What's new from USCIS? August 2020

Since USCIS has quite frequent updates recently, I thought it could be helpful to do a monthly roundup for all of you who may not have that much time to follow all of them and just need to get a quick overview of what's happening. Let's stay on top of the important updates!

7 New Updates from USCIS This August

1. USCIS Furlough: Starting from May, USCIS has been struggling with a budget shortfall. USCIS extended the possible furlough to the end of August, which may affect two-thirds of its workers and thousands of immigrants. Learn more here.
2. Form I-944 Is Suspended: Judge issued an order to stop the new Public Charge rule on July 29th. The Public Charge rule originally took effect on Feb. 24th, 2020. USCIS has stated that neither inclusion or exclusion of Form I-944 will affect an applicant's green card application result. Learn more here.
3. Green Cards Printing Delay: USCIS failed to renew their contract with the Green Card printing vendor in June 2020 and planned to bring the Green Cards printing tasks back in-house. Two major backlogs of about 75,000 EAD cards and 50,000 Green Cards reported. Learn more here.
4. Judge Ruled USCIS to Clear Delayed Work Permits: Federal Judge ordered USCIS to start printing EAD cards and Green Cards within 7 days. Read more details here.
5. USCIS Released New Fees Schedule: Starting from Oct. 2nd, Green Card and many other application fees will be changed. Also, the concurrent filing fee waivers are eliminated. The premium processing will also be changed to 15 business days instead of 15 calendar days. See new fees schedule here!
6. USCIS Launched New Website: USCIS's updated their website design, negotiation, form instructions and more. See important updates here.
7. USCIS Updates Form I-765 Effective August 25th, 2020: A new edition of form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, will be published soon. Continue using the version dated 12/26/19 until a new version is officially published on USCIS's website. Read more here.

Follow Sweet Beginning USA for more upcoming updates! Staying on top of the regulation updates is important to avoid making mistakes on your green card application. I will see you all in the next month's update post!

Before you go, don't forget to read about my experience: DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!