Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
Tracking USCIS Policy Manual Changes
10/19/22
AILA Doc. No. 19060633.
The USCIS Policy Manual is the agency’s centralized online repository for USCIS’s immigration policies. The USCIS Policy Manual will ultimately replace the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), the USCIS Immigration Policy Memoranda site, and other policy repositories.
How to Use This Page
- Use the table below to search and find a specific update or section within the USCIS Policy Manual
- View the USCIS Policy Manual - last updated on August 31, 2022
- Crosswalk Between the Adjudicator’s Field Manual and the Policy Manual – February 10, 2022
- If you are an AILALink subscriber, visit AILALink to view the full USCIS Policy Manual
On June 11, 2021, USCIS announced that it has made historical versions of the USCIS Policy Manual available to the public. These historical versions will reflect the pertinent policy in effect on a particular date and are being provided for research and reference purposes only. Users can find the historical versions under the “History” tab within the Policy Manual chapters. However, this tab will only reflect historical changes moving forward. For historical versions before June 11, you can visit the Internet Archive.
| Type of Update | Title of Update | Date of Update | Update Summary | Affected Sections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Alert | Revision of Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) | October 19, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how medical professionals can properly complete the new version of the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) and request oath waivers based on a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) 12 USCIS-PM J.2 - Chapter 2 - The Oath of Allegiance 12 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers |
| Policy Alert | Calixto Settlement Agreement and Military Accessions Vital to National Interest Naturalization Applicants | October 7, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update guidance regarding certain Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) naturalization applicants based on a settlement agreement in Calixto, et al., v. U.S. Dep’t of the Army, et al. (Calixto Agreement). | 12 PM-USCIS I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Serving during Hostilities (INA 329) 12 PM-USCIS I.5 - Chapter 5 - Application and Filing for Service Members (INA328 and 329) |
| Policy Alert | Extension of Temporary Waiver of “60-Day Rule” for Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) | September 29, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending the temporary waiver of the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) be dated no more than 60 days before an applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit. | 8 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Review of Medical Examination Documentation |
| Technical Update | Public Charge Final Rule | September 8, 2022 | This technical update to Volume 8 alerts readers to the September 9, 2022 publication of the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule, 87 FR 55472 (PDF), and clarifies that USCIS will continue to apply the 1999 Interim Field Guidance until the final rule goes into effect on December 23, 2022. For more information about how USCIS is applying the public charge ground of inadmissibility, see the Public Charge Resources webpage. | 8 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility |
| Technical Update | Disability Accommodation Requests | August 31, 2022 | This technical update to Volume 1, General Policies and Procedures provides that anyone, including asylum and NACARA 203 applicants, may submit a disability accommodation request online. | 1 USCIS-PM A.6 - Chapter 6 - Disability Accommodation Requests |
| Technical Update | Refugee Adjudications: Policies and Procedures | August 31, 2022 | In accordance with Section 4(m) of Executive Order 14013 of February 4, 2021, Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs to Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration, 86 FR 8839 (Feb. 9, 2021), and considering necessary safeguards for program integrity, USCIS published several current policies and procedures related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program on the Refugee Adjudications: Policy and Procedures webpage. This technical update adds an alert box with a link to this webpage in the Policy Manual. | 4 USCIS-PM - Volume 4 - Refugees and Asylees |
| Policy Alert | Guidance for Special Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Religious Workers | August 30, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to reorganize and expand on existing guidance related to special immigrant religious workers. | 2 USCIS-PM O.3 - Chapter 3 - Petitioner Requirements 6 USCIS-PM H.2 - Chapter 2 - Religious Workers |
| Policy Alert | L-1 Intracompany Transferees | August 16, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS determines eligibility for L-1 nonimmigrants seeking classification as managers or executives or specialized knowledge workers. | 2 USCIS-PM L - Part L - Intracompany Transferees (L) |
| Policy Update | Uncharacterized Military Discharges Eligible for Naturalization | August 2, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address eligibility of military service members with uncharacterized military discharges for purposes of naturalization under section 328 or section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). | Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part I, Military Members and their Families, Chapter 2, One Year of Military Service during Peacetime (INA 328) [12 USCIS-PM I.2]; Chapter 3, Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) [12 USCIS-PM I.3]. |
| Policy Alert | O-1 Nonimmigrant Status for Persons of Extraordinary Ability | July 22, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to further clarify how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on persons in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. | 2 USCIS-PM M.4 - Chapter 4 - O-1 Beneficiaries |
| Policy Alert | Legislative Changes and Transition Affecting Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visas | July 20, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on the transition of the responsibility to adjudicate certain Afghan special immigrant visa (SIV) petitions to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and to incorporate other changes to the Afghan and Iraqi SIV classifications resulting from the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. | 6 USCIS-PM H.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM H.8 - Chapter 8 - Certain Iraqi Nationals 6 USCIS-PM H.9 - Chapter 9 - Certain Afghan Nationals 6 USCIS-PM H.10 - Chapter 10 - Certain Iraqi and Afghan Translators and Interpreters 7 USCIS-PM F.10 - Chapter 10 - Certain Afghan and Iraqi Nationals |
| Technical Update | Clarifications Addressing Passage of EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 | July 18, 2022 | This technical update to Volume 6 clarifies the Policy Manual alert boxes published on April 27, 2022, relating to the recent EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which authorizes an EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program and includes various implementation effective dates for the program. On June 24, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Behring Regional Center LLC v. Mayorkas, et al, 3:22-cv-02487, issued a preliminary injunction enjoining USCIS “from treating as deauthorized the previously designated regional centers.” The April 27, 2022, alert remains posted for historical purposes. | 6 USCIS-PM G.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526) 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions |
| Policy Alert | Temporary Protected Status and Eligibility for Adjustment of Status under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act | July 1, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to address the proper mechanism for authorizing travel by temporary protected status (TPS) beneficiaries, and how such travel may affect their eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). USCIS is also updating the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Sanchez v. Mayorkas, 141 S.Ct. 1809 (2021). | 7 USCIS-PM A.3 - Chapter 3 - Filing Instructions 7 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | INA 212(a)(9)(B) Policy Manual Guidance | June 24, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically, the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period after departure or removal (if applicable). Under this policy guidance, a noncitizen who again seeks admission more than 3 or 10 years after the relevant departure or removal, is not inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B) even if the noncitizen returned to the United States, with or without authorization, during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period. | 8 USCIS-PM O.6 - Chapter 6 - Effect of Seeking Admission Following Accrual of Unlawful Presence |
| Policy Alert | Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Adjustment of Status | June 10, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to incorporate changes from the Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions Final Rule (SIJ Final Rule), including updated citations, new definitions, and clarifications. | 6 USCIS-PM J.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM J.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Documentation and Evidence 6 USCIS-PM J.4 - Chapter 4 - Adjudication 7 USCIS-PM F.7 - Chapter 7 - Special Immigrant Juveniles |
| Technical Update | Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility | May 25, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating existing guidance based on revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Technical Instructions regarding gonorrhea and syphilis. | 8 USCIS-PM B.6 - Chapter 6 - Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance |
| Technical Update | Documentary Requirements for National Interest Waiver Petition | May 25, 2022 | This technical update to Volume 6, Part F aligns language related to documentation required for submission with a national interest waiver petition with the Form I-140 instructions. Specifically, consistent with those instructions, this update removes reference in the Policy Manual to the requirement that a petitioner submit two copies of the employee-specific portions of a permanent labor certification (without DOL approval). | 6 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Deferred Action | May 6, 2022 | This technical update incorporates the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced March 7, 2022, to consider deferred action (and related employment authorization) for noncitizens classified as Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) who are ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status solely due to visa unavailability. This guidance became effective May 6, 2022. | 6 USCIS-PM J.4 - Chapter 4 - Adjudication |
| Technical Update | Passage of EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 | April 27, 2022 | This technical update to Volume 6 alerts readers to the passage of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which authorizes an EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program and includes various implementation effective dates for the program. The alert boxes refer readers to uscis.gov for the latest information on the implementation of that law. In addition, this update reserves and moves all of the content in Chapter 3 (Regional Center Designation, Reporting, Amendments, and Termination) to an appendix (Regional Center Program Prior to March 15, 2022) as Congress repealed that program. | 6 USCIS-PM G.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM G.3 - Chapter 3 - Regional Center Designation, Reporting, Amendments, and Termination [Reserved] 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526) 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions |
| Policy Alert | Interview Waiver Criteria for Family-Based Conditional Permanent Residents | April 7, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on interview waiver criteria for family-based conditional permanent residents (CPRs) filing petitions to remove the conditions on permanent residence. | 6 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence |
| Policy Alert | Qualifying Published Material and Scope of Leading or Critical Role in Certain Visa Classifications | March 23, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to align existing guidance on certain first preference immigrants with a recent Policy Manual update relating to nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability. | 6 USCIS-PM F.2 - Chapter 2 - Extraordinary Ability 6 USCIS-PM F.3 - Chapter 3 - Outstanding Professor or Researcher |
| Policy Alert | Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Deferred Action | March 7, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to consider deferred action (and related employment authorization) for noncitizens classified as Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) who are ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status solely due to visa unavailability. This update is effective May 6, 2022. | 6 USCIS-PM J.4 - Chapter 4 - Adjudication |
| Policy Alert | Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitions | February 10, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is publishing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual addressing Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitions. Specifically, this guidance changes the interpretation of the requirement for shared residence. The other two changes implement the decisions in Da Silva v. Attorney General and Arguijo v. United States nationwide. | 3 USCIS-PM D - Part D - Violence Against Women Act |
| Policy Alert | Clarifying the Temporary Need Exemption for Certain H-2B Workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | February 8, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how a petitioner may demonstrate that it qualifies for an exemption from the temporary need requirement for a nonimmigrant visa petition for a temporary nonagricultural H-2B worker on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) that falls under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021 NDAA). | 2 USCIS-PM I.11 – Chapter 11, Temporary Nonagricultural Worker (H-2B) Petitions Requiring Special Handling |
| Policy Alert | Updating General Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for Employment Authorization Documents based on Certain Filing Categories | February 7, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidelines in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding validity periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for asylees and refugees, noncitizens with withholding of deportation or removal, noncitizens with deferred action, parolees, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners. | 10 USCIS-PM A.4 – Chapter 4, Adjudication |
| Policy Alert | Use of Medical Examination Completed Abroad for Afghan Nationals Applying for Adjustment of Status After Evacuation Under Operation Allies Welcome | February 1, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to allow certain Afghan nationals applying for adjustment of status after evacuation under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW)1 to use the report of an immigration medical examination completed abroad by a panel physician to satisfy the requirement normally demonstrated on a Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) completed by a USCIS[1]designated civil surgeon, as long as certain conditions are met. | 8 USCIS-PM B.3 - Chapter 3, Applicability of Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirement |
| Policy Alert | Photographs and Signatures for Applications for Certificates of Citizenship | January 26, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to specify that persons submitting an Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) will generally now have their photographs taken at a biometrics appointment instead of submitting paper photographs and handwritten signatures, as applicable. | 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4, Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship After Birth (INA 320) |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Expedite Criteria and Circumstances | January 25, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding criteria used to determine whether a case warrants expedited treatment. Guidance is effective immediately, is controlling, and supersedes any related prior guidance. | USCIS-PM A.5 - Chapter 5, Requests to Expedite Applications or Petitions |
| Policy Alert | National Interest Waivers for Advanced Degree Professionals or Persons of Exceptional Ability | January 21, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address requests for national interest waivers for advanced degree professionals or persons of exceptional ability. Guidance is effective immediately, is controlling, and supersedes any related prior guidance. | 6 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability |
| Policy Alert | O-1 Nonimmigrant Status for Persons of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement | January 21, 2022 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on persons in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as how USCIS determines whether an O-1 beneficiary’s prospective work is within the beneficiary’s area of extraordinary ability or achievement. | 2 USCIS-PM M.4 - Chapter 4 - O-1 Beneficiaries |
| Policy Alert | Temporary Waiver of “60-Day Rule” for Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) | December 9, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) be dated no more than 60 days before an applicant files the application for the underlying immigration benefit. | 8 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Review of Medical Examination Documentation |
| Policy Alert | General Adjudications | November 23, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is incorporating and superseding existing guidance into the USCIS Policy Manual addressing topics in the context of general adjudications, including evidence, sworn statements, and adjudicative decisions. |
1 USCIS-PM E.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 1 USCIS-PM E.6 - Chapter 6 - Evidence 1 USCIS-PM E.9 - Chapter 9 - Rendering a Decision 1 USCIS-PM E.10 - Chapter 10 - Post-Decision Actions |
| Policy Alert | Adoptions | November 19, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is publishing a volume in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding adoptions. This guidance incorporates basic requirements for the submission of adoption-based applications and petitions to USCIS. | 5 USCIS-PM - Volume 5 - Adoptions |
| Policy Alert | Demonstrating Eligibility for Modification under Section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act | November 19, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify guidance related to requests for modifications to the Oath of Allegiance. | 12 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers |
| Policy Alert | Employment Authorization for Certain H-4, E, and L Nonimmigrant Dependent Spouses | November 12, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address automatic extension of employment authorization for certain H-4, E, and L nonimmigrant dependent spouses. USCIS is also rescinding the 2002 Legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service memorandum entitled, “Guidance on Employment Authorization for E and L Nonimmigrant Spouses, and for Determinations on the Requisite Employment Abroad for L Blanket Petition” (2002 INS memorandum). |
10 USCIS-PM B.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 10 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Employment-Based Nonimmigrants |
| Policy Alert | Clarifying Guidance on Military Service Members and Naturalization | November 12, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide clarifications regarding certain naturalization applications filed by current or former members of the U.S. armed forces under sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). |
12 USCIS-PM I.2 - Chapter 2 - One Year of Military Service during Peacetime (INA 328) 12 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) 12 USCIS-PM I.5 - Chapter 5 - Application and Filing for Service Members (INA 328 and 329) 12 USCIS-PM I.9 - Chapter 9 - Spouses, Children, and Surviving Family Benefits |
| Policy Alert | Evidence Supporting Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness-Based Adjustment of Status Applications | October 29, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify what steps applicants must take if they are not able to submit primary evidence of Liberian nationality to support an application for adjustment of status under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) law. | 7 USCIS-PM P.5 - Chapter 5 - Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness |
| Policy Alert | T Nonimmigrant Status for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons | October 20, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the adjudication of applications for T nonimmigrant status for victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons. |
3 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Victims of Trafficking 9 USCIS-PM O - Part O - Victims of Trafficking |
| Technical Update | Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Immigration Medical Examination | October 1, 2021 | This technical update incorporates the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced September 14, 2021, regarding health-related grounds of inadmissibility in accordance with recently updated requirements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The updated guidance requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to submit COVID-19 vaccination records before completion of immigration medical examinations conducted in the United States and overseas. This guidance became effective October 1, 2021. | 8 USCIS-PM B.9 - Chapter 9 - Vaccination Requirement 9 USCIS-PM D.3 - Chapter 3 - Waiver of Immigrant Vaccination Requirement |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Eleventh Circuit Case Law | October 1, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 8 modifies several footnotes to note the divergence from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)’s decision in Matter of Richmond, 26 I&N Dec. 779, 787 (BIA 2016) in the Eleventh Circuit. In Patel v. U.S. Att'y Gen., 971 F.3d 1258, 1272 (11th Cir. 2020) (en banc), the Eleventh Circuit held that a false claim to U.S. citizenship does not have to be material in order to result in inadmissibility. This decision only applies to cases within the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Circuit, which covers Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. This update also removes redundant footnotes. | 8 USCIS-PM K.2 - Chapter 2 - Determining False Claim to U.S. Citizenship |
| Technical Update | End of Temporary Extension of Validity Period of Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) | October 1, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 8 removes the temporary extension of the validity period of the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) announced August 12, 2021. This temporary extension expires October 1, 2021. | 8 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Review of Medical Examination Documentation |
| Policy Update | Assisted Reproductive Technology and In-Wedlock Determinations for Immigration and Citizenship Purposes | August 5, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the determination of whether a child born outside the United States, including a child born through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), is considered born “in wedlock.” | 6 USCIS-PM B.8 - Chapter 8 - Children, Sons, and Daughters 12 USCIS-PM H.2 - Chapter 2 - Definition of Child and Residence for Citizenship and Naturalization 12 USCIS-PM H.3 - Chapter 3 - U.S. Citizens at Birth (INA 301 and 309) 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4 - Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320) 12 USCIS-PM H.5 - Chapter 5 - Child Residing Outside of the United States (INA 322) |
| Policy Update | Extension of Blanket Civil Surgeon Designation for Certain Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Applicants | July 30, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the urgent need for additional civil surgeons to conduct immigration medical examinations in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This guidance became effective July 26, 2021. | 8 USCIS-PM C.3 - Chapter 3 - Blanket Civil Surgeon Designation |
| Technical Update | Adding References to the EB-5 Visa Program in Child Status Protection Act Guidance | July 26, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 7 includes references to the EB-5 visa program and Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, and clarifications regarding the Child Status Protection Act eligibility of derivative applicants of the VAWA-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. | 7 USCIS-PM A.7 - Chapter 7 - Child Status Protection Act |
| Policy Alert | Immigrant Investors and Investment of Loan Proceeds | July 22, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to comply with a recent court order. | 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Change of Status to Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Visa Classification | July 20, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding applications for change of status (COS) to F-1 classification. | 2 USCIS-PM F.8 - Chapter 8 - Change of Status |
| Technical Update | Removing References to the U.S. Department of State’s 90-Day Rule | July 16, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 8 removes all references to the U.S. Department of State’s 90-day rule. | 8 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Adjudicating Inadmissibility |
| Technical Update | Technical Update - EB-5 Modernization Rule Vacatur | July 15, 2021 | This technical update explains that on June 22, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, in Behring Regional Center LLC v. Wolf, 20-cv-09263-JSC, vacated the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule (PDF). While USCIS considers this decision, USCIS will apply the EB-5 regulations and policies that were in effect before the rule was finalized on November 21, 2019. | 6 USCIS-PM G.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM G.3 - Chapter 3 - Regional Center Designation, Reporting, Amendments, and Termination 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526) 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions |
| Technical Update | Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness | June 17, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 7 clarifies what evidence an applicant may submit to establish Liberian nationality when applying for adjustment of status under the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) law. It includes examples of secondary evidence that could support an applicant’s claim of Liberian nationality, as part of the totality of the evidence. | 7 USCIS-PM P.5 – Chapter 5 – Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Updates Policy Manual on the Bona Fide Determination Process for Victims of Qualifying Crimes and EADs and Deferred Action for Certain Petitioners | June 14, 2021 | USCIS provided guidance in the Policy Manual on employment authorization and deferred action for principal petitioners for U nonimmigrant status and qualifying family members with pending, bona fide petitioners. | 3 USCIS-PM C |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Issues Updated Policy Guidance on RFEs and NOIDs | June 9, 2021 | USCIS updated policy guidance in its Policy Manual to address the circumstances in which officers should issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs). Guidance is effective immediately. | 1 USCIS-PM E.6 and 1 USCIS-PM E.9 |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Issues Updated Policy Guidance on Criteria for Expedite Requests | June 9, 2021 | USCIS updated policy guidance in its Policy Manual regarding the criteria used to determine whether a case warrants expedited treatment. Guidance is effective immediately. | 1 USCIS-PM A.5 |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Issues Updated Policy Guidance on Employment Authorization for Certain Adjustment Applicants | June 9, 2021 | USCIS updated policy guidance in its Policy Manual to increase the amount of time a grant of employment authorization is valid for applicants seeking adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Guidance is effective immediately. | 10 USCIS-PM B.4 |
| Policy Alert | Veterans Residing Outside the U.S. and Naturalization | May 28, 2021 | USCIS updated its Policy Manual to provide clarifications regarding certain naturalization applications filed by veterans of the U.S. armed forces under INA §329. Guidance is effective immediately. | 12 USCIS-PM I.3 and 12 USCIS-PM I.5 |
| Policy Alert | Naturalization Eligibility and Voter Registration Through a State’s Benefit Application Process | May 27, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding applicants’ registration to vote through a state’s department of motor vehicles or other state benefit application process and the effects on an applicant’s good moral character (GMC). | 12 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Conditional Bars for Acts in Statutory Period |
| Policy Alert | Preserving Continuous Residence and Physical Presence for Purposes of Naturalization while Engaged in Religious Duties Outside the United States | May 25, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding preservation of continuous residence and physical presence for naturalization purposes for applicants engaged outside the United States in a qualifying religious vocation under section 317 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). | 12 USCIS-PM D - Part D - General Naturalization Requirements |
| Technical Update | Incorporating New INA 320(c) Provision into Nationality Chart 3 - Derivative Citizenship of Children | May 24, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 12 incorporates into Nationality Chart 3 the new INA 320(c) provision, as amended by Section 2 of the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act, regarding the automatic citizenship of a foreign-born child of a U.S. citizen employee of the U.S. government or member of the U.S. armed forces. | 12 USCIS-PM H.3 - Chapter 3 - U.S. Citizens at Birth (INA 301 and 309) |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | May 20, 2021 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapter 30.4 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 11 USCIS-PM F - Part F - Arrival-Departure Records |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | May 19, 2021 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapter 21.7 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 7 USCIS-PM P.9 - Chapter 9 - Amerasian Immigrants |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | May 18, 2021 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapters 22.1 and 22.2 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 6 USCIS-PM E - Part E - Employment-Based Immigration 6 USCIS-PM F - Part F - Employment-Based Classifications |
| Technical Update | Program Extension and Visa Numbers for Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans Who Were Employed by or on Behalf of the U.S. Government | May 14, 2021 | This technical update directs readers to visit the USCIS webpage for the latest information on Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program extensions and visa numbers for Afghans who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government. | 6 USCIS-PM H.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM H.9 - Chapter 9 - Certain Afghan Nationals 7 USCIS-PM F.10 - Chapter 10 - Certain Afghanistan and Iraq Nationals |
| Policy Alert | Exemption to the Temporary Need Requirement for Certain H-2B Workers on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | May 13, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the filing and adjudication of temporary nonagricultural worker (H-2B) nonimmigrant visa petitions that fall under Section 9502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021 NDAA). | 2 USCIS-PM I - Part I - Temporary Agricultural and Nonagricultural Workers (H-2) |
| Technical Update | Replacing the Term “Alien” | May 11, 2021 | This technical update replaces all instances of the term “alien” with “noncitizen” or other appropriate terms throughout the Policy Manual where possible, 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”]. | 1 USCIS-PM - Volume 1 - General Policies and Procedures 2 USCIS-PM - Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants 6 USCIS-PM - Volume 6 - Immigrants 12 USCIS-PM - Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization 8 USCIS-PM - Volume 8 - Admissibility 7 USCIS-PM - Volume 7 - Adjustment of Status 9 USCIS-PM - Volume 9 - Waivers and Other Forms of Relief 10 USCIS-PM - Volume 10 - Employment Authorization 11 USCIS-PM - Volume 11 - Travel and Identity Documents |
| Policy Alert | Deference to Prior Determinations of Eligibility in Requests for Extensions of Petition Validity | April 27, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the issue of deference to prior determinations of eligibility by an officer when adjudicating a request for an extension of petition validity. | 2 USCIS-PM A.4 - Chapter 4 - Extension of Stay, Change of Status, and Extension of Petition Validity |
| Technical Update | Temporary Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident Status | March 30, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the temporary proof of status USCIS provides to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) applying to replace an expiring Permanent Resident Card (PRC). | 11 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Replacement of Permanent Resident Card 11 USCIS-PM B.3 - Chapter 3 - Expired Permanent Resident Cards |
| Policy Alert | Additional Guidance Relating to P-1A Internationally Recognized Athletes | March 26, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and clarify guidance for internationally recognized athletes (P-1A nonimmigrants). | 2 USCIS-PM N.4 - Chapter 4 - Documentation and Evidence 2 USCIS-PM N.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Saravia v. Barr Settlement | March 18, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification to incorporate changes agreed to in the settlement agreement resulting from the Saravia v. Barr class action lawsuit. | 6 USCIS-PM J - Part J - Special Immigrant Juveniles |
| Technical Update | Removing Guidance on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds | March 10, 2021 | This technical update removes the guidance in Volume 2, Part A, Chapter 4, Volume 8, Part G, and Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 2 relating to the administration of the public charge ground of inadmissibility under the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule, 84 FR 41292 (Aug. 14, 2019); as amended by Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds; Correction, 84 FR 52357 (Oct. 2, 2019) ( “Public Charge Final Rule”), which was implemented on Feb. 24, 2020. On Nov. 2, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated the Public Charge Final Rule nationwide. On Nov. 3, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued an administrative stay and, on Nov. 19, 2020, a stay pending appeal of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois’ Nov. 2, 2020 decision. On Mar. 9, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit lifted its stay and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois’ order vacating the Public Charge Final Rule went into effect. USCIS immediately stopped applying the Public Charge Final Rule to all pending applications and petitions that would have been subject to the rule. For information on related litigation affecting implementation, see our litigation summary. | 2 USCIS-PM A.4 - Chapter 4 - Extension of Stay and Change of Status 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization 8 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Revised Guidance on Naturalization Civics Educational Requirement | March 1, 2021 | This technical update incorporates into Volume 12 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced February 22, 2021, addressing educational requirements for naturalization to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics) under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, USCIS is reverting back to the 2008 version of the civics test, allowing a brief period during which USCIS may also offer the 2020 version of the test to applicants affected by the timing of this update. This guidance became effective March 1, 2021. | 12 USCIS-PM E.2 - Chapter 2 - English and Civics Testing |
| Policy Alert | Revising Guidance on Naturalization Civics Educational Requirement | February 22, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the educational requirements for naturalization to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics) under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, USCIS is reverting back to the 2008 version of the civics test, allowing a brief period during which USCIS may also offer the 2020 version of the test to applicants affected by the timing of this update. This guidance becomes effective March 1, 2021. | 12 USCIS-PM E.2 - Chapter 2 - English and Civics Testing |
| Technical Update | Updating Filing Deadline for Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Adjustment of Status Applications | February 10, 2021 | This technical update to Volume 7 adjusts the filing deadline for Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) adjustment of status applications to December 20, 2021, to reflect an extension by Congress. | 7 USCIS-PM P.5 - Chapter 5 - Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness |
| Policy Alert | Applications for Discretionary Employment Authorization Involving Certain Adjustment Applications or Deferred Action | January 14, 2021 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding applications for discretionary employment authorization based on 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9) (pending application for adjustment of status under INA 245) or 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(14) (grant of deferred action). USCIS is also providing guidance outlining the categories of aliens eligible for discretionary employment authorization. | 10 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Employment Authorization Policies and Procedures 10 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Specific Categories |
| Policy Alert | Refugee and Asylee Adjustment of Status Interview Criteria and Guidelines | December 15, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding adjustment of status interview waiver categories and expanding the interview criteria for asylee and refugee adjustment of status applicants. | 7 USCIS-PM A.5 - Chapter 5 - Interview Guidelines 7 USCIS-PM L.5 - Chapter 5 - Adjudication Procedures 7 USCIS-PM M.5 - Chapter 5 - Adjudication Procedures |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Acquisition of Citizenship Requirement in Nationality Chart 2 for Children Born Out of Wedlock Before May 24, 1934 | December 8, 2020 | This technical update to Volume 12 incorporates a clarification to Nationality Chart 2 to align with the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 (INTCA), which affected acquisition of citizenship for children born before May 24, 1934. Specifically, this technical update clarifies that an alien child born out of wedlock before May 24, 1934 acquires citizenship retroactively to the time of birth in cases where the child’s mother resided in the United States at any time before the child’s birth, regardless of whether the child was legitimated by the alien father. | 12 USCIS-PM H.3 - Chapter 3 - U.S. Citizens at Birth (INA 301 and 309) |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | December 8, 2020 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapter 23.5(c) of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 7 USCIS-PM C - Part C - 245(i) Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Properly Completed Medical Certification For Disability Exception (N-648) | December 4, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect changes made in the new version of the Medical Certification for Disability Exception (Form N-648). | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) |
| Policy Alert | Schedule A Designation | December 2, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address Schedule A designations. | 6 USCIS-PM E.7 - Chapter 7 - Schedule A Designation Petitions |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Redesigned Civics Test for Educational Requirement for Naturalization | December 1, 2020 | This technical update incorporates into Volume 12 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced November 13, 2020, addressing the educational requirements for naturalization on the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics) under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This guidance became effective December 1, 2020. | 12 USCIS-PM E.2 - Chapter 2 - English and Civics Testing |
| Policy Alert | Prerequisite of Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence under All Applicable Provisions for Purposes of Naturalization | November 18, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to ensure consistency in the naturalization decision-making process and to clarify circumstances under which an applicant may be found ineligible for naturalization if the applicant was not lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in accordance with all applicable provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). | 12 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Results of the Naturalization Examination 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization 12 USCIS-PM F.2 - Chapter 2 - Adjudicative Factors |
| Policy Alert | Use of Discretion for Adjustment of Status | November 17, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating existing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the discretionary factors to consider in adjudications of adjustment of status applications. | 7 USCIS-PM A.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 7 USCIS-PM A.10 - Chapter 10 - Legal Analysis and Use of Discretion |
| Policy Alert | Job Portability after Filing Application to Adjust Status | November 17, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to consolidate and update guidance on the ability to change to a same or similar job, also known as portability, for certain beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions after they have applied to adjust status. | 7 USCIS-PM E.5 - Chapter 5 - Job Portability after Adjustment Filing and Other AC21 Provisions |
| Policy Alert | Age and “Sought to Acquire” Requirement under Child Status Protection Act | November 13, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), to include how USCIS calculates age under certain contexts and what actions satisfy the “sought to acquire” requirement. | 7 USCIS-PM A.7 - Chapter 7 - Child Status Protection Act |
| Policy Alert | Civics Educational Requirement for Purposes of Naturalization | November 13, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the educational requirements for naturalization on the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics) under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. | 12 USCIS-PM E.2 - Chapter 2 - English and Civics Testing |
| Policy Alert | Nonimmigrant Cultural Visitor (Q) Visa Classification | October 15, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the nonimmigrant cultural visitor visa classification, commonly known as the “Q” visa category. | 2 USCIS-PM E - Part E - Cultural Visitors (Q) |
| Policy Alert | Temporary Protected Status and Eligibility for Adjustment of Status under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act | October 6, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding whether temporary protected status (TPS) beneficiaries are eligible for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). | 7 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Inadmissibility Based on Membership in a Totalitarian Party | October 2, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address inadmissibility based on membership in or affiliation with the Communist or any other totalitarian party. | 8 USCIS-PM F.3 - Chapter 3 - Immigrant Membership in Totalitarian Party |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Requests for Relief Under INA 204(l) | September 22, 2020 | This technical update clarifies how applicants and petitioners may request relief under INA 204(l). | 7 USCIS-PM A.9 - Chapter 9 - Death of Petitioner or Principal Beneficiary |
| Policy Alert | Residency Requirements for Children of Service Members and Government Employees Residing Outside of the United States for Purposes of Acquisition of Citizenship | September 18, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding residency requirements under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act. | 12 USCIS-PM H - Part H - Children of U.S. Citizens 12 USCIS-PM I - Part I - Military Members and their Families |
| Policy Alert | O Nonimmigrant Visa Classification | September 17, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and consolidate guidance related to O nonimmigrant classifications. | 2 USCIS-PM M - Part M - Aliens of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O) |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | September 17, 2020 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapter 33 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 2 USCIS-PM N - Part N - Athletes and Entertainers (P) |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Dates of Absence for Continuous Residence | September 15, 2020 | This technical update clarifies the examples provided to illustrate the impact of absences from the United States for purposes of the continuous residence requirement for naturalization, including the hypothetical dates used in the examples. | 12 USCIS-PM D.3 - Chapter 3 - Continuous Residence |
| Policy Alert | Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule | September 2, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising its policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule, published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2020. This guidance becomes effective October 2, 2020. | 1 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Public Services |
| Technical Update | Removing Exemption from Discretion for Asylum Applicants Seeking Employment Authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8) | August 27, 2020 | This technical update removes the exemption from discretion for asylum applicants seeking employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8). The Asylum Application, Interview, and Employment Authorization for Applicants Final Rule (effective August 25, 2020) amended 8 CFR 274a.13(a)(1) to eliminate the exemption. Accordingly, asylum applicants who file applications for employment authorization on or after August 25, 2020 are subject to discretion like other applicants seeking employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c). | 10 USCIS-PM A.5 - Chapter 5 - Discretion |
| Technical Update | Braille-Related Accommodations for the Naturalization Test | August 27, 2020 | This technical update incorporates references to Braille-related accommodations for the naturalization test. | 12 USCIS-PM C - Part C - Accommodations |
| Policy Alert | Clarifying Procedures for Terminating Asylum Status in Relation to Consideration of an Application for Adjustment of Status | August 21, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and clarify the procedures USCIS officers follow when termination of asylum status is considered in relation to adjudicating an asylum-based adjustment of status application. | 7 USCIS-PM M.6 - Chapter 6 - Termination of Status and Notice to Appear Considerations |
| Technical Update | Foreign Residency Requirement | August 6, 2020 | This technical update provides clarification on the 2-year foreign residence requirement for certain exchange visitors subject to INA 212(e). | 7 USCIS-PM A.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | July 30, 2020 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapters 22.3 and 26 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 6 USCIS-PM H - Part H - Designated and Special Immigrants 7 USCIS-PM Q - Part Q - Rescission of Lawful Permanent Residence |
| Policy Alert | Policy Alert - Clarifying Guidance for Deployment of Capital in Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) Category | July 24, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing clarifying policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding deployment of investment capital, including further deployment after the job creation requirement is satisfied. | 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526) |
| Policy Alert | Policy Alert – Applying Discretion in USCIS Adjudications | July 15, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is consolidating existing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the discretionary analysis required in the adjudication of certain benefit requests, including certain applications for employment authorization. | 1 USCIS-PM E.8 - Chapter 8 - Discretionary Analysis 10 USCIS-PM A.5 - Chapter 5 - Discretion |
| Technical Update | Technical Update - Removing Obsolete Form I-508F | June 18, 2020 | This technical update removes references to Form I-508F, Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities. French nationals are covered by a special convention between France and the United States. Previously, French nationals were required to submit both Form I-508 and Form I-508F to USCIS. The 11/08/19 form edition combines information from both forms. Therefore, French nationals are now only required to submit Form I-508. | 7 USCIS-PM A.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 7 USCIS-PM F.6 - Chapter 6 - Certain G-4 or NATO-6 Employees and Their Family Members 7 USCIS-PM O.3 - Chapter 3 - Children Born in the United States to Accredited Diplomats |
| Technical Update | Removing WA Food Assistance Program from the List of Public Benefits Considered | June 16, 2020 | This technical update removes the WA Food Assistance Program for Legal Immigrants from the list of examples of state, local, and tribal cash assistance programs that are considered income maintenance for purposes of the public charge inadmissibility determination. | 8 USCIS-PM G.10 - Chapter 10 - Public Benefits |
| Technical Update | Moving the Adjudicator’s Field Manual Content into the USCIS Policy Manual | May 21, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating and incorporating relevant Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) content into the USCIS Policy Manual. As that process is ongoing, USCIS has moved any remaining AFM content to its corresponding USCIS Policy Manual Part, in PDF format, until relevant AFM content has been properly incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual. To the extent that a provision in the USCIS Policy Manual conflicts with remaining AFM content or Policy Memoranda, the updated information in the USCIS Policy Manual prevails. To find remaining AFM content, see the crosswalk between the AFM and the Policy Manual. | 1 USCIS-PM - Volume 1 - General Policies and Procedures 2 USCIS-PM - Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants 3 USCIS-PM - Volume 3 - Humanitarian Protection and Parole 4 USCIS-PM - Volume 4 - Refugees and Asylees 5 USCIS-PM - Volume 5 - International Orphans and Adoptees 6 USCIS-PM - Volume 6 - Immigrants 7 USCIS-PM - Volume 7 - Adjustment of Status 8 USCIS-PM - Volume 8 - Admissibility 9 USCIS-PM - Volume 9 - Waivers and Other Forms of Relief 11 USCIS-PM - Volume 11 - Travel and Identity Documents 12 USCIS-PM - Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization |
| Technical Update | National Interest Waiver Portability Provisions | May 20, 2020 | This technical update clarifies guidance within the USCIS Policy Manual on portability for physicians with an approved immigrant petition based on a national interest waiver (NIW) applying for adjustment of status, and the applicability of the 2-year foreign residence requirement of INA 212(e) to certain NIW physicians. | 7 USCIS-PM A.8 - Chapter 8 - Transfer of Underlying Basis |
| Technical Update | Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual | May 15, 2020 | This technical update is part of an initiative to move existing policy guidance from the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) into the Policy Manual. This update does not make major substantive changes but consolidates and incorporates existing AFM guidance into the Policy Manual, streamlining USCIS’ immigration policy while removing obsolete information. This guidance replaces Chapters 1, 3.4, 10.2, 10.3(a), 10.3(c), 10.3(e), 10.3(i), 10.4, 10.22, 11.1(c), 13, 14, 17, 23.8, 31.7, 33.10, 34.5, 35, 41.6, 42, 44, 56.1, 56.3, 56.4, 62, 81, 82, 83.1, 83.2, and 83.3 of the AFM, related appendices, and policy memoranda. | 1 USCIS-PM E - Part E - Adjudications 2 USCIS-PM O - Part O - Religious Workers (R) 7 USCIS-PM O.5 - Chapter 5 - Other Special Laws |
| Policy Alert | False Claim to U.S. Citizenship Ground of Inadmissibility and Matter of Zhang | April 24, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the false claim to U.S. citizenship ground of inadmissibility. | 8 USCIS-PM K - Part K - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship |
| Technical Update | Removing Obsolete Form I-864W | April 16, 2020 | This technical update removes references to Form I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support, which was discontinued by the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Rule and is no longer used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. | 7 USCIS-PM A.4 - Chapter 4 - Documentation 7 USCIS-PM A.6 - Chapter 6 - Adjudicative Review |
| Policy Alert | Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness | April 7, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding eligibility requirements, filing, and adjudication of adjustment of status applications based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness law. | 7 USCIS-PM P.5 - Chapter 5 - Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness |
| Technical Update | Replacing the Term “Entrepreneur” | March 19, 2020 | This technical update replaces instances of the term “entrepreneur” with “investor” throughout the Policy Manual in accordance with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Final Rule. | 7 USCIS-PM A.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 7 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 12 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Conditional Permanent Resident Spouses and Naturalization |
| Technical Update | Use of Photographs as Biometrics | March 11, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is incorporating general information on USCIS’ use of photographs as biometrics. | 1 USCIS-PM C - Part C - Biometrics Collection and Security Checks |
| Policy Alert | Submission of Benefit Requests | March 5, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding submission of benefit requests to USCIS. | 1 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Submission of Benefit Requests |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Breaks in Continuity of Residence on Eligibility for Naturalization | February 26, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address naturalization applicants’ absences from the United States of more than 6 months but less than 1 year during the statutorily required continuous residence period. | 12 USCIS-PM D.3 - Chapter 3 - Continuous Residence |
| Policy Alert | Implementation of Guidance on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds | February 24, 2020 | This update incorporates into Volumes 2, 8, and 12 policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced February 3, 2020, implementing the Inadmissibility of Public Charge Grounds Final Rule. This guidance is in effect as of February 24, 2020 and applies to all applications and petitions postmarked on or after that date, including in Illinois. (On February 21, 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States stayed the last remaining injunction in the State of Illinois, allowing DHS to implement the final rule nationwide.) Certain classes of aliens are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility (such as refugees, asylees, certain VAWA self-petitioners, U petitioners, and T applicants) and therefore, are not subject to the Final Rule. For more information about the classes of aliens who are exempt from the Final Rule, click here. | 2 USCIS-PM A.4 - Chapter 4 - Extension of Stay and Change of Status 8 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Admission for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility | February 5, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This policy guidance is effective on February 24, 2020, and will apply to all applicants and petitioners filing applications and petitions for adjustment of status, extension of stay, and change of status, except for applicants and petitioners in the State of Illinois, whose cases will be adjudicated under prior policy, including the 1999 Interim Field Guidance and AFM Ch. 61.1. For additional information, see Public Charge Inadmissibility Determinations in Illinois. Certain classes of aliens are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility (such as refugees, asylees, certain VAWA self-petitioners, U petitioners, and T applicants) and therefore, are not subject to the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule. For more information about the classes of aliens who are exempt from the final rule, click here. | 2 USCIS-PM A.4 - Chapter 4 - Extension of Stay and Change of Status 8 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Admission for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Accepting Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) Abroad | January 31, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the limited circumstances in which USCIS has delegated authority to the U.S. Department of State to accept and adjudicate the Form I-130 filed abroad at U.S. embassies and consulates. This guidance becomes effective February 1, 2020. | 6 USCIS-PM B.3 - Chapter 3 - Filing |
| Policy Alert | Biometric Service Updates | January 30, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the availability of mobile biometrics services and clarify guidance on the validity period for fingerprint waivers. | 1 USCIS-PM C.2 - Chapter 2 - Biometrics Collection |
| Policy Alert | Replacing Permanent Resident Card | January 16, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding eligibility requirements, filing, and adjudication of requests to replace Permanent Resident Cards using the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90). | 11 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Permanent Resident Cards |
| Technical Update | Naturalization of Spouses Subjected to Battery or Extreme Cruelty by U.S. Citizen Spouse | January 9, 2020 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that the spouse of a U.S. citizen who was subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by his or her U.S. citizen spouse does not need to establish that he or she is still married to the abusive spouse at the time he or she files the application for naturalization. | 12 USCIS-PM G.3 - Chapter 3 - Spouses of U.S. Citizens Residing in the United States |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Travel Abroad by Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries with Final Orders of Removal | December 20, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the effect of travel outside the United States by temporary protected status beneficiaries who have final removal orders. | 7 USCIS-PM A.3 - Chapter 3 - Filing Instructions |
| Technical Update | Naturalization for Surviving Spouse, Child, or Parent of Service Member | December 18, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is clarifying guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to indicate that the spouse, child, or parent of a deceased U.S. citizen member of the U.S. armed forces who died during a period of his or her honorable service (instead of as the result of his or her honorable service) may be eligible for naturalization as the surviving relative of the service member. | 12 USCIS-PM I.9 - Chapter 9 - Spouses, Children, and Surviving Family Benefits |
| Policy Alert | Conditional Bar to Good Moral Character for Unlawful Acts | December 13, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on unlawful acts during the applicable statutory period that reflect adversely on moral character and may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character requirement for naturalization. | 12 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Conditional Bars for Acts in Statutory Period |
| Policy Alert | Implementing the Decisions on Driving Under the Influence Convictions on Good Moral Character Determinations and Post-Sentencing Changes | December 10, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding how post-sentencing changes to criminal sentences impact convictions for immigration purposes and how two or more driving under the influence convictions affects good moral character determinations. These updates incorporate two recent decisions issued by the Attorney General. | 12 USCIS-PM F.2 - Chapter 2 - Adjudicative Factors 12 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Conditional Bars for Acts in Statutory Period |
| Technical Update | Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility | December 10, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating existing guidance based on revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Technical Instructions regarding tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis and the change in nomenclature from leprosy to Hansen’s Disease. USCIS is also updating how USCIS submits a request to CDC for advisory opinion and removing the outdated vaccination chart. | 8 USCIS-PM B.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 8 USCIS-PM B.6 - Chapter 6 - Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance 8 USCIS-PM B.8 - Chapter 8 - Drug Abuse or Drug Addiction 8 USCIS-PM B.9 - Chapter 9 - Vaccination Requirement |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Fees for Submission of Benefit Requests | December 2, 2019 | This 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. | 1 USCIS-PM B.3 - Chapter 3 – Fees 1 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Fee Waivers |
| Policy Alert | Adjustment on New Basis After Termination of Conditional Permanent Residence | November 21, 2019 | U.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. | 7 USCIS-PM B.7 - Chapter 7 - Other Barred Adjustment Applicants |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification | November 19, 2019 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification. | 6 USCIS-PM J - Part J - Special Immigrant Juveniles |
| Policy Alert | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule | November 6, 2019 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM G.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526) 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions 7 USCIS-PM A.6 - Chapter 6 - Adjudicative Review |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Policy Guidance on Defining “Residence” in Statutory Provisions Related to Citizenship | October 29, 2019 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM H - Part H - Children of U.S. Citizens 12 USCIS-PM I - Part I - Military Members and their Families |
| Policy Alert | Fees for Submission of Benefit Requests | October 25, 2019 | U.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. | 1 USCIS-PM B.3 - Chapter 3 - Fees 1 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Fee Waivers |
| Technical Update | Replacing the Term "Foreign National" | October 8, 2019 | This 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"]. | 1 USCIS-PM - Volume 1 - General Policies and Procedures 2 USCIS-PM - Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants 6 USCIS-PM - Volume 6 - Immigrants 7 USCIS-PM - Volume 7 - Adjustment of Status 8 USCIS-PM - Volume 8 - Admissibility 9 USCIS-PM - Volume 9 - Waivers 10 USCIS-PM - Volume 10 - Employment Authorization 11 USCIS-PM - Volume 11 - Travel and Identity Documents 12 USCIS-PM - Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Policies and Procedures for Replacing Permanent Resident Cards | September 27, 2019 | This 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. | 11 USCIS-PM A.3 - Chapter 3 - Reissuance of Secure Identity Documents |
| Policy Alert | Defining “Residence” in Statutory Provisions Related to Citizenship | August 28, 2019 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM H - Part H - Children of U.S. Citizens 12 USCIS-PM I - Part I - Military Members and their Families |
| Policy Alert | Employment Authorization for Parolees | August 19, 2019 | U.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. | 10 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Parolees |
| Technical Update | Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation | June 6, 2019 | This 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. | 8 USCIS-PM C.4 - Chapter 4 - Termination and Revocation |
| Technical Update | Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation and Department of State’s 90-Day Rule | June 5, 2019 | This 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. | 8 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Adjudicating Inadmissibility |
| Policy Alert | USCIS Public Services | May 10, 2019 | (U.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. | 1 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Public Services |
| Technical Update | Communicating with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | May 3, 2019 | This 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. | 9 USCIS-PM C.2 - Chapter 2 - Waiver of Communicable Disease of Public Health Significance |
| Technical Update | Communicating with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | May 3, 2019 | This 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. | 9 USCIS-PM C.4 - Chapter 4 - Waiver of Physical or Mental Disorder Accompanied by Harmful Behavior |
| Technical Update | Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions | May 3, 2019 | This technical update incorporates minor clarifying editorial changes to the policy guidance regarding the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648). | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) |
| Policy Alert | Controlled Substance-Related Activity and Good Moral Character Determinations | April 19, 2019 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM F.5 - Chapter 5 - Conditional Bars for Acts in Statutory Period |
| Technical Update | Implementation of Policy Guidance on Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) | February 12, 2019 | ?This technical update incorporates into Volume 12 the policy guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced December 12, 2018 regarding the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648). This guidance became effective February 12, 2019. | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) |
| Technical Update | Visa Retrogression | February 6, 2019 | ?This 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. | 7 USCIS-PM A.6 - Chapter 6 - Adjudicative Review |
| Technical Update | Child Status Protection Act | January 23, 2019 | This 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. | 7 USCIS-PM A.7 - Chapter 7 - Child Status Protection Act |
| Policy Alert | Policies and Procedures for Secure Identity Documents | January 16, 2019 | U.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. | 11 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Secure Identity Documents Policies and Procedures |
| Policy Alert | Sufficiency of Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) | December 12, 2018 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) |
| Policy Alert | Immigrant Investors and Debt Arrangements | October 30, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify its policy on debt arrangements. | 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM B - Part B - 245(a) Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM F - Part F - Special Immigrant-Based (EB-4) Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM L - Part L - Refugee Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM M - Part M - Asylee Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Use of Form G-325A | October 25, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to remove references to Biographic Information (Form G-325A). | 7 USCIS-PM O - Part O - Registration |
| Policy Alert | Validity of Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) | October 16, 2018 | U.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. | 8 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility |
| Policy Alert | Marriage and Living in Marital Union Requirements for Naturalization | October 12, 2018 | U.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). | 12 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Marriage and Marital Union for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Special Naturalization Provisions for Children | September 26, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to amend theUSCIS Policy Manual to clarify certain special naturalization provisions for children. | 12 USCIS-PM G.3 - Chapter 3 - Spouses of U.S. Citizens Residing in the United States |
| Policy Alert | Special Naturalization Provisions for Children | September 26, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance to amend theUSCIS Policy Manual to clarify certain special naturalization provisions for children. | 12 USCIS-PM H.6 - Chapter 6 - Special Provisions for the Naturalization of Children |
| Technical Update | Authorized Medical Professionals | September 26, 2018 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers |
| Policy Alert | Geographic Area of a Regional Center | August 24, 2018 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Investors |
| Technical Update | Certificates of Citizenship for U.S. National Children | August 15, 2018 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4 - Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320) |
| Technical Update | Rescinding Tenant-Occupancy Methodology | July 26, 2018 | This 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). | 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Child Status Protection Act | May 23, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). | 7 USCIS-PM A.7 - Chapter 7 - Child Status Protection Act |
| Policy Alert | Adjustment of Status Interview Guidelines and Waiver Criteria | May 15, 2018 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance regarding adjustment of status interview guidelines and interview waivers. | 7 USCIS-PM A.5 - Chapter 5 - Interview Guidelines |
| Policy Alert | Rescinding Tenant-Occupancy Methodology | May 15, 2018 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Documentation of Conditional Resident Status for Investors with a Pending Form I-829 | May 2, 2018 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions |
| Policy Alert | Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship for Children Born Out of Wedlock | April 18, 2018 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM H.3 - Chapter 3 - United States Citizens at Birth (INA 301 and 309) |
| Technical Update | Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation and Department of State’s 90-Day Rule | March 28, 2018 | This technical update incorporates changes that the Department of State (DOS) made to its Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) regarding its interpretation of the term “misrepresentation.” | 8 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Adjudicating Inadmissibility |
| Technical Update | Authority to Administer the Oath of Allegiance | March 21, 2018 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM J.2 - Chapter 2 - The Oath of Allegiance |
| Technical Update | Military Accessions Vital to National Interest | March 21, 2018 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) |
| Policy Alert | Waiver Policies and Procedures | August 23, 2017 | U.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. | 9 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Waiver Policies and Procedures |
| Policy Alert | Biometrics Requirements for Naturalization | July 26, 2017 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM B.2 - Chapter 2 - Background and Security Checks |
| Policy Alert | Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies | June 28, 2017 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM J.5 - Chapter 5 - Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies |
| Policy Alert | Job Creation and Capital At Risk Requirements for Investors | June 14, 2017 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Investors |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Intent to Reside in United States for Naturalization Purposes | January 5, 2017 | This 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). | 12 USCIS-PM D.7 - Chapter 7 - Attachment to the Constitution |
| Technical Update | Medical Codes for Purposes of Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions | January 5, 2017 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM E.3 - Chapter 3 - Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648) |
| Policy Alert | Registration of Lawful Permanent Resident Status | December 21, 2016 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance addressing registration of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. | 7 USCIS-PM O - Part O - Registration |
| Policy Alert | False Claim to U.S. Citizenship Ground of Inadmissibility | December 14, 2016 | U.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). | 8 USCIS-PM K - Part K - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Designated Periods of Hostilities for Naturalization under INA 329 | December 13, 2016 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM I.1 - Chapter 1 - Purpose and Background |
| Technical Update | Clarifying Designated Periods of Hostilities for Naturalization under INA 329 | December 13, 2016 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) |
| Policy Alert | Employment-Based Fifth Preference Immigrants: Investors | November 30, 2016 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the eligibility requirements for regional centers and immigrant investors. | 6 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Investors |
| Policy Alert | Definition of Certain Classes of Medical Conditions and Other Updates Relating to Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility | November 2, 2016 | U.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). | 8 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility |
| Policy Alert | Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Special Immigrant-Based Adjustment of Status | October 26, 2016 | U.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. | 6 USCIS-PM J - Part J - Special Immigrant Juveniles |
| Policy Alert | Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification and Special Immigrant-Based Adjustment of Status | October 26, 2016 | U.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. | 7 USCIS-PM F - Part F - Special Immigrant-Based (EB-4) Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Determining Extreme Hardship | October 21, 2016 | U.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. | 9 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Extreme Hardship |
| Technical Update | Military Accessions Vital to National Interest Program and Time of Filing for Naturalization | October 19, 2016 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) |
| Policy Alert | Department of Defense Military Accessions Vital to National Interest Program | August 3, 2016 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM I.3 - Chapter 3 - Military Service during Hostilities (INA 329) |
| Policy Alert | Effective Date of Lawful Permanent Residence for Purposes of Citizenship and Naturalization | July 27, 2016 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the date of legal permanent residence (LPR) for naturalization and citizenship purposes. | 12 USCIS-PM D.2 - Chapter 2 - Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Admission for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Effective Date of Lawful Permanent Residence for Purposes of Citizenship and Naturalization | July 27, 2016 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the date of legal permanent residence (LPR) for naturalization and citizenship purposes. | 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4 - Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320) |
| Policy Alert | Removing Obsolete Form I-643 from Filing Requirements for Certain Adjustment Applications | June 22, 2016 | U.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). | 7 USCIS-PM L.4 - Chapter 4 - Documentation and Evidence |
| Policy Alert | Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures and 245(a) Adjustment | February 25, 2016 | U.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). | 7 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures |
| Policy Alert | Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures and 245(a) Adjustment | February 25, 2016 | U.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). | 7 USCIS-PM B - Part B - 245(a) Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Media Representatives (I) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification | November 10, 2015 | U.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. | 2 USCIS-PM K - Part K - Media Representatives (I) |
| Policy Alert | Modifications to Oath of Allegiance for Naturalization | July 21, 2015 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM J.3 - Chapter 3 - Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers |
| Technical Update | Multiple Absences and Residence and Physical Presence | July 20, 2015 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM D.3 - Chapter 3 - Continuous Residence |
| Technical Update | Child Citizenship Act and Children of U.S. Government Employees Residing Abroad | July 20, 2015 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4 - Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320) |
| Technical Update | Child Citizenship Act and Children of U.S. Government Employees Residing Abroad | July 20, 2015 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM K.2 - Chapter 2 - Certificate of Citizenship |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) on Immigration and Acquisition of Citizenship Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) | October 28, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). | 12 USCIS-PM H - Part H - Children of U.S. Citizens |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) on Immigration and Acquisition of Citizenship Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) | October 28, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). | 12 USCIS-PM H.2 - Chapter 2 - Definition of Child for Citizenship and Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) on Immigration and Acquisition of Citizenship Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) | October 28, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). | 12 USCIS-PM H.3 - Chapter 3 - United States Citizens at Birth (INA 301 and 309) |
| Policy Alert | Effect of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) on Immigration and Acquisition of Citizenship Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) | October 28, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). | 12 USCIS-PM H.4 - Chapter 4 - Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (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, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). | 12 USCIS-PM H.5 - Chapter 5 - Child Residing Outside of the United States (INA 322) |
| Technical Update | Religious Missionaries Abroad and Residence and Physical Presence | October 21, 2014 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM D.5 - Chapter 5 - Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence |
| Technical Update | Treating Certain Peace Corps Contractors as U.S. Government Employees | October 21, 2014 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM D.5 - Chapter 5 - Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence |
| Policy Alert | Nonimmigrant Trainees (H-3) | September 9, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on the trainees (H-3) nonimmigrant visa category. | 2 USCIS-PM J - Part J - Trainees (H-3) |
| Policy Alert | Customer Service | August 26, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on its standards in customer service. | 1 USCIS-PM A - Part A - Public Services |
| Technical Update | Validity of Same-Sex Marriages | July 1, 2014 | This technical update addresses the Supreme Court ruling holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. | 12 USCIS-PM G.2 - Chapter 2 - Marriage and Marital Union for Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Changes to Dates of Birth and Names on Certificates of Citizenship | June 17, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to changes of dates of birth and names per court orders. | 12 USCIS-PM K.2 - Chapter 2 - Certificate of Citizenship |
| Policy Alert | Changes to Dates of Birth and Names on Certificates of Citizenship | June 17, 2014 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance relating to changes of dates of birth and names per court orders. | 12 USCIS-PM K.4 - Chapter 4 - Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization |
| Policy Alert | Validity Period of the Medical Certification on the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) | May 30, 2014 | U.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. | 8 USCIS-PM B.4 - Chapter 4 - Review of Medical Examination Documentation |
| Technical Update | Civil Surgeon Applications and Evidentiary Requirements | April 8, 2014 | This 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. | 8 USCIS-PM C.2 - Chapter 2 - Application for Civil Surgeon Designation |
| Policy Alert | Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation Grounds of Inadmissibility | March 25, 2014 | U.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). | 8 USCIS-PM J - Part J - Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation |
| Policy Alert | Fraud and Willful Misrepresentation Grounds of Inadmissibility | March 25, 2014 | U.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). | 9 USCIS-PM G - Part G - Waivers for Fraud or Willful Misrepresentation |
| Technical Update | Vaccination Requirements for Pregnant or Immuno-Compromised Applicants | March 11, 2014 | This 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. | 8 USCIS-PM B.9 - Chapter 9 - Vaccination Requirement |
| Policy Alert | Refugee and Asylee-Based Adjustment of Status under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 209 | March 4, 2014 | U.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). | 7 USCIS-PM L - Part L - Refugee Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Refugee and Asylee-Based Adjustment of Status under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 209 | March 4, 2014 | U.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). | 7 USCIS-PM M - Part M - Asylee Adjustment |
| Policy Alert | Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers | January 28, 2014 | U.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). | 8 USCIS-PM B - Part B - Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility |
| Policy Alert | Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers | January 28, 2014 | U.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). | 9 USCIS-PM C - Part C - Waivers for Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility |
| Policy Alert | Civil Surgeon Designation and Centralization of the Designation Process at the National Benefits Center | January 28, 2014 | U.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. | 8 USCIS-PM C - Part C - Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation |
| Technical Update | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | September 30, 2013 | This 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. | 12 USCIS-PM A.2 - Chapter 2 - Becoming a U.S. Citizen |
| Technical Update | Certified Court Dispositions | September 30, 2013 | This technical update adds language addressing existing policy on circumstances where an applicant is required to provide a certified court disposition. | 12 USCIS-PM F.3 - Chapter 3 - Evidence and the Record |
| Policy Alert | Security-Related Positions Abroad | June 10, 2013 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM D - Part D - General Naturalization Requirements |
| Policy Alert | Security-Related Positions Abroad | June 10, 2013 | U.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. | 12 USCIS-PM D.5 - Chapter 5 - Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence |
| Policy Alert | Comprehensive Citizenship and Naturalization Policy Guidance | January 7, 2013 | USCIS is issuing updated and comprehensive citizenship and naturalization policy guidance in the new USCIS Policy Manual. | 12 USCIS-PM - Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization |
Related Resources
- USCIS Launches ‘History’ Tab for Policy Manual – June 11, 2021
- USCIS Discontinues the Adjudicator’s Field Manual Website - May 22, 2020
- AILA Sends Letter to USCIS Requesting a Change to the USCIS Policy Manual – January 14, 2020
- BuzzFeed: Immigration Officials Want To Change References Of "Foreign National" To "Alien" In A Policy Manual – September 26, 2019