (GMC) for naturalization even where that conduct would not be an offense under state law.
Technical Update - Implementation of Policy Guidance on Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648)
February 12, 2019This technical update incorporates into Volume 12 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced December 12, 2018 regarding the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648). This guidance became effective February 12, 2019.
Technical Update - Visa Retrogression
February 06, 2019This technical update removes language that restricted USCIS officers’ ability to request a visa number from the Department of State in cases involving visa retrogression. As with all INA 245(a) adjustment cases, a visa must be available at the time of final adjudication.
Technical Update - Child Status Protection Act
January 23, 2019This technical update clarifies that certain child beneficiaries of family-sponsored immigrant visa petitions who are ineligible for the Child Status Protection Act may continue their adjustment of status application if the petition is automatically converted to an eligible category.
POLICY ALERT - Policies and Procedures for Secure Identity Documents
January 16, 2019U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the general policies and procedures related to secure documents.
POLICY ALERT - Sufficiency of Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648)
December 12, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and clarify filing procedures and adjudications on the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648). This guidance becomes effective February 12, 2019.
POLICY ALERT - Immigrant Investors and Debt Arrangements
October 30, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify its policy on debt arrangements.
POLICY ALERT - Use of Form G-325A
October 25, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A).
POLICY ALERT - Validity of Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
October 16, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in Volume 8, Part B of the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the period of time during which a Form I-693 submitted in support of a related immigration benefits application is considered valid.
POLICY ALERT - Marriage and Living in Marital Union Requirements for Naturalization
October 12, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the marriage and living in marital union requirements under section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Technical Update - Authorized Medical Professionals
September 26, 2018This technical update provides clarification on the medical professionals (medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and clinical psychologists) authorized to complete a written evaluation of medical condition in connection with an oath waiver request.
POLICY ALERT - Special Naturalization Provisions for Children
September 26, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to amend the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify certain special naturalization provisions for children.
POLICY ALERT - Geographic Area of a Regional Center
August 24, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding a regional center’s geographic area, requests to expand the geographic area, and how such requests impact the filing of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur.
Technical Update - Certificates of Citizenship for U.S. National Children
August 15, 2018This technical update clarifies that a person who is born a U.S. national and is the child of a U.S. citizen may acquire citizenship and may obtain a Certificate of Citizenship without having to establish lawful permanent resident status.
Technical Update - Rescinding Tenant-Occupancy Methodology
July 26, 2018This technical update clarifies that the rescission of the policy regarding the tenant-occupancy methodology does not affect petitions pending on May 15, 2018 (the date USCIS announced the rescission).
POLICY ALERT - Child Status Protection Act
May 23, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
POLICY ALERT - Adjustment of Status Interview Guidelines and Waiver Criteria
May 15, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance regarding adjustment of status interview guidelines and interview waivers.
POLICY ALERT - Rescinding Tenant-Occupancy Methodology
May 15, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect that, as of May 15, 2018, USCIS no longer considers tenant occupancy to be a reasonable methodology to support economically or statistically valid forecasting tools.
POLICY ALERT - Documentation of Conditional Resident Status for Investors with a Pending Form I-829
May 02, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance regarding the documentation of conditional permanent resident (CPR) status for employment-based fifth preference (EB-5) immigrants.
POLICY ALERT - Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship for Children Born Out of Wedlock
April 18, 2018U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance to clarify certain requirements for U.S. citizenship for children born outside the United States and out of wedlock under INA 301 and 309. USCIS is making conforming edits to the USCIS nationality charts.
Technical Update - Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation and Department of State’s 90-Day Rule
March 28, 2018This technical update incorporates changes that the Department of State (DOS) made to its Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) regarding its interpretation of the term “misrepresentation.”
Technical Update - Military Accessions Vital to National Interest
March 21, 2018This technical update clarifies that foreign nationals may apply for military naturalization after the certification of honorable service has been properly processed by the U.S. armed forces.
Technical Update - Authority to Administer the Oath of Allegiance
March 21, 2018This technical update clarifies that the Secretary of Homeland Security has, through the Director of USCIS, delegated the authority to administer the Oath during an administrative naturalization ceremony to certain USCIS officials who can successively re-delegate the authority within their chains of command.
POLICY ALERT - Waiver Policies and Procedures
August 23, 2017U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to address the general policies and procedures applicable to the adjudication of waivers of inadmissibility.
POLICY ALERT - Biometrics Requirements for Naturalization
July 26, 2017U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to specify that every naturalization applicant must provide biometrics regardless of age, unless the applicant qualifies for a fingerprint waiver due to certain medical conditions.
POLICY ALERT - Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies
June 28, 2017U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance on USCIS administrative naturalization ceremonies, to include guidance regarding participation from other U.S. government and non-governmental entities.
POLICY ALERT - Job Creation and Capital At Risk Requirements for Investors
June 14, 2017U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to provide further guidance regarding the job creation and capital at risk requirements for Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, and Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.
Technical Update - Clarifying Intent to Reside in United States for Naturalization Purposes
January 05, 2017This technical update clarifies that naturalization applicants are not required to intend to reside permanently in the United States after becoming U.S. citizens. This update is in accordance with current statutes; prior to 1994, a person who became a naturalized U.S. citizen was expected to hold the intention of residing permanently in the United States. See Section 104 of the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-416 (October 25, 1994).
Technical Update - Medical Codes for Purposes of Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
January 05, 2017This technical update clarifies that, for purposes of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, USCIS accepts the relevant medical codes recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services. This includes codes found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases.
POLICY ALERT - Registration of Lawful Permanent Resident Status
December 21, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance addressing registration of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
POLICY ALERT - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship Ground of Inadmissibility
December 14, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing guidance to address the false claim to U.S. citizenship ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Technical Update - Clarifying Designated Periods of Hostilities for Naturalization under INA 329
December 13, 2016This technical update clarifies that, for purposes of naturalization under INA 329, the current period designated by Presidential Executive Order 13269 (July 3, 2002), as a period in which the U.S. armed forces are considered to be engaged in armed conflict with a hostile foreign force, is still in effect. In addition, this update adds information about the USCIS Military Help Line in this part.
POLICY ALERT - Employment-Based Fifth Preference Immigrants: Investors
November 30, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the eligibility requirements for regional centers and immigrant investors.
POLICY ALERT - Definition of Certain Classes of Medical Conditions and Other Updates Relating to Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility
November 02, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance regarding health-related grounds of inadmissibility in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rulemaking updating Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 34 (42 CFR 34).
POLICY ALERT - Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Special Immigrant-Based Adjustment of Status
October 26, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification and special immigrant-based (EB-4) adjustment of status, including adjustment based on classification as a special immigrant religious worker, SIJ, and G-4 international organization or NATO-6 employee or family member, among others.
POLICY ALERT - Determining Extreme Hardship
October 21, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on determinations of extreme hardship to qualifying relatives as required by certain statutory waiver provisions. This guidance becomes effective December 5, 2016.
Technical Update - Military Accessions Vital to National Interest Program and Time of Filing for Naturalization
October 19, 2016This technical update clarifies that, in general, Department of Defense (DOD) Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) enlistees may file an application for naturalization during basic training in the U.S. armed forces.
POLICY ALERT - Department of Defense Military Accessions Vital to National Interest Program
August 03, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to provide information about the existing Department of Defense (DOD) Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) Program.
POLICY ALERT - Effective Date of Lawful Permanent Residence for Purposes of Citizenship and Naturalization
July 27, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the date of legal permanent residence (LPR) for naturalization and citizenship purposes.
POLICY ALERT - Removing Obsolete Form I-643 from Filing Requirements for Certain Adjustment Applications
June 22, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove obsolete Form I-643, Health and Human Services Statistical Data for Refugee/Asylee Adjusting Status, from the filing requirements for applications for adjustment of status under section 209 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
POLICY ALERT - Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures and 245(a) Adjustment
February 25, 2016U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance addressing the general policies and procedures of adjustment of status as well as adjustment under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
POLICY ALERT - Media Representatives (I) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification
November 10, 2015U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the foreign information media representative nonimmigrant visa classification, commonly known as the “I” visa category.
POLICY ALERT - Modifications to Oath of Allegiance for Naturalization
July 21, 2015U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to clarify the eligibility requirements for modifications to the Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance for naturalization.
Technical Update - Multiple Absences and Residence and Physical Presence
July 20, 2015This technical update clarifies that along with reviewing for absences of more than 6 months, officers review whether an applicant for naturalization with multiple absences of less than 6 months is able establish the required residence and physical presence for naturalization.
Technical Update - Child Citizenship Act and Children of U.S. Government Employees Residing Abroad
July 20, 2015This technical update clarifies that the child of a U.S. government employee temporarily stationed abroad is considered to be residing in the United States for purposes of acquisition of citizenship under INA 320.
POLICY ALERT - Effect of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) on Immigration and Acquisition of Citizenship Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
October 28, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Technical Update - Religious Missionaries Abroad and Residence and Physical Presence
October 21, 2014This technical update clarifies who may be considered to be a missionary of a religious group for purposes of preserving residence and physical presence for naturalization while working abroad.
Technical Update - Treating Certain Peace Corps Contractors as U.S. Government Employees
October 21, 2014This technical update clarifies that Peace Corps personal service contractors are considered U.S. Government employees under certain circumstances for purposes of preserving their residence for naturalization while working abroad.
POLICY ALERT - Nonimmigrant Trainees (H-3)
September 09, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on the trainees (H-3) nonimmigrant visa category.
POLICY ALERT - Customer Service
August 26, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on its standards in customer service.
Technical Update - Validity of Same-Sex Marriages
July 01, 2014This technical update addresses the Supreme Court ruling holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.
POLICY ALERT - Changes to Dates of Birth and Names on Certificates of Citizenship
June 17, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to changes of dates of birth and names per court orders.
POLICY ALERT - Validity Period of the Medical Certification on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)
May 30, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing an update to policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual addressing the validity period of civil surgeon endorsements on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form I-693.
Technical Update - Civil Surgeon Applications and Evidentiary Requirements
April 08, 2014This technical update clarifies that an applicant for civil surgeon designation must, at a minimum, submit a copy of the medical degree to show he or she is a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy.
POLICY ALERT - Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation Grounds of Inadmissibility
March 25, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing guidance on the fraud and willful misrepresentation grounds of inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) and the corresponding waiver under INA 212(i).
Technical Update - Vaccination Requirements for Pregnant or Immuno-Compromised Applicants
March 11, 2014This technical update replaces the list of vaccines contraindicated for pregnant or immuno-compromised applicants with a reference to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Vaccination Technical Instructions. This ensures the Policy Manual guidance includes the most up-to-date information.
POLICY ALERT - Refugee and Asylee-Based Adjustment of Status under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 209
March 04, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address adjustment of status applications filed by refugees and asylees under INA sections 209(a) and 209(b).
POLICY ALERT - Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers
January 28, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on the health-related grounds of inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(1) and corresponding waivers under INA 212(g).
POLICY ALERT - Civil Surgeon Designation and Centralization of the Designation Process at the National Benefits Center
January 28, 2014U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to centralize the civil surgeon designation process at the National Benefits Center, effective March 11, 2014.
Technical Update - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
September 30, 2013This technical update adds the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to list of certain territories of the United States where, subject to certain requirements, persons may be U.S. citizens at birth.
Technical Update - Certified Court Dispositions
September 30, 2013This technical update adds language addressing existing policy on circumstances where an applicant is required to provide a certified court disposition.
POLICY ALERT - Security-Related Positions Abroad
June 10, 2013U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address amendments to section 1059(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2006 by Public Law 112-227.
POLICY ALERT - Comprehensive Citizenship and Naturalization Policy Guidance
January 07, 2013USCIS is issuing updated and comprehensive citizenship and naturalization policy guidance in the new USCIS Policy Manual.