U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an important policy shift in how it evaluates applicants for naturalization. The new memorandum restores a rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive approach to determining Good Moral Character (GMC), a requirement for becoming a U.S. citizen. What Is Good Moral Character (GMC)? To become a naturalized citizen, applicants must …
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New USCIS Policy Could Put Family Green Card Applicants at Risk of Deportation
A recent change in immigration policy could have serious consequences for immigrants applying for a green card in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it may now place certain green card applicants into removal (deportation) proceedings under specific circumstances. What Changed? In the past, immigrants applying for a green …
USCIS Introduces New Electronic ACH Payment for Immigration Fees
What’s Changed? Starting immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now allows applicants to pay immigration filing fees directly from a U.S. bank account, using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. This offers a faster, more secure payment method compared to traditional mailed options. Previously, applicants could only pay by credit card via Form G-1450, …
New U.S. Policy Limits Where Immigrant Visa Applicants Can Interview
What’s Changing Starting November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require all immigrant visa interviews to be held in the applicant’s country of legal residence or, in some cases, their country of nationality. This ends the previous flexibility where many applicants could choose a different U.S. consulate with shorter wait times or easier …
USCIS Expands Vetting: What “Anti-Americanism” Now Means for Your Immigration Application
Effective Immediately: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy to include a new screening measure evaluating applicants for signs of “anti-Americanism” or ideological views deemed antisemitic. These factors can now play a decisive role when officers are making discretionary decisions on immigration benefits. What Has Changed? USCIS has revised its Policy Manual …
H-1B To Green Card: Complete Guide
The United States has long been a beacon of opportunity for highly skilled foreign workers with its thriving job market and diverse industries. These professionals often begin their American dream through H-1B status, which allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in specialized occupations. However, transitioning from a non-immigrant H-1B visa to a green card is …
Green Card Processing Times in 2025
Navigating the journey towards obtaining a green card can be a complex and often lengthy process. Central to this process is understanding green card processing times—the duration it takes for your application to progress through various stages until you receive your green card. Green card processing times refer to the timeframe it takes for U.S. …
Green Card Through Marriage Interview Questions: What to Expect
When you marry a U.S. citizen, you will become eligible for what’s known as a marriage green card. Lawful permanent residence status, however, is not automatic: there are specific steps you and your spouse need to take. One of them is the filing of I-485- Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. …
USCIS Fees Increasing in April 2024: What You Need to Know
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that fees for a range of immigration-related applications and services will increase on April 1, 2024 according to their final rule. This change comes as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to cover the costs of its operations and reflect inflationary increases in the cost …
Can B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Status be Changed to an F-1 Student Visa From Inside the U.S.?
You’ve always wanted to visit the United States, so you obtained a B-2 tourist visa and made your long-awaited trip. A few weeks later, you were so impressed by the quality of American schools that you decided to apply for an F-1 student visa so you can stay in the country and benefit from its …
