이민국 (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), 국토안보부 (US Department of Homeland Security), 국무부 (US Department of State), 노동부 (US Department of Labor) 등 미국 이민 관련 정부들의 이민행정 뉴스를 업데이트 합니다.
이민국 신청서 I-765를 사용해 워크퍼밋 (EAD, Employment Authorization Document) 갱신 신청 (Renewal Application)을 하고 받은 접수증으로 최대 180일 (6개월)까지 취업허가가 자동 연장된다.
이민국은 10월 27일 또는 이후 접수된 워크퍼밋 갱신 신청에서 만료되기 전에 접수한 케이스에 대해서는 180일 자동으로 연장해주는 접수증을 발급한다. 이는 지난 2022년 5월 3일부터 540일로 대폭 연장해준 임시규정을 본래의 규정으로 변경해 시행하게 되는 것.
이민국이 본래의 규정대로 다시 180일로 자동연장 기간을 축소시킨 데는 그 동안 적체됐던 워크퍼밋 카드발급이 많이 해소됐다는 반증일 수 있다.
단, 이미 540일 연장해준 접수증은 계속 유효하다고 이민국은 덧붙였다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
Certain Renewal Applicants for Employment Authorization to Receive Automatic 180 Day Extension
Release Date
10/27/2023
Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending. Starting today, those who are eligible will receive 180-day extensions in accordance with existing regulations, including those who have applied for or have received Temporary Protected Status or asylum.
In May 2022, however, USCIS announced a temporary final rule (TFR) that increased the automatic extension period for EADs available to certain EAD renewal applicants from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. Today’s change is not retroactive; all previous up to 540-day automatic extensions will remain in place.
USCIS is in the process of determining whether there is a need for a new regulatory action similar to the May 2022 TFR, notwithstanding past and ongoing operational improvements and efforts to accelerate EAD processing more broadly.
As announced in the 2022 TFR, automatic extensions of employment authorization and EAD validity will be the original up to 180-day period for those eligible applicants who timely file a Form I-765 renewal applications on or after Oct. 27, 2023.
For individuals who received an increased automatic extension period under the TFR, the increased automatic extension will end when they receive a final decision on their renewal application or when the up to 540-day period expires (counted from the expiration date of the employment authorization and/or their EAD), whichever comes earlier.
Meanwhile, USCIS recently published a Policy Manual update increasing the maximum EAD validity period to five years for initial and renewal applications approved on or after Sept. 27, 2023, for the following categories:
Certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, granted asylum, and recipients of withholding of removal; and Certain noncitizens who must apply for employment authorization, including applicants for asylum and withholding of removal, adjustment of status, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.
USCIS is making every effort to help avoid gaps in employment and/or employment authorization documentation for noncitizens with pending EAD renewal applications, and to help reduce EAD processing times, including by dedicating additional personnel and implementing processing improvements to decrease the median processing time for certain EAD applications to 30 days.
USCIS remains committed to reducing EAD processing times and preventing undue expiration of timely-renewed EADs.
발표일시: 2023.10.12
이민국에 청원서, 신청서, 또는 요청서가 계류중 (Pending)인 신청자들은 이민국 주소변경이 쉬워졌다.
이민국은 지난 10월 12일 새로운 주소변경 업데이트 툴 Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA)를 런칭했다. E-COA는 이민국 온라인 어카운트 (USCIS Online Account)를 통해 신청자가 손쉽게 이사한 주소로 업데이트 할 수 있는 시스템이다. 신청자는 이 시스템을 통해 간단하게 주소를 변경하면 이민국에 계류중인 대부분의 신청서들의 주소가 자동으로 업데이트 된다.
이 시스템을 이용하기 위해서는 우선 https://my.uscis.gov/ 에서 이민국 온라인 어카운트를 만들어야 한다.
가족이민 신청서를 접수하면 보통 이민국에서 접수증과 함께 이민국 온라인 어카운트를 개설하도록 안내문이 발송된다. 하지만 안내문을 받지 않더라도 위 링크에 입장해 어카운트를 만들 수 있다. 이 어카운트에서는 이민국에서 발송되는 편지도 미리 다운받을 수 있고, 추가서류요청 (RFE) 등에 대한 답 (서류)을 업로드 할 수 있어 이민국에 신청서가 수속중인 경우 유용한 툴로 사용할 수 있다.
영주권자를 포함한 비시민권자는 본래 이사를 할 경우 10일 이내에 이민국 (USCIS)에 주소변경 신청을 해야하지만 현실에서는 이사를 할 때 이민국에 주소변경 신청을 하는 비시민권자는 거의 없다. 정부는 이에 대해 처벌규정까지 명시하고 있지만 현실적으로 단속을 할 정도로 강력한 법적효력은 없다는게 일반적인 시각이다.
단, 이민국에 이민/비이민 케이스가 진행중인 경우 이민국 주소변경 (USCIS Change of Address)은 필수.
이민국에서 발송하는 편지 (접수증, 승인서, 추가서류요청서 등)나 우편물, 특히 영주권 카드는 이민국 주소변경을 하지 않으면 신청서에 기재된 옛 주소지로 발송된다. 자칫 이러한 우편물을 제 시간에 받지 못하면 케이스에 큰 낭패를 보게될 수 있다. 워크퍼밋 (EAD)이나 영주권 카드 (Permanent Resident Card)를 제 때에 받지 못하면 재발급 신청을 할 수는 있지만 소요되는 시간은 장담을 하기 어려울 정도다.
또한 연방 우체국 (USPS)에 주소변경 신청을 해도 이민국 (USCIS) 시스템엔 주소가 업데이트 되지 않는다고 이민국은 주의를 당부했다. 이민국은 케이스 수속중 (Pending)에 이사할 경우 이민국 (USCIS)과 연방우체국 (USPS)에 모두 주소변경 신청을 할 것을 권장하고 있다.
이민국은 수속중인 케이스가 없는 사람 즉, 비시민권자들도 이 시스템을 통해 이민국 주소변경을 신청할 수 있다고 밝혔다.
이 시스템이 런칭됐지만 기존의 (1) 온라인 주소변경 (https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do) (2) AR-11 신청서 접수 (3) USCIS Customer Center 전화 서비스 (4) 지역이민국 방문 등의 방법으로도 주소변경 신청이 가능하다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지사항]
Release Date 10/12/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily. E-COA will significantly improve the speed and efficiency of the process for USCIS customers to update their address with USCIS.
With E-COA, most individuals with a USCIS online account can update their mailing and physical address with USCIS for pending applications, petitions, or requests in a single place, eliminating the need to update the address in multiple places; fill out a paper AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card; call the Contact Center; or visit a USCIS Field or Asylum Office. E-COA will automate address changes for almost all form types (the exceptions are listed at uscis.gov/addresschange).
Customers who do not have any pending applications, petitions, or requests can use the tool to meet the requirement to notify USCIS if they have moved. The E-COA tool is available in English only and can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether an individual’s pending case was submitted online or by mail.
Individuals protected under 8 USC 1367 (persons who have pending or approved applications or petitioners for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) benefits, T nonimmigrant status, or U nonimmigrant status and their beneficiaries or derivatives) cannot use E-COA during the initial phase. Represented applicants or petitioners with VAWA-, T-, or U-related cases can request a change of address by emailing the designated mailbox under the Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section. Unrepresented individuals with VAWA-, T-, or U-related cases can request a change of address by following the instructions on the How to Change Your Address webpage. Individuals who requested parole for an Afghan national can request a change of address for beneficiaries who have relocated outside of Afghanistan by following the instructions on the Information for Afghan Nationals webpage.
To use the E-COA tool, individuals need a USCIS online account, and must enter their last name, date of birth, and new physical and mailing addresses. Individuals are also encouraged to include information about their pending application, petition, or request.
Changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not change your address with USCIS. Please update your information with both USCIS and USPS. Address changes made through E-COA will not affect Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) requests.
발표일시: 2023.10.01
오는 10월1일부터 이민국신청서 I-539를 사용하는 신분변경 (Change of Status) 신청에서 지문조회 (Biometrics)가 면제된다.
10월1일 또는 이후에 접수된 I-539를 사용하는 케이스는 모두 지문조회 (Biometrics)가 면제되므로 지문조회비 $85은 지불하지 않아도 된다. 만약 해당 신청서 I-539 (접수비 $370)와 지문조회비 $85을 합산해 $455 체크를 한장으로 보낼 경우 케이스 파일 전체가 반려 (Reject)되므로 주의가 요망된다. 신청서 접수비와 지문조회비 $85을 분리된 체크 두장으로 지불할 경우엔 85불 체크만 반려되고 신청서는 접수된다.
하지만 필요한 경우 이민국은 지문조회 통보를 보낼 수도 있다고 덧붙였다.
[이민국 공지사항]
Release Date 10/01/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Beginning Oct. 1, we are exempting the $85 biometric services fee as part of the application process for Form I-539. You do not need to pay the fee if your application is postmarked Oct. 1 or later. However, if you file Form I-539 prior to Oct. 1, certain filers will still be scheduled for an ASC appointment and should still attend that appointment as scheduled. In most cases, after Oct. 1 applicants will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. However, if USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment.
If you mistakenly submit the biometric services fee and the payment is submitted separately from the Form I-539 fee, we will return the biometric services fee and accept the Form I-539. If you mistakenly submit the biometric services fee and the payment is combined with a paper-based Form I-539 filing fee, this is considered an incorrect filing and we will reject the Form I-539. If you mistakenly authorize a credit card payment that combines the biometric services fee with the Form I-539 application fee, we will accept the application, and only charge the application fee.
The biometric services fee exemption will apply to all applicants filing on or after Oct.1, including those applicants filing Form I-539 requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant for whom USCIS had previously suspended the biometrics requirement through Sept. 30, 2023. As mentioned in the USCIS Fiscal Year 2022 Progress Report (PDF, 1.08 MB) (PDF, 1.08 MB), we are committed to accomplishing our goal of removing the biometric services fee and requirement for all Form I-539 applicants.
발표일시: 2023.8.21
연방이민국 (USCIS)은 영주권 스탬프, 여행허가서, 이민국 판사의 추방 금지명령 등 긴급을 요하는 이민국 서류를 발급받기 위해 거주지 근처 이민국 사무실 방문을 원할 경우 사전에 온라인으로 예약을 신청할 수 있는 시스템을 런칭했다.
이민국 웹사이트에 신설된 온라인 예약 신청서에 원하는 날짜와 내용 등을 기입해 신청하면 이민국 고객업무팀 (USCIS Contact Center)에서 심사를 거쳐 가능한 예약 날짜와 장소를 정해준다. 이 시스템은 반드시 신청인 자신이 원하는 날짜와 시간에 예약 (Appointment)이 보장되지는 않지만 이민국은 가능한 한 원하는 날짜와 시간 그리고 장소로 예약해 줄 것이라고 설명했다.
이 예약시스템을 통해 다음과 같은 신청을 할 수 있다.
- 영주권 스탬프: 영주권카드 분실 등의 경우 여권에 1년동안 유효한 영주권 스탬프를 받을 수 있다.
- 긴급 여행허가서: 영주권신청중 (I-485 Pending) 사업상, 학업상, 또는 경조사 등의 이유로 출국해야 할 경우
- 이민판사의 추방 금지명령서
- 기타: 이민비자 패키지 분실, 추방유예, 영주권번호 요청, USCIS 온라인 어카운트 복구 등
이민국이 이같은 온라인 예약시스템을 도입한 배경에는 그 동안 이민국 고객서비스 (USCIS Customer Service)에 전화로만 신청해야 하는 번거로움을 해소하고 이민업무의 효율을 높이기 위한 방안이라는 설명.
그러나 이민국은 이미 USCIS InfoPass라는 온라인 예약시스템을 도입, 시행해왔지만 지난 2019년 3월 시스템 운영이 중단됐다. InfoPass를 통해서 다음과 같은 고객서비스가 제공됐었다.
- Check the status of the immigration case
- Request a replacement card for the green card, EAD, or other immigration document
- Update address or other information in the immigration file
- Resolve other issues related to the immigration case
이번에 런칭한 예약시스템은 기존 InfoPass를 통해 제공하던 고객서비스의 일부와 함께 새로운 서비스를 추가해 시행된다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 08/21/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.
This online appointment request form allows individuals or legal representatives to request an in-person appointment at a field office only, for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and more. It is not a self-scheduling tool and individuals cannot schedule their own appointments with USCIS. The USCIS Contact Center will review submitted forms and the availability of in-person appointments at a specific field office. Individuals may request a specific date and time for an in-person appointment, but USCIS cannot guarantee that the requested appointment date will be scheduled. USCIS will confirm and schedule the individual for an available in-person appointment date and time.
USCIS continues to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government by introducing new initiatives in hopes of improving the customer experience.
The online appointment request form is expected to enhance the customer experience by collecting required information upfront and potentially scheduling the requested appointment without any further engagement with the USCIS Contact Center. The Contact Center may need to contact an individual either by phone or email depending on the appointment reason and urgency, using the reference number provided to them at the time the request was submitted.
Visit my.uscis.gov/appointment for more information on the online appointment request form.
발표일시: 2023.7. 6
이민국 (USCIS)은 7월 6일 지문조회 예약날짜를 이민국 웹사이트에서 온라인으로 변경할 수 있는 서비스를 개시했다.
기존에는 지문조회 예약날짜를 이민국 Customer Service에 전화를 통해서만 변경할 수 있었지만, 폭주하는 이민국 전화문의에 이용자들은 전화연결의 어려움을 겪어야만 했다.
이민국은 이러한 이용자들의 어려움을 줄이고 보다 나은 이서비스를 위해 이같은 온라인 예약변경 시스템을 도입한다고 밝혔다.
온라인 지문조회 예약날짜 변경은 이민국 웹사이트의 USCIS myAcccount에서 할 수 있으며, 개인 어카운트를 생성한 후에 이용이 가능하다. 보통 신청서 접수 후 이민국으로부터 어카운트 생성 방법을 안내하는 편지가 오기도 하지만 이 편지가 없더라도 어카운트를 생성할 수 있다.
지문조회 예약날짜 변경은 반드시 이민국에서 최초 지정한 예약날짜가 만료되기 전에 해야하며, 변경후 12시간 이내에는 변경신청을 할 수 없고, 두번 이상 변경이 불가능하다.
이민국은 이번에 지문조회 예약날짜 온라인 변경신청을 개시함으로써 폭주하는 전화문의를 대폭 줄일 수 있어 USCIS Customer Service 업무의 효율화를 가져올 것으로 예상하고 있다. 그러나 한편으로 간소해진 예약변경 시스템이 시행됨으로써 그 동안 이민국의 스케줄에 맞춰오던 신청자들의 예약날짜 변경이 대폭 늘어나 자칫 혼선을 빚을 우려도 있다는 시각이다.
[이민국 공지]
New tool provides option to reschedule a biometric services appointment online without calling the USCIS Contact Center
WASHINGTON—On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.
Introducing this tool is another way USCIS is improving customer service. By removing barriers and reducing burdens to applicants, USCIS is demonstrating the agency’s commitment to advancing the goals of Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government Mandates (EO 14058).
“We are working steadily to improve the customer experience by designing and delivering services in a manner that people of all abilities can access,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.
Previously, benefit requestors and accredited representatives could only request to reschedule a biometric services appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center. With this new tool, those individuals who have or create a USCIS online account can reschedule most requests for biometric services appointments without having to call the Contact Center. The new tool, however, cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that already has been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or that has already passed.
The biometric services appointment rescheduling tool can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail. Benefit requestors and accredited representatives will still have the option to call the USCIS Contact Center to reschedule an appointment, but USCIS strongly encourages users to use the new tool to save time, increase efficiency, and reduce call volume to the USCIS Contact Center.
USCIS is also issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to explain that the agency may consider an untimely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment and the effect of failing to appear for an appointment, and to explain how the agency considers a timely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment for “good cause.” Good cause exists when the reschedule request provides sufficient reason for the benefit requestor’s inability to appear on the scheduled date. Sufficient reasons may include, but are not limited to:
USCIS only accepts untimely rescheduling requests made to the USCIS Contact Center and does not accept untimely requests to reschedule by mail or in-person at a USCIS office or through the myUSCIS online rescheduling tool.
발표일시: 2023.6.12
이민국 (USCIS)은 6월 13일부터 F-1 (유학생), F-2 (유학생 동반가족), M-1 (직업훈련생), M-2 (직업훈련생 동반가족), J-1 (교환 연수인), or J-2 (교환 연수인 동반가족) 들의 신분변경 신청 (Change of Status)에도 급행 서비스 (Premium Processing Service)를 적용해 접수받기로 했다. 즉, 이민국 신청서 I-907 (접수비 $1,750)을 제출하면 15일 이내에 이민국으로부터 승인여부를 결정받게 된다.
M-1, J-1 등의 신청자는 변경신청 승인후 곧바로 직장에 투입되어야 하는 신분들로 수속시간이 길어지면서 대기하는 동안 공백이 커져 막대한 시간낭비를 초래해왔다. F-1 유학생 역시 이민국 심사가 지연되면서 몇 학기 (Semester)를 학교엔 출석하지도 못하고 이민국 결과만 기다리고 있어야 하는 문제점이 있었다. 따라서 이들 비자신분 변경신청에 대한 급행 신청이 허용되면서 이같은 단점을 없애고 효율성을 높이는 결과를 가져올 것으로 기대된다.
이민국은 이들 신분변경 신청에서의 급행서비스 신청 (Premium Processing Service) 을 우선 업그레이드 케이스를 시작으로 다음과 같이 순차적으로 확대, 접수받기로 했다. 해당 신분변경 신청자는 본인에게 해당되는 케이스의 시행날짜를 정확히 알고 급행 신청서 I-907 을 접수해야 서류가 반환되는 (Reject) 낭패를 당하지 않는다.
이번에 추가로 시행하는 급행 신청 (Premium Processing Service)은 신분변경 (Change of Status) 케이스에만 해당되며, 연장신청 (Extension of Status)에는 적용되지 않는다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 06/12/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.
The premium processing expansion for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur in phases, and nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:
This phase of premium processing service is only available for change of status requests. Premium processing is not available for individuals seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status.
We will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-539 if received before June 13. USCIS will reject premium processing requests when filed together with a Form I-539 if USCIS receives the request before June 26.
Important reminder: You must submit Form I-907 the same way you submit Form I-539.
Applicants must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin for these specific categories. Even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 and accompanying fees, the time limit for premium processing will not start running until the applicant and all co-applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics. Please note, USCIS may reject an applicant’s Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 if submitted with another benefit request, including multiple Forms I-907 requests filed together.
To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account, which offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond to Requests for Evidence online.
As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system. USCIS is expanding premium processing in a phased approach to ensure compliance with the with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which prohibits the expansion of premium processing if it will increase processing times for the immigration benefit requests.
발표일시: 04/19/2023
연방 이민국은 Form I-539를 사용해 미국내 신분변경 (Change of Status) 또는 신분연장 (Extension of Status)을 신청하는 비이민 케이스에서 필수적으로 실시해오던 지문조회를 일부 카테고리에 대해 임시 중단하는 규정을 금년 9월 30일까지 연장했다. 해당 신청에 대해서는 지문조회를 잠정 중단했기 때문에 $85에 해당하는 지문조회 비용 (Biometric Services Fee)을 지불하지 않아도 된다.
이번에 연장된 지문조회 면제 카테고리는 H-4 (H-1B의 배우자 및 자녀), L-2 (L-1의 배우자 및 자녀), E-1/E-2 (E-1/E-2의 배우자 및 자녀) 등이다. 이들 비이민 비자신분 (Nonimmigrant Visa Status)의 가족들은 잠정적으로 지문조회가 면제되었기 때문에 미국내 신분변경 또는 연장신청시 지문조회 비용 $85을 지불하지 않아도 된다.
만약 신청인이 이 지문조회 비용 ($85)을 I-539 접수비 ($370)와 합산해 $455 짜리 체크를 신청서와 함께 이민국에 보낼 경우 신청서 패키지 전체가 반환 (Reject) 처리될 수도 있으니 주의가 요망된다.
이러한 서류 반환 (Reject)을 피하기 위한 한가지 방안은 I-539를 사용하는 어떠한 신청이라도 무조건 접수비 $370과 지문조회비를 별개의 체크로 써서 보내는 방법이 있다. 이 경우 I-539 접수비에 해당되는 체크만 결제를 하고 신청서를 접수받아줄 가능성이 높다.
물론 이 또한 이민국 메일룸 (Mail Room)의 접수직원이 어떻게 판단하느냐에 달렸기 때문에 가장 확실한 방법은 역시 케이스를 접수할 때마다 각각의 케이스에 맞는 이민국 지침 (Instruction)을 꼼꼼하게 확인하고 보내는게 좋다. 이민국에 불필요하게 들어온 체크를 반환 해야할지 소각처리 해야할지 메일룸 직원이 고민을 하게 만드는 것 자체가 케이스 수속에는 유리할게 전혀 없기 때문이다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지사항]
USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Submission for Certain Form I-539 Applicants
Release Date 04/19/2023
USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previously announced suspension, which was initially in place until May 17, 2023, has been extended through Sept. 30, 2023.
We will allow adjudications for those specific categories to proceed based on biographic information and related background checks, without capturing fingerprints and a photograph. However, we retain discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to require biometrics for any applicant, and applicants may be scheduled for an application support center appointment to submit biometrics.
As a reminder, if you are a Form I-539 applicant meeting the biometrics suspension criteria, you do not need to submit the $85 biometric services fee for Form I-539 during the suspension period. We will return a biometric services fee if submitted separately from the base fee and will reject paper Form I-539 applications if you meet the above criteria and submit a single payment covering both the filing fee and the $85 biometrics services fee. If we reject the paper application because you included the $85 biometrics service fee, you will need to re-file Form I-539 without the biometric services fee.
As mentioned in the USCIS Fiscal Year 2022 Progress Report (PDF, 1.08 MB), we plan on establishing a permanent biometrics exemption for all Form I-539 applicants in the coming months. For additional information on the temporary suspension, please see the 2021 announcement.
발표일시: 2023.3.31
이민국 (USCIS)은 오늘부터 그 동안 아리조나 피닉스 (Phoenix)시에서 택배 (Courier) 서비스 (FedEx, UPS, DHL 등)로 접수받던 신청서를 템피 (Tempe)시로 옮겨 접수받는다고 발표했다. USPS (우체국) 등 레귤러로 접수받는 신청서는 기존대로 피닉스 접수처 주소에서 계속 접수받는다.
이민국은 4월 28일까지는 기존 피닉스 주소로 오는 택배 서비스로 접수되는 케이스를 새로운 템피 접수처로 직접 전달해주지만 4월 28일 이후부터는 접수받지 않는다고 밝혔다.
자세한 사항은 이민국 Lockbox Location Updates를 참고하면 된다.
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 03/30/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to the Phoenix lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona, and the filing location for courier delivery services for UPS, FedEx, and DHL has also changed to Tempe. The filing location remains the same when using the U.S. Postal Service.
We will forward any applications, petitions, or requests received in Phoenix via courier delivery services to Tempe between March 30 and April 28. After April 28, we will not accept courier delivery at the previous address.
Our Lockbox Filing Location Updates page provides an up-to-date summary of changes we make to any lockbox filing location. For the most current information on where to file, please see the Where to File section on the webpage for your form.
You can also subscribe to the Forms Updates GovDelivery distribution list to receive an email each time we update a filing location.
이민국은 3월 27일 2024 회계연도 취업비자 (H-1B) 사전등록 접수 결과 비자 할당량 (Cap)을 초과하는 케이스가 접수돼 추첨을 통해 당첨자를 가려냈다고 발표했다. 이민국은 또한 추첨 결과를 스폰서 고용주에 통보했다고 밝혔다.
당첨된 케이스는 고용주의 이민국 어카운트에 해당 신청자 사전등록에 Selected라고 업데이트 되며, 처음 등록된 상태 그대로 Submitted라고 되어있는 경우 추후 결원이 생기면 이민국은 7월, 11월 새로운 추첨에 의해 추가 당첨자를 발표한다.
[이민국 공지]
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season Updates
Release Date 03/27/2023
H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.
Registrants’ online accounts will now show one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered):
For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Petitions May Be Filed Starting April 1
H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration.
Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice.
An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct service center and within the filing period indicated on the relevant registration selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days.
Online filing is not available for H-1B petitions, so petitioners filing H-1B petitions must do so by paper. Petitioners must include a printed copy of the applicable registration selection notice with the FY 2024 H-1B cap-subject petition.
Petitioners filing H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must still establish eligibility for petition approval based on existing statutory and regulatory requirements.
Selection in the registration process does not relieve the petitioner of submitting evidence or otherwise establishing eligibility, as registration only pertains to eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition.
For more information, visit the H-1B Cap Season page.
Pre-paid Mailer Suspension
We will not use prepaid mailers to send out any communication or final notices for FY 2024 cap-subject H-1B petitions, including those requesting consideration under the advanced degree exemption.
The process of printing and mailing the cap-subject H-1B petition approval notices by first-class mail is fully automated. Using prepaid mailers requires a separate, more time-consuming manual process. The existing automated process is more efficient for both petitioners and USCIS. Because of this, we will use first-class mail as we work to process all cap-subject petitions in a timely manner.
Receipt Notice Delays
When we receive a timely and properly filed H-1B cap subject petition, the petitioner (and, if applicable, the petitioner’s legal representative) will be provided a Form I-797, Notice of Action, communicating receipt of the petition. Due to increased filing volumes typically seen during H-1B cap filing periods, there are instances where a petition is timely and properly filed, but issuance of the Form I-797 is delayed. If you are a petitioner and have confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered, but you have not yet received a Form I-797 confirming receipt of the petition, you should not submit a second petition. If you have confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered and you then submit a second petition, you will be considered to have submitted duplicate petitions. This will result in denial or revocation of both petitions.
If more than 30 days have passed since the confirmation of delivery and you have still not received a Form I-797, you may contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
If you receive notification from the delivery service, or your tracking information suggests, that there may be a delay or damage to the package or that the package was misrouted, you should follow the Delivery Service Error Guidance on the H-1B Cap Season webpage.
발표일시: 2023.3.17
이민국 (USCIS)은 3월 31일부터 그 동안 아리조나 피닉스 (Phoenix)시에서 택배 (Courier) 서비스 (FedEx, UPS, DHL 등)로 접수받던 신청서를 템피 (Tempe)시로 옮겨 접수받는다고 발표했다. USPS (우체국) 등 레귤러로 접수받는 신청서는 기존대로 피닉스 접수처 주소에서 계속 접수받는다.
이민국은 4월 28일까지는 기존 피닉스 주소로 오는 택배 서비스로 접수되는 케이스를 새로운 템피 접수처로 직접 전달해주지만 4월 28일 이후부터는 접수받지 않는다고 밝혔다.
자세한 사항은 이민국 Lockbox Location Updates를 참고하면 된다.
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 03/17/2023
On March 31, applicants and petitioners filing at the Phoenix lockbox will see a new filing location for courier delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL. We will move our Phoenix lockbox to Tempe, AZ, for courier delivery services. When using the U.S. Postal Service, the filing location will remain the same.
We will forward any applications, petitions, or requests received via courier delivery services between March 31 and April 28. After April 28, we will not accept courier delivery services at the previous address.
Our Lockbox Filing Location Updates page provides an up-to-date summary of changes we make to any lockbox filing location.
For the most current information on where to file, please see the Where to File section on the webpage for your form. You can also subscribe to the Forms Updates GovDelivery distribution list to receive an email each time we update a filing location.
발표일시: 2023.3.6
이민국 (USCIS)은 3월 6일부터 F-1 유학생들의 OPT (Optional Practical Training) 신청에도 급행 서비스 (Premium Processing Service)를 적용해 접수받기로 했다. 즉 OPT 신청시 이민국 신청서 I-907 (접수비 $1,500) 을 제출해 급행 서비스를 신청하면 접수일로부터 15일 이내에 이민국으로부터 승인여부를 결정받게 된다.
OPT는 F-1 유학생이 프로그램을 완료하기 전후에 해당 분야에 취업하여 최소 일년간 실무를 경험할 수 있도록 허용하는 제도이다. 과학, 기술, 공업, 수학 (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) 분야의 이른바 STEM OPT는 추가로 24개월 연장도 가능해 총 3년 동안 OPT를 할 수 있다.
기존에 OPT 수속은 신청 이후 수개월을 기다려 승인을 받은 뒤 현장에 채용될 수 있었지만, 이번에 급행 신청을 허용하면서 이같은 단점을 없애고 효율성을 높이는 결과를 가져올 것으로 기대된다.
이민국은 OPT 신청에서의 급행서비스 신청 (Premium Processing Service) 을 우선 업그레이드 케이스를 시작으로 다음과 같이 순차적으로 확대, 접수받기로 했다. OPT 신청자는 본인에게 해당되는 케이스의 시행날짜를 정확히 알고 급행 신청서 I-907 을 접수해야 서류가 반환되는 (Reject) 낭패를 당하지 않는다.
이 카테고리에 해당되는 OPT 신청자는 급행 신청 Form I-907을 온라인으로 접수할 수 있으며, 기존 버전의 페이퍼 신청서로도 접수할 수 있다. 기타 자세한 접수방법 및 적용되는 케이스에 대해서는 아래 이민국 공지사항을 참고하면 된다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
USCIS Announces Premium Processing; New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions
Release Date 03/06/2023
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.
Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to F-1 students in these categories. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail.
“The availability of premium processing for certain F-1 students, in addition to the ease of online filing, will streamline the immigration experience for a great many international students,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “The ongoing expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we continue to create operational efficiencies and increase access to the immigration system for stakeholders, applicants, petitioners, requestors, and those we serve.”
Premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases, and students requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:
USCIS will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-765 if received before March 6, and will reject any premium processing request for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 that is received before April 3.
To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account, which offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond to Requests for Evidence online.
Applicants who previously filed a paper Form I-765 and wish to file Form I-907 online to request premium processing should reference the USCIS Account Access Notice they received for the Online Access Code and details on how to link their paper-filed cases to their online account, or they will not be able to file Form I-907 online and will need file a paper Form I-907 with the Chicago lockbox.
As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system, and is being implemented in a phased approach.
The addition of online filing for Form I-907 brings the total number of forms available for online filing to 16. The Forms Available to File Online page has links to file all of these forms. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper versions of all forms by mail. More than 1.8 million applications, petitions and requests were filed online in FY 2022, a 53% increase from the 1.2 million filed in FY 2021.
발표일시: 2023.2.8
이민국 (USCIS)은 2월 10일부터 Form I-360 을 사용하는 일부 카테고리의 접수주소 (Lockbox Address)를 변경한다고 공지했다.
이번에 접수주소가 변경되는 카테고리는 학대받는 가족 (배우자, 자녀, 부모) Self-Petitioning Abused Spouses, Children, Parents 케이스로 기존에 Vermont Service Center로 접수하던 신청서를 2월 10일 부터는 Nebraska Service Center로 접수해야 한다. 기존 Vermont 주소로 접수하는 케이스는 이날부터 30일간 유예기간 (Grace Period)을 주고 이민국 자체에서 Nebraska Service Center로 서류 패키지를 Transfer 해준다. 단, 30일 Grace Period가 지난 후부터 Vermont Service Center로 접수된 위 카테고리의 I-360과 I-485 (영주권신청) 서류는 모두 반환 (Reject) 처리 되므로 주의가 요망된다.
한인들에게는 종교이민 청원서 (Petition for Religious Worker)로 널리 알려진 이민국 Form I-360은 전시에 출생한 미 시민권자의 자녀, 미망인, 그리고 각종 특별이민 (종교, 의학, 청소년 범죄자, 학대 가족 등)의 청원서 (Petition)로도 사용되고 있다.
종교이민 페티션은 기존대로 신청자의 거주지 주소에 따라 Phoenix, AZ; Elgin, IL; Chicago, IL; Lewisville, TX 네 군데 Lockbox로 나눠서 접수하면 된다.
[이민국 공지]
Release Date
02/08/2023
Starting February 10, 2023, self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the Nebraska Service Center instead of the Vermont Service Center.
If you are a Self-Petitioning Abused Spouse, Child, or Parent filing:Then mail your petition/application to:
Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Nebraska Service Center
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7526
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: 360 VAWA
850 S St.
Lincoln, NE 68508-1225
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Nebraska Service Center
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7526
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: 485U VAWA
850 S St.
Lincoln, NE 68508-1225
We have updated the addresses on the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-360, Immigrant Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant, page and the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, page.
We will allow a 30-day grace period for petitioners to file Form I-360 and Form I-485 at the Vermont Service Center. Items must be postmarked on or before March 12, 2023. After that date, we will reject and return any application, secure identity documents, and other correspondence to the safe address, preferred address or the address of the Attorney or Accredited Representative if any listed on an accompanying Form G-28.
발표일시: 2023.1.30
이민국 (USCIS)은 1월 30일부터 보안을 강화하기 위해 새롭게 디자인한 영주권 카드 (Permanent Resident Card; Green Card)와 워크퍼밋 카드 (EAD; Employment Authorization Documents)를 발급해준다.
새롭게 디자인된 영주권 카드와 워크퍼밋 카드는 국가안보를 강화하고 고객서비스를 증진하기 위한 최첨단 기술을 도입해 제작됐다고 이민국은 밝혔다. 새 카드는 보다 정밀한 삽화기술로 보다 개선된 질감을 가지도록 디자인 됐으며, 최고의 안전을 위한 홀로그래픽 이미지가 도입됐다.
새 영주권 카드와 워크퍼밋 카드 디자인은 문서 위변조, 사기 등 국가안보를 위협하는 행위에 대해 사전 예방을 위한 이민국의 노력을 보여주고 있다고 이민국은 밝혔다.
구 디자인의 영주권 카드와 워크퍼밋 카드는 만료 날짜까지 유효하게 사용이 가능하며, 재발급을 신청할 경우 1월 30일부터는 새로운 디자인의 카드가 발급된다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document
Release Date
01/30/2023
New Features Provide State-of-the-Art Security
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023.
The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continue to safeguard national security and improve service for our customers. Changes include improved detailed artwork; tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork; enhanced optically variable ink; highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards; a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.
“This redesign further demonstrates USCIS’ commitment to taking a proactive approach against the threat of secure document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Consistent updates to secure documents, informed by our knowledge of the latest methods of bad actors and the innovation and ingenuity of our staff, ensure the continued integrity of secure documents issued by our agency.”
The introduction of the new designs does not mean that currently issued cards are invalid. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such as through an automatic extension of a Green Card or EAD as indicated on a Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in a Federal Register notice).
Some Green Cards and EADs issued after Jan. 30, 2023, may still display the existing design format because USCIS will continue using existing cardstock until current supplies are depleted. Both versions of the cards are acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification; E-Verify; and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Some older Green Cards do not have an expiration date. These older Green Cards without an expiration date generally remain valid; however, USCIS encourages applicants with these older cards to consider applying for a replacement card to prevent fraud or tampering should the card ever get lost or stolen.
USCIS launched the current cards in May 2017. To mitigate the risk of fraud and counterfeiting, the Document Management Division in the USCIS Office of Intake and Document Production redesigns the cards every three to five years. Redesigning the cards is part of the Secure Identification Platform (SIP) Project. The SIP Project began in 2019 with extensive market research. The USCIS Document Management Division met with key industry leaders and stakeholders to learn industry best practices.
발표일시: 2023.1.27
이민국 (USCIS)은 2023년 10월 1일 시작되는 2024 회계연도 취업비자 H-1B 추첨 지원자 사전 등록을 오는 3월 1일 동부시간 정오부터 3월 17일 정오까지 접수받는다고 발표했다. 이 기간중에 고용주 또는 법률 대리인은 이민국 온라인시스템을 통해 등록을 할 수 있다.
오는 2월 21일 부터 myUSCIS 온라인에서 어카운트 만들 수 있으며 이를 통해 3월 1일부터 10불을 지불하고 추첨 지원자 등록을 하면 된다. 법률 대리인은 기존에 만들어둔 어카운트를 사용해 새 의뢰인을 등록할 수 있다. 등록을 하게 되면 확인번호가 부여되며 이 번호는 등록여부를 확인하는 것만 가능하며 케이스 진행상황은 확인이 안된다.
3월 17일까지 등록을 받은 결과 연간 H-1B 비자할당량 (Quota) 이상의 등록자 (Registrations)가 나올 경우 무작위 추첨 (Random Selection)을 진행하고 당첨자는 3월 31일까지 myUSCIS online account를 통해 통보를 받게 된다. 등록자 숫자가 비자할당량 보다 적을 경우 규정에 맞게 등록한 신청 등록자는 전원 당첨된 것으로 간주되어 H-1B 신청서 접수자격이 주어진다.
당첨자는 4월 1일부터 이민국에 H-1B 페티션 (I-129)을 접수할 수 있으며 승인 (Approved) 되면 10월 1일 부터 일을 할 수 있다.
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 01/27/2023
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using our online H-1B registration system.
We will assign a confirmation number to each registration submitted for the FY 2024 H-1B cap. This number is used solely to track registrations; you cannot use this number to track your case status in Case Status Online.
Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary. Prospective petitioners submitting their own registrations (U.S. employers and U.S. agents, collectively known as “registrants”) will use a “registrant” account. Registrants will be able to create new accounts beginning at noon Eastern on Feb. 21.
Representatives may add clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and registrants must wait until March 1 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the $10 fee. Prospective petitioners or their representatives will be able to submit registrations for multiple beneficiaries in a single online session. Through the account, they will be able to prepare, edit, and store draft registrations prior to final payment and submission of each registration.
If we receive enough registrations by March 17, we will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via users’ myUSCIS online accounts. If we do not receive enough registrations, all registrations that were properly submitted in the initial registration period will be selected. We intend to notify account holders by March 31.
The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved a temporary increase in the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $39,999.99 per day for the FY 2024 H-1B cap season. This temporary increase is in response to the volume of previous H-1B registrations that exceeded the daily credit card limit. Additional information will be provided before the start of the initial H-1B registration period.
An H-1B cap-subject petition, including a petition for a beneficiary who is eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may only be filed by a petitioner whose registration for the beneficiary named in the H-1B petition was selected in the H-1B registration process.
발표일시: 2023.1.24
이민국 (USCIS)은 2023년 1월 24일 일부 서류제출 마감기한을 60일 추가로 연장해주는 이른바 "유연성" (Flexibilities) 정책을 오는 3월 23일 까지 연장한다고 발표했다.
유연성 정책이란 추가서류요청 (Request for Evidence), 거절 예고서 (Intent to Deny), 승인번복 예고서 (Intent to Revoke) 등 이민국에서 신청서 심사 (또는 재심사)를 위해 추가로 필요한 서류제출을 요청하는 수속에 대해 COVID-19 팬데믹 상황을 감안해 이민국이 정한 마감기한에서 추가로 60일을 연장해주는 임시적인 정책이다.
이에 해당되는 신청 종류는 다음과 같다. (기타 자세한 내용은 아래 이민국 공지사항 참고)
- 추가서류요청 (Requests for Evidence)
- 시민권 추가서류요청 (Continutions to Request Evidence N-14)
- 거절예고서 (Notices of Intent to Deny)
- 승인번복 예고서 (Notices of Intent to Revoke)
- 영주권 취소 예고서 (Notices of Intent to Rescind)
- 이민국 거절에 대한 항소 또는 재심사 요구 (Appeal or Motion)
[이민국 공지]
USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities Release Date
01/24/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through March 23, 2023. Under these flexibilities, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the request or notice was issued between March 1, 2020, and March 23, 2023, inclusive:
In addition, USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or a Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if:
USCIS anticipates that, barring changes presented by the pandemic, this will be the final extension of these accommodations, and requesters must comply with the response requirements set forth in any request or notice dated after March 23, 2023.
As a reminder, the reproduced signature flexibility announced in March 2020 became a permanent policy on July 25, 2022.
Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for USCIS updates related to COVID-19.
For more information on situations such as natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances (including COVID-related illness), where USCIS may provide accommodations, on a case-by-case basis upon request, please visit the Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances page.
발표일시: 2023.1.12
이민국 (USCIS)은 지난 1월 12일 급행서비스 (Premium Processing Service) 확대안을 최종 공지하고 오는 1월 30일부터 시행에 들어간다고 발표했다.
기존에 제한을 두던 I-140 취업이민 페티션을 사용하는 1순위 (EB-1)와 2순위 (EB-2) 몇몇 카테고리에 대해 급행신청 (Premium Processing Service)을 허용했다. 이미 일반 (Regular)으로 신청된 E13 (Multinational Executive and Manager Classification)과 E21 (Member of Professions with Advanced Degrees or Execptional Ability Seeking a National Interest Waiver, NIW) 카테고리에 급행서비스로의 업그레이드를 허용키로 한 데 더해 신규 접수케이스도 급행신청을 받아들이기로 했다.
한편, 3월중 I-765 워크퍼밋 신청이 펜딩중인 F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)와 STEM OPT 신청서들에도 급행서비스를 확대 적용키로 했으며, 4월중 신규 OPT, STEM OPT 신청서에도 급행서비스를 받아주기로 했다.
또한 I-539를 사용하는 신청서에도 급행서비스를 확대 적용키로 했는데, 5월중엔 펜딩중인 학생과 교환방문자 변경 또는 연장신청서에 확대 적용할 예정이며 6월중엔 신규신청에도 받아줄 예정이라고 밝혔다.
[이민국 공지]
USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansion for EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions and Future Expansion for F-1 Students Seeking OPT and Certain Student and Exchange Visitors
Release Date 01/12/2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the final phase of the premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.
Unlike previous phases of the expansion, this phase applies to new (initial) petitions, in addition to all previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification or E21 classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver (NIW).
Petitioners who wish to request premium processing must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.
Beginning Jan. 30, 2023, we will accept Form I-907 requests for:
As previously announced, we are expanding premium processing to additional form types as part of our efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall legal immigration system. In March, we will expand premium processing to certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In April, we will expand premium processing to F-1 students seeking OPT and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who are filing an initial Form I-765. We will announce specific dates for each group in February.
As we implement the expansion of premium processing in a phased approach, we will continue working toward premium processing availability of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. We anticipate expanding premium processing for certain student and exchange visitors with pending Form I-539 applications in May and certain student and exchange visitors who are filing initial Form I-539 applications in June. We will make an announcement when we are ready to implement these phases. We will also adhere to the legislative requirement that the expansion of premium processing does not result in an increase in processing times for immigration benefit requests not designated for premium processing or an increase in regular processing of immigration benefit requests so designated.
발표일시: 2023.1.3
이민국 (USCIS)은 지난 1월 3일 이민국 신청서 접수비 (Filing Fee) 인상안을 입법예고하고 60일간의 의견수렴기간을 거쳐 결정하기로 했다. 인상안이 결정되면 3월초 인상된 접수비가 적용될 예정이다.
이민국은 행정운영비용의 약 96%를 접수비에 의존하며, 통상적으로 2년마다 접수비 인상을 단행한다. 이번 이민국 접수비 인상은 2016년 이후 약 7년만이다. 이민국은 이번 접수비 인상을 통해 인도주의적 프로그램을 확대하고, 이민국 직원에 대한 연방공무원급 인건비 인상, 인력충원, 필수요소에 대한 투자 등에 사용될 예정이라고 밝혔다. 이민국은 이를 통해 그동안 적체된 신청서를 해소하고 정상화할 수 있다고 덧붙였다.
이번 인상안의 특이점은 일부 신청서의 경우 온라인 (Online) 신청과 서면 (Paper) 신청의 접수비에 차등을 두고있으며, 급행서비스 (Premium Processing) 비용에 대해선 인상은 없지만 수속기간을 기존의 휴일 포함 15일 (Calendar Days)에서 업무일 기준 15일 (Business Days)로 변경했다.
** 이민케이스는 시간이 중요합니다.
비용 때문이라면 망설이지 마시고 바로 저희와 상의하시기 바랍니다. 카톡상담
[이민국 공지]
Release Date 01/03/2023
WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. The new fees would allow USCIS to more fully recover its operating costs, reestablish and maintain timely case processing, and prevent the accumulation of future case backlogs. USCIS receives approximately 96 percent of its funding from filing fees, not from congressional appropriations.
The proposed fee rule is the result of a comprehensive fee review at USCIS. That review determined that the agency’s current fees, which have remained unchanged since 2016, fall far short of recovering the full cost of agency operations. USCIS generally publishes a fee rule biennially, and proposes these changes to account for the expansion of humanitarian programs, federally mandated pay raises, additional staffing requirements, and other essential investments.
In 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic reduction in receipts of new applications, resulting in a temporary drop in revenue by 40 percent. The combination of depleted cash reserves, a temporary hiring freeze, and workforce attrition has reduced the agency’s capacity to timely adjudicate cases, particularly as incoming caseloads rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
The proposed rule would increase some fees, including a modest increase in the fee for certain naturalization applications, while preserving existing fee waiver eligibility for low-income and vulnerable populations and adding new fee exemptions for certain humanitarian programs. If finalized, the proposed rule would decrease or minimally increase fees for more than one million low-income filers each year.
“In addition to improving customer service operations and managing the incoming workload, USCIS must continue to fulfill our growing humanitarian mission, upholding fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This proposed rule allows USCIS to more fully recover operating costs for the first time in six years and will support the Administration’s effort to rebuild the legal immigration system.”
New measures include a proposal to incorporate biometrics costs into the main benefit fee and remove the separate biometric services fee; establish separate fees for each nonimmigrant classification covered by Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Workers; change the premium processing timeframe from 15 calendar days to 15 business days; and institute lower fees for certain forms filed online. The proposed rule would not change fee waiver eligibility requirements. The projected revenues resulting from the proposed rule would allow USCIS to increase the number of adjudicators processing applications, implement technology improvements, and increase support provided to individuals seeking information and assistance from USCIS.
The 60-day public comment period starts following publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register. Fees will not change until the final rule goes into effect, after the public has had the opportunity to comment and USCIS finalizes the fee schedule in response to such comments. USCIS will host a public engagement session on the proposed fee rule on January 11, 2023.
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