U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has enhanced their ability to vet family-based visa petitions. The update includes new requirements for filing visas along with new visas. It also includes new guidelines for eligibility, filing a visa, interviews, and decisions of immigration officials.
The updated family-based immigration parameters are meant to prevent fraudulent visa applications. USCIS argues it will help restore confidence in family-based immigration systems. The new guidelines will ensure all relationships listed on visa applications are genuine.
The changes in USCIS family-based guidelines include:
- Incorporating existing guidance on general eligibility criteria and filing and documentation requirements for family-based immigrant petitions.
- Adjudication of family-based immigrant petitions that are filed with related petitions or multiple petitions.
- Authorizing the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to accept Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed directly abroad by a U.S. citizen for an immediate relative, including petitions filed by U.S. military and certain U.S. government personnel stationed or assigned outside the United States.
- Routing an approved petition to the DOS National Visa Center, including circumstances where the beneficiary filed an application to adjust status, but USCIS becomes aware of the beneficiary’s inability to adjust.
- Clarifying when interviews for family-based immigrant visa petitions are required.
- Clarifying that USCIS can issue a Notice to Appear if the alien beneficiary is otherwise removable since a family-based immigrant visa petition doesn’t grant immigration status or relief from removal.
Individuals applying for family-based visas should take these changes into consideration. Doing so will increase the chances of their visas being accepted.
As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.