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USCIS announces new medical examination form for immigrant applications 0 comments

On November 1, 2011, the USCIS introduced a new version of the Form I-693 for Report of a Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is typically filled out by a USCIS certified civil surgeon for those applying for a green card. Designated civil surgeons can be found on the USCIS website, listing all approved civil surgeons in your geographic area.

To those who are obtaining medical examinations between November 1 and December 31, 2011, be advised to make sure that the civil surgeon uses the new I-693 form dated 10/11/11. Beginning January 1, 2012, all civil surgeons must use the new version of the form I-693.

If a medical examination completed on or after January 1, 2012 is reported on an older version of the Form I-693, applicants will be required to return to the civil surgeon for a new form for resubmission.

USCIS redesigns EAD card and certificate of citizenship 0 comments

The USCIS has announced today that beginning October 30, 2011, the office will be issuing newly redesigned EAD cards and Certificates of Naturalization.

The USCIS routinely redesigns important documents such as these in order to maintain security and to deter fraud related to these types of documents.

Any person holding older versions that are still valid will continue to be able to use them and do not need to apply for the new redesigned versions.

USCIS reverts to previous practice of sending original receipt notices 0 comments

About a year ago, the USCIS initiated an internal system change that alterened how receipt notices (I-797) were sent to applicants and/or petitioners. The previous system had original receipt notices being sent to attorneys or accredited representatives listed on a foreign national's signed Form G-28. The new changes per this initiative have the receipt notices now being sent directly to applicants and/or petitioners instead of to the persons listed on the Form G-28.

After receiving a plethora of negative internal impact from the industry, the USCIS has announced today that they will be reverting back to the old system. The receipt notices will now be sent to the representatives listed on the Form G-28 and a copy will be sent to the address provided by the applicant or petitioner in the applicable form.

According to the USCIS, this change will take effect in about six weeks due to the need for the agency to re-program its system.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security extends temporary protected status for Sudanese foreign nationals 0 comments

On July 9, 2011, after decades of fighting for independence, Sudan seceded in becoming the Republic of South Sudan. Within a background of increased oil production and discourse in politics, the process of splitting Sudan into northern and southern separate countries was endangered by fights over border claims on both sides.

The secession marked the end of a tumultuous climb. In 2010, the then ruler of Sudan, Omar Al-Bashir, was charged by the International Criminal Court with genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes for his role in the Darfur conflict. Shortly after, in January of 2011, almost 99% of southern Sudan voted to approve an internationally backed referendum to split from northern Sudan, essentially breaking the country’s bridge between the Arab and African world.

On October 13, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security determined that an extension of temporary protected status (TPS) for Sudanese foreign nationals was warranted because “the conditions in Sudan that prompted the TPS designation continue to be met. There continues to be a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in Sudan based upon ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country.” According to the Secretary, the country’s current conditions make it unsafe for Sudanese to return at the current time.

The Notice from the Secretary also allows for an extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), limited to persons who previously registered for TPS under the designation of Sudan and whose registrations were approved or still pending. The Notice also extended the validity of current EADS for 6 months through May 2, 2012. The new EADs will have an expiration date of May 2, 2013.

The Secretary also issued, on October 13, 2011, TPS status for the newly formed Republic of South Sudan. Any persons qualifying under this category should apply for TPS status via the normal process through the USCIS.

Please note that the 180-day re-registration period begins October 13, 2011 and will continue through April 10, 2012.