The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently implemented significant changes to the marriage-based green card application process. These adjustments, which include updated forms, increased filing fees, and more stringent scrutiny of applications, aim to enhance the integrity of the immigration system. Prospective applicants must be aware of these changes to ensure a smooth application process.
Updated forms and increased filing feesImportant documents, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), have been updated by USCIS. Applicants must use the most recent versions of these forms as utilising outdated versions could lead to application rejection or delays. Filing costs for these forms have been increased in line with the agency's attempts to allocate resources and manage operating expenses more effectively.
Extended processing times
Applicants should anticipate longer processing times for marriage-based green card applications. Delays are prevalent in scheduling biometrics appointments, interviews, and final approvals. USCIS attributes these extended timelines to heightened security measures and comprehensive vetting procedures. Consequently, applicants are advised to plan accordingly and exercise patience throughout the process.
Read more: H-1B Visa emergency guide: What to do if you are facing travel-related crises
Enhanced scrutiny of marriage authenticityUSCIS has intensified its examination of the legitimacy of marriages to prevent fraudulent applications. Applicants may encounter more thorough investigations into joint financial accounts, cohabitation arrangements, social histories, and consistency in interview responses. Requests for additional evidence (RFEs) have become more common, and some applicants have reported unannounced home visits and inquiries directed at family members. To navigate this heightened scrutiny, it's crucial to provide comprehensive documentation that substantiates the authenticity of the marital relationship.
Delays in work and travel permits
Many applicants now have to wait eight to fourteen months for Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), which have experienced major increases in processing durations. While their green card applications are pending, applicants may not be able to work or go abroad due to this wait. Those who cannot afford to wait might benefit from looking into other possibilities, like consular processing, although this technique has its own set of criteria and possible risks.
Read more: Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS rules for the US and Europe explained
Recommendations for applicantsTo understand these changes effectively, applicants should consider the following steps:
Use updated forms: Always download and submit the latest versions of required forms from the official USCIS website to avoid processing delays or rejections.
Prepare comprehensive documentation: As USCIS is scrutinizing marriage authenticity more closely, provide thorough evidence of your relationship, including joint financial records, lease agreements, photographs, and affidavits from friends and family.
Anticipate longer timelines: Plan for extended processing times by submitting your application well in advance of any critical dates or travel plans.
Seek professional guidance: Given the complexities of the current immigration landscape, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable insights and assistance in ensuring your application meets all requirements.
Successful marriage-based green card applications can be greatly increased by keeping up with USCIS policy changes and taking proactive measures to meet the new requirements. Navigating this changing process requires diligence, careful planning, and adherence to revised requirements.
Updated forms and increased filing feesImportant documents, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), have been updated by USCIS. Applicants must use the most recent versions of these forms as utilising outdated versions could lead to application rejection or delays. Filing costs for these forms have been increased in line with the agency's attempts to allocate resources and manage operating expenses more effectively.
Extended processing times
Applicants should anticipate longer processing times for marriage-based green card applications. Delays are prevalent in scheduling biometrics appointments, interviews, and final approvals. USCIS attributes these extended timelines to heightened security measures and comprehensive vetting procedures. Consequently, applicants are advised to plan accordingly and exercise patience throughout the process.
Read more: H-1B Visa emergency guide: What to do if you are facing travel-related crises
Enhanced scrutiny of marriage authenticityUSCIS has intensified its examination of the legitimacy of marriages to prevent fraudulent applications. Applicants may encounter more thorough investigations into joint financial accounts, cohabitation arrangements, social histories, and consistency in interview responses. Requests for additional evidence (RFEs) have become more common, and some applicants have reported unannounced home visits and inquiries directed at family members. To navigate this heightened scrutiny, it's crucial to provide comprehensive documentation that substantiates the authenticity of the marital relationship.
Delays in work and travel permits
Many applicants now have to wait eight to fourteen months for Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP), which have experienced major increases in processing durations. While their green card applications are pending, applicants may not be able to work or go abroad due to this wait. Those who cannot afford to wait might benefit from looking into other possibilities, like consular processing, although this technique has its own set of criteria and possible risks.
Read more: Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS rules for the US and Europe explained
Recommendations for applicantsTo understand these changes effectively, applicants should consider the following steps:
Use updated forms: Always download and submit the latest versions of required forms from the official USCIS website to avoid processing delays or rejections.
Prepare comprehensive documentation: As USCIS is scrutinizing marriage authenticity more closely, provide thorough evidence of your relationship, including joint financial records, lease agreements, photographs, and affidavits from friends and family.
Anticipate longer timelines: Plan for extended processing times by submitting your application well in advance of any critical dates or travel plans.
Seek professional guidance: Given the complexities of the current immigration landscape, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable insights and assistance in ensuring your application meets all requirements.
Successful marriage-based green card applications can be greatly increased by keeping up with USCIS policy changes and taking proactive measures to meet the new requirements. Navigating this changing process requires diligence, careful planning, and adherence to revised requirements.
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