USCIS Announces Policy Updates Intended to Improve Immigration Services

On June 9, USCIS announced an update to their policies in order improve immigration services by reducing certain burdens on noncitizens applying for immigration benefits. The changes will affect which cases qualify for expedited processing, improve the guidance for request for evidence (RFE) and notice of intent to deny (NOID), and extend the period of validity for employment authorization documents (EADs). 

Expedited processing is a special-situation service offered by USCIS. Under this new criteria, USCIS officers and noncitizen requestors have further guidance on what cases may qualify for expedited processing. Expedited processing may be now be given to nonprofit organizations in the US whose contributions to society merit expedited benefits. Noncitizens with a final order of removal or noncitizens in removal proceedings may also qualify for expedited processing and this is coordinated between USCIS and ICE. 

USCIS will also return to a 2013 guidance which instructed officers to issue an RFE or NOID when additional evidence could save an applicant’s case from being rejected. This rescinds the 2018 memo that allowed adjudicating officers to deny applications without first issuing an RFE or NOID. This humane policy change will allow applicants the opportunity to fix unintentional mistakes or omissions without the possibility of automatically losing their case. 

Lastly, USCIS is extending the period of validity for EADS from one year to two years. This comes after extensive processing delays for EADs, with USCIS receiving nearly 370,000 adjustment-related employment authorization requests in 2020. This change will reduce the number of EAD applications, streamlining the process and allowing USCIS to focus their resources on other priorities.