On Monday, January 25, 2022, USCIS issued a Policy Alert updating the requirements to obtain an expedite. USCIS updated its policy guidance to clarify the criteria and circumstances that may warrant
expediting the adjudication of a benefit request as well as explaining how USCIS assesses expedite requests. This update, contained in Volume 1, Chapter 5 of the USCIS Policy Manual, is effective immediately. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.
The main changes to the Expedite Request Policy is in the clarifications.
Severe Financial Loss as a Basis for Expedited Treatment
“A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or required to lay off other employees. For example, a medical office may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in a doctor’s employment authorization would require the medical practice to lay off its medical assistants.”
This is a significant change. Many individuals waiting for their EAD are critical to research grants and contracts, if the delay in the EAD would create a risk of losing or seriously affecting a grant or contract. A letter from the employer explaining the risk and critical nature of the employees’ contributions should suffice under the new standard.
“Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. For example, the inability to travel for work that would result in job loss might warrant expedited treatment. The need to obtain employment authorization, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.”
This is also a major change. For the first time, USCIS has specifically stated that “Job loss” is a basis of claiming severe financial loss. Despite this change, it is still determined on a case by case basis and is still discretionary with the adjudicating officer. However, the language itself is encouraging and can be used along with additional evidence of financial impact to request an expedite. Additionally, the “inability to travel for work” indicates that USCIS may consider an expedite of both the Employment Authorization and Advance Parole where an individual needs to travel for work but would not otherwise be able to, putting their job at risk. A letter from the employer would be required in this circumstance.
Expedited Treatment Based on Emergency or Urgent Humanitarian Reason
“In the context of an expedite request, humanitarian reasons are those related to human welfare. Examples may include, but are not limited to, illness, disability, extreme living conditions, death in the family, or a critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time. An emergency may include an urgent need to expedite employment authorization for healthcare workers during a national emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic… A benefit requestor’s desire to travel for vacation does not, in general, meet the definition of an emergency.”
This clarifies what is needed for an expedite of advance parole, and is now clearly setting out in writing what the general understanding has been regarding what is needed to successfully request advance parole. To obtain advance parole through the expedite process, supporting evidence such as a letter from a treating physician is typically necessary. The advance parole expedites can be done at a local USCIS office. The additional language related to healthcare workers under Emergency or Humanitarian Reasons is extremely important. The recent directive related to EAD expedites for essential workers was limited to EAD renewals. This language indicates that the same directive can be argued for the expediting of the initial EAD. As with the EAD renewal expedite, a letter from the employer will be necessary to support the request.
With the new guidance, we are hopeful that USCIS will at least request and review the evidence supporting an Expedite Request and not continue to summarily deny them without reviewing the supporting evidence. If you require assistance with an EAD or AP expedite, please feel free to contact our office.
USCIS Filing Extensions Renewed
/by Jim ArkellUSCIS announced that the automatic 60 day extension has been extended to July 25, 2022. During the pandemic, USCIS provided an automatic extension on due dates. Any RFE or NOID that was issued on or before July 25, 2022 has an automatic 60 day extension from the due date stated in the RFE or NOID. The automatic extension also provides for 60 days to file a motion to reopen/reconsider or appeal from a denial as opposed to the standard 30 days (33 days if mailed) to file.
However, USCIS in the announcement stated that this was likely to be the last extension.
UPDATED: Limited NIW Premium Processing to Begin July 1, 2022
/by Jim ArkellShortly after posted my initial summary of the USCIS Alert discussed in my previous post below, USCIS issued an Announcement updating the information that was not initially provided with the Alert. Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests ONLY for E21 NIW petitions received on or before June 1, 2021. Basically, unless your case has been pending for more than one year already, you cannot avail yourself of premium processing.
Also, in the new Announcement was the phase in of premium processing for E13 multinational executive and manager petitions. Premium processing for E13 I-140 petitions will begin June 1, 2022 for petitions that were filed on or before January 1, 2022. Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will accept premium processing for E13 petitions that were filed on or before March 1, 2021. Based on what this illustrates, it appears that USCIS will issue new dates each month for filing dates that will be eligible for premium processing. If the E13 timetable is any indication we can hopefully expect that more individuals with pending NIWs will be eligible for premium processing every month.
We will have to watch for USCIS announcements each month to see which filing dates will be eligible for premium processing.
NIW Premium Processing to Begin July 1, 2022
/by Jim ArkellUSCIS issued an alert stating that the agency will begin “phasing in” premium processing for NIW Petitions on July 1, 2022, but only for “certain previously filed Form I-140 petitions requesting E21 national interest waiver (NIW) classification. The alert states “(p)lease see the Form I-140 information below regarding the upgrade schedule and when new petitions may be filed requesting premium processing.” Despite this statement that additional information is available a close examination failed to turn up any additional information. It is hoped that additional information regarding how NIW premium processing will be phased in will be posted soon. USCIS is phasing in premium processing starting June 1, 2022 for “previously filed Form I-140 petitions requesting E13 classification for multinational executives and managers,” and “additional” E13 classified I-140 petitions will be eligible for premium processing starting on July 1, 20222. It is assumed that by “additional”, USCIS means new petitions will be eligible for premium processing on July 1, 2022.
It appears that USCIS is phasing in premium processing for NIW petitions and that it will be longer than first hoped before newly filed NIW petitions will be eligible for premium processing. Once more information is available and there is more clarity as to the implementation of premium processing for NIW petitions we will provide an update.
USCIS Increases EAD Automatic Extension to 540 Days
/by Jim ArkellUSCIS announced on May 3, 2022 that a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) automatically extending EAD validity for renewals from 180 to 540 days was implemented effective tomorrow, May 4, 2022 through extensions filed before October 27, 2023. The TFR states that certain persons who have timely filed an EAD extension will automatically receive a 540 day extension. Included in the list are our clients in category (c)(9) who have filed an Adjustment of Status based on an I-140 approval or filing. The standard 180 day extension was increased by 360 days to a total of 540. The reason for implementing the rule is the fact that EAD applications and renewals are not being processed in a timely manner. TFR documented that the number of EAD applications and extensions have increased considerably while at the same time the number of cases processed decreased significantly during the pandemic.
It is important to note that this only applies to EAD extensions. I have long advocated that this was a simple solution and while it would have been beneficial for many to have had it implemented much sooner, it is very welcome news and beneficial to those who are currently waiting on their EAD extensions or planning on filing their extensions soon. If you have an extension pending you should provide a copy of the USCIS announcement along with your I-765 receipt notice to your employer to document that you are maintaining valid work status.
USCIS Announces New Actions to Reduce Backlogs
/by Jim ArkellUSCIS announced that it is taking action by implementing new procedures and policies to reduce current backlogs that exist. The agency in an effort to speed up case processing times established new internal cycle time goals. The time goals include 3 months for I-765 and I-131 processing and 6 months for I-485 and I-140 non-premium processing. As part of the efforts to reduce the backlog USCIS also is expanding Premium Processing. The agency announced that premium processing will be added to expedite processing for I-140 NIW petitions, I-539 adjustment of status, and Form I-765 work authorization. The new premium processing policies will be implemented in phases with the I-140 premium processing for EB-1 multinational executive or manager and EB-2 national interest waiver cases being part of the first phase. Finally as part of the plan USCIS is working on issuing a temporary final rule entitled “Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants.” Through the future issuance of this final rule, USCIS is working to better manage and reduce the time related to the issuance of employment authorization documentation. While we applaud the efforts, this should have been done a year ago. USCIS has taken far too long to address EAD delays and any additional delay is unnecessary and unwarranted.
NIW PREMIUM PROCESSING ANNOUNCED!
/by Jim ArkellOn March 29, 2022 USCIS at long last announced that premium processing will soon be available for EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions. Premium processing will be available for both newly filed cases and currently pending cases. The USCIS fee for premium processing is expected to be $2,500.00. USCIS plans to begin a phased implementation for expanding premium processing and the EB-2 NIW will be part of the first phase. A full reading of the text of the law suggests that NIW premium processing will begin sometime in late May to early June. We will closely monitor USCIS and notify our clients with pending NIW cases as soon as premium processing becomes eligible. If you are interested in getting the paper work prepared in advanced so that everything is ready to file the day NIW premium processing becomes available please reach out to us for further information.
Possible Priority Date Elimination for STEM Ph.D. Holders
/by Jim ArkellA bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, “The America Competes Act 2022” proposes to exempt persons with a doctorate degree in a STEM field from a qualified United States research institution, or a foreign institution if the degree is equivalent to a U.S. STEM doctorate who are seeking admission to engage in work in the United States in a field related to the doctorate, from the per-country green card caps. If this passes this will help address the Adjustment of Status wait times for India and China. This along with the possible recapture of the 400,000 unused green cards should help significantly lessen wait times for those without a STEM Ph.D. waiting for their priority dates to come current.
New Immigration Policies and Options for Entrepreneurs
/by Jim ArkellA bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, “The America Competes Act 2022” proposes incentives for nonimmigrant entrepreneurs to start-up businesses in the United States to make the United States more competitive by encouraging some of the best and the brightest to bring their entrepreneurial talent into the country. The bill proposes a “W” visa that would cover an alien classified as a nonimmigrant entrepreneur with an ownership interest in a start-up business, an alien who is or will be an essential employee of the start-up, and the spouse and children accompanying the entrepreneur and/or essential employee.
To achieve this status, the alien must possess an ownership interest in the start-up of not less than 10%, play a central and active role in the management or operations of the start-up, and possess the knowledge, skills, or experience to substantially assist the start-up with the growth and success of the business. The previous 18 months prior to the alien filing a petition for W status the start-up business must have received at least $250,000 in qualifying investments from one or more qualified investors, and at least $100,000 in qualifying government awards or grants.
The status granted under a W visa is valid for an initial period of three years, with the option for an extension. The nonimmigrant can apply for an additional three-year period if the alien possesses an ownership interest of not less than 5% in the start-up that formed the basis of the initial petition and will continue to play a central and active role in the management or operations of the start-up. In addition, the start-up must have received at least $500,000 in additional qualifying investments from one or more qualified investors, qualifying government awards or grants, or a combination of such funding, created at least five jobs, and have generated not less than $500,000 in annual revenue and averaged 20% in annual revenue growth.
After the first six years on a W nonimmigrant visa, the alien can extend the W visa in two one-year increments for a total of eight years. It appears that USCIS recognizes building a business takes some time and has allotted eight years for this process. Once a nonimmigrant entrepreneur has achieved at least $1,000,000 in revenue for two consecutive years a nonimmigrant holding a W visa can then petition for lawful permanent residence.
For the nonimmigrant entrepreneur in W status to adjust status to obtain lawful permanent residence the nonimmigrant entrepreneur in W status must be present in the United States and have maintained status as a nonimmigrant. The nonimmigrant entrepreneur must have maintained an ownership interest in the start-up business since its founding, and the nonimmigrant entrepreneur must play an active and central role in the operations of the start-up business. The start-up business must have created at least ten qualified jobs, received not less than a total of $1,250,000 in qualifying investments, qualifying government grants or awards, or a combination of such funding, and have generated no less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue in the two years preceding the filing of the petition.
USCIS Updates Expedite Request Policy
/by Jim ArkellOn Monday, January 25, 2022, USCIS issued a Policy Alert updating the requirements to obtain an expedite. USCIS updated its policy guidance to clarify the criteria and circumstances that may warrant
expediting the adjudication of a benefit request as well as explaining how USCIS assesses expedite requests. This update, contained in Volume 1, Chapter 5 of the USCIS Policy Manual, is effective immediately. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.
The main changes to the Expedite Request Policy is in the clarifications.
Severe Financial Loss as a Basis for Expedited Treatment
“A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or required to lay off other employees. For example, a medical office may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in a doctor’s employment authorization would require the medical practice to lay off its medical assistants.”
This is a significant change. Many individuals waiting for their EAD are critical to research grants and contracts, if the delay in the EAD would create a risk of losing or seriously affecting a grant or contract. A letter from the employer explaining the risk and critical nature of the employees’ contributions should suffice under the new standard.
“Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. For example, the inability to travel for work that would result in job loss might warrant expedited treatment. The need to obtain employment authorization, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.”
This is also a major change. For the first time, USCIS has specifically stated that “Job loss” is a basis of claiming severe financial loss. Despite this change, it is still determined on a case by case basis and is still discretionary with the adjudicating officer. However, the language itself is encouraging and can be used along with additional evidence of financial impact to request an expedite. Additionally, the “inability to travel for work” indicates that USCIS may consider an expedite of both the Employment Authorization and Advance Parole where an individual needs to travel for work but would not otherwise be able to, putting their job at risk. A letter from the employer would be required in this circumstance.
Expedited Treatment Based on Emergency or Urgent Humanitarian Reason
“In the context of an expedite request, humanitarian reasons are those related to human welfare. Examples may include, but are not limited to, illness, disability, extreme living conditions, death in the family, or a critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time. An emergency may include an urgent need to expedite employment authorization for healthcare workers during a national emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic… A benefit requestor’s desire to travel for vacation does not, in general, meet the definition of an emergency.”
This clarifies what is needed for an expedite of advance parole, and is now clearly setting out in writing what the general understanding has been regarding what is needed to successfully request advance parole. To obtain advance parole through the expedite process, supporting evidence such as a letter from a treating physician is typically necessary. The advance parole expedites can be done at a local USCIS office. The additional language related to healthcare workers under Emergency or Humanitarian Reasons is extremely important. The recent directive related to EAD expedites for essential workers was limited to EAD renewals. This language indicates that the same directive can be argued for the expediting of the initial EAD. As with the EAD renewal expedite, a letter from the employer will be necessary to support the request.
With the new guidance, we are hopeful that USCIS will at least request and review the evidence supporting an Expedite Request and not continue to summarily deny them without reviewing the supporting evidence. If you require assistance with an EAD or AP expedite, please feel free to contact our office.
White House Announces Actions to Attract STEM Talent
/by Jim ArkellOn January 21, the White House issued a Fact Sheet outlining actions that the U.S. Government is undertaking to attract STEM talent to come to and remain in the United States. Important changes to the different visa types are outlined below:
J1 Visas – In support of the recent Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the Early Career STEM Research Initiative. Under the new Opportunity for Academic Training Extensions for J-1 College and University Students in STEM Fields, Undergraduate and Pre-Doctoral J-1 students who have recently completed STEM-related studies are now eligible for a maximum of 36 months of academic training. This new initiative will run for the next two academic years 2021-2022 and 2022 and 2023.
F1 OPT – In order to attract STEM talent to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has included 22 new fields of study to the list of STEM programs eligible for the 24 month OPT STEM extension. The added STEM fields include areas of study that are in new multidisciplinary and emerging fields which are vital to supporting the U.S. economy and technological competitiveness. The 22 new fields that have been added are listed in the Federal Registry’s Update to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List.
O-1A – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a Policy Alert announcing an update to the USCIS policy manual related to “extraordinary ability” (O-1A) nonimmigrant status. The update provided new policy guidance related to the adjudication of O-1A nonimmigrant visas. O-1 beneficiaries who possess a STEM degree. The new update provides examples of evidence that may satisfy the O-1A evidentiary criteria and discusses considerations that are relevant to evaluating such evidence, with a focus on the highly technical nature of STEM fields. Additionally, it provides examples of possible comparable evidence that may be submitted in support of petitions for beneficiaries working in STEM fields. The guidance, contained in Chapter 4 of Volume 2 of the USCIS Policy Manual is effective immediately.
National Interest Waivers – The USCIS also issued a Policy Alert clarifying how the National Interest Waiver can be used by STEM graduates with an advanced degree. the policy update clarifies how the national interest waiver can be used for persons with advanced degrees in STEM fields and entrepreneurs, as well as the significance of letters from governmental and quasi-governmental entities. Of note is the guidance states that “(t)he mere possession of a degree, diploma, certificate or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning is not by itself considered sufficient evidence of exceptional ability.” To qualify for a National Interest Waiver the petitioner must still meet the requirements set forth in the Matter of Dhanasar. The guidance contained in USCIS Policy Manual Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 5 is effective immediately.
The changes announced by the White House and implemented by the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education are very important and demonstrate the recognition by the Federal Government of the need to attract and maintain top talent to meet the high demand for STEM educated workers in the U.S. While there are still complex hurdles that need to be cleared to successfully obtain an O-1A or an NIW, the government has for now helped clarify how the USCIS will adjudicate STEM related petitions and has provided Immigration Attorneys additional tools to craft successful arguments to help STEM graduates remain in the U.S.
Please feel free to contact us for a free consult to see how we can help you obtain an O-1 or an NIW under the new USCIS guidelines.