Stakeholder Messages
This page contains USCIS stakeholder messages, searchable by topic and date. Stakeholder messages are only current as of the date of publication/release. Keep in mind, messages may have become outdated since they were sent.
As required by the statute, at least 60 days before the expiration of a current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation or extension and after consultation with appropriate government agencies, the conditions in the foreign state must be reviewed to determine whether conditions for the TPS designation continue to be met.
As required by the statute, at least 60 days before the expiration of a current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation or extension and after consultation with appropriate government agencies, the conditions in the foreign state must be reviewed to determine whether conditions for the TPS designation continue to be met.
As required by the statute, at least 60 days before the expiration of a current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation or extension and after consultation with appropriate government agencies, the conditions in the foreign state must be reviewed to determine whether conditions for the TPS designation continue to be met.
The Department of Homeland Security’s H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025. To implement the final rules, USCIS will also publish a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 01/17/25) on Jan. 17, reflecting combined changes associated with the two final rules. As previously announced, the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 has no grace period, because the revised edition is necessary to apply the final rules.
As required by the statute, at least 60 days before the expiration of a current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation or extension, the secretary of homeland security, after consultation with appropriate government agencies, must review the conditions in the foreign state to determine whether conditions for the TPS designation continue to be met.Following this required review, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of TPS for El Salvador for 18 months, from March 10, 2025 through Sept. 9, 2026. DHS also posted a Federal Register notice for public inspection.The extension of TPS for El Salvador allows current TPS beneficiaries to re-register to keep their TPS through Sept. 9, 2026, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through Sept. 9, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from Jan. 17, 2025 through March 18, 2025.
On Jan. 8, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued guidance in the Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part M, to clarify how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1 nonimmigrant visas for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement, including adding examples of evidence for individuals in critical and emerging technologies. What you Need to KnowThe updated guidance in Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part M, clarifies the following:Explains that a separate legal entity owned by the beneficiary, such as a corporation or limited liability company, may file a petition on the beneficiary’s behalf;Provides guidance regarding evidentiary criteria for O-1A and O-1B nonimmigrants;Adds examples of relevant evidence that may be submitted by an interested U.S. government agency;Provides an example of an occupational change within a technological field; andClarifies the circumstances under which USCIS limits an extension of stay to one year. Background
On Jan. 7, 2025, USCIS updated guidance in the Policy Manual to clarify the customer service options available to certain applicants and their representatives and certain protected population groups and their representatives. Specifically, the update applies to applicants and their representatives filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, and Form I-881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA). It also applies to individuals and their representatives in the credible fear, reasonable fear, and Safe Third Country Agreement screening processes.What You Need to Know
On Jan. 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Form I-129 (edition date: 01/17/25) has been revised to align with the H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule. The 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 replaces the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129.Effective Jan. 17, 2025, Form I-129 petitions received using the 04/01/24 edition of the form will be rejected. There is no grace period for the revised edition of Form I-129 because this revised edition is necessary for USCIS to apply the final rules.What You Need to Know:
On Jan. 6, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised Form G-325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action), with edition date 10/24/24. Individuals should use this form to request deferred action for certain families of military service members, or for non-military deferred action (other than deferred action based on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Violence Against Women Act, A-3, G-5 nonimmigrants, and T and U nonimmigrant visas). We will not accept Form G-325A with edition date 10/25/23 on or after Feb. 5, 2025. What you Need to Know
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating guidance in Volume 1, Part A, of the USCIS Policy Manual to include current case assistance and feedback avenues.
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