tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18418214811526721292024-03-18T05:48:44.194-04:00Sweet Beginning USASweet Beginning USA was created to share our personal experience of applying for my US immigration status. I hope you will find this blog useful! *All content here is for sharing experience only, not for providing legal advice. No guarantee of successful green card application results.Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-36855941823498531532024-01-30T21:44:00.006-05:002024-03-04T21:21:05.268-05:00USCIS Increases Immigration Fees on April 1st 2024!The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a final rule adjusting immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. USCIS Increases Immigration Fees on April 1st 2024!Who and what will be affected? The final rule includes lowered annual cost recovery, expanded fee exemptions for certain groups, special fee discounts for nonprofits and Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-36732886926197138122023-12-27T14:35:00.003-05:002023-12-27T14:35:32.246-05:00USCIS Increases Fee for Form I-907 Premium Processing RequestDid you hear this? The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a final rule to increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to account for inflation. The adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index, will raise certain premium processing fees from $1,500 to $1,685, $1,750 to $1,965, and $2,500 to $2,805. When is the new fee taking intoEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-66417809247269194792023-11-23T06:23:00.005-05:002023-11-23T06:37:31.861-05:00How to use My Progress to track Form I-485 Green Card ApplicationUSCIS is getting better and better at letting applicants know the progress of their immigration applications! Today we will talk about how you can use this new tool from USCIS, "My Progress", to track several applications, including Form I-130, I-765, I-485 and more!How to use My Progress to track Form I-485 Green Card ApplicationHere are the steps:create an online account with USCIS here ifEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-59712137917602919812023-11-01T21:43:00.004-04:002023-11-05T21:51:35.459-05:00USCIS Rolls Out Mandatory Form I-9 Update on Nov 1, 2023!Exciting news! USCIS introduces a streamlined Form I-9 for all employers starting November 1, 2023. This update aims to facilitate the new I-9 remote document verification procedures, ensuring a more efficient process. USCIS Updates Form I-9 - What do you need to know? Using the old I-9 version (dated October 21, 2019) could lead to penalties, so be sure to make the switch. Employers Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-35260944759903531612023-09-12T08:49:00.005-04:002023-11-02T09:06:55.563-04:00USCIS Introduces Online Form for Hassle-Free In-Person AppointmentsAre you tired of the time-consuming process of scheduling an in-person appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? Good news – USCIS has rolled out a user-friendly solution to simplify the appointment request process for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives. Online Form for Hassle-Free In-Person Appointments Say goodbye to lengthy phone calls toEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-55677968318135516682023-07-22T02:09:00.002-04:002023-07-22T02:13:13.168-04:00Can I Still Verify Employment Eligibility Remotely (Form I-9)?Yes you can! The COVID-19 flexibilities have come to an end! But you still have an option to have your employer exam your Form I-9 document for employment authorization remotely. USCIS Publishes a revised version of Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-34936518883233504292023-07-18T00:15:00.005-04:002023-11-23T06:17:02.804-05:00USCIS Now Provides Tracking for Form I-131 & I-765 Progress!Are you anxious about your travel permit and work permit progress? You will love this great news! USCIS is now providing tracking to your Form I-131 & Form I-765. Let's check out more details:USCIS Adds Form I-131 & I-765 to My Progress Tracking ToolExciting news! USCIS is getting better and better. Now the agency announced that they are updating its processing time tool "My Progress" forEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-87445084422198627912023-07-16T22:46:00.004-04:002023-11-21T11:52:51.757-05:00NEW! USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling ToolFinally! There is a way to reschedule your biometrics appointment without any hassle! Check out this new tool USCIS has launched:USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling ToolNow you don't need to call USCIS contact center to reschedule most biometrics appointments. USCIS has launched a new self-service biometrics appointment rescheduling tool to streamline their immigration servicesEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-57016225505085003622023-04-08T08:44:00.004-04:002023-04-08T08:50:42.423-04:00USCIS Removed 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693!USCIS Removed 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693!USCIS had issued a temporary waiver a while ago to pause the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an applicant applies for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Now this temporary waiver has become a Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-11558802325072351662023-01-03T11:55:00.000-05:002023-01-03T11:55:00.145-05:00USCIS Proposed Rule to Adjust Certain Naturalization Application FeesUSCIS has been talking about changing application fees and rules to better serve the immigrants. Let's take a quick look at some key points:USCIS Proposed Rule to Adjust Certain Application FeesUSCIS today published a Notice of Proposed Reulemaking (NPRM) to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. Why? This allows USCIS to more fully recover its operating costs Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-73579928957378926992022-12-23T01:03:00.001-05:002022-12-23T01:06:19.206-05:00NEW Version of Form I-485 Starts Dec 23rd, 2022!Hello everyone! Just want to give you a quick alert that USCIS starts accepting the new version of Form I-485 for your Green Card application! Here are a couple of things that you need to be aware of:If you file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you MUST use the new edition of Form I-485! Or USCIS will reject your filing.If Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-4629668150991134502022-12-15T10:54:00.002-05:002023-03-23T00:52:23.541-04:00USCIS Automatically Extends Green Cards for N-400 Naturalization ApplicantsGreat news! USCIS continuously improves the immigration process by automatically extending your Green Card if you applied for naturalization. Let's hear all about it!USCIS Automatically Extends Green Cards for N-400 Naturalization ApplicantsUSCIS now automatically extends the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) for applicants who applied for naturalization! Since many Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-71626063872354869712022-12-15T10:43:00.004-05:002022-12-15T10:43:56.807-05:00NEW Trial Naturalization Test by USCISAre you about to take your naturalization test? USCIS is about to trial a new version of the test! Let's take a quick look at what is going on:What is a Naturalization Test?For those of you that don't know about naturalization test yet, it is the citizenship test that happens at the final stages of the naturalization process. Basically, most immigrants need to pass this test to be eligible to Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-83824876330085430092022-12-08T10:32:00.003-05:002022-12-08T10:32:31.358-05:0011 Scanning Issues with USCIS You Should Avoid NowWe have heard so many cases that were delayed due to scanning issues! The good thing is - these issues are very easy to avoid. USCIS recently released a list of things that you should NOT do so they can process your documents more smoothly. Let's check them out!How to Avoid Scanning Delays with USCISAs you may know, USCIS is moving toward an increasing electronic environment so that they can Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-32647843444338605442022-10-13T17:11:00.002-04:002022-12-06T10:40:23.063-05:00How to Reinstate your Green Card After Staying Aboard for a Long Period Have you been out of the US for over 1 year? Many of us may be subject to green card abandonment without even knowing it! During the pandemic, many green card holders had no choice but to stay out of the US for an extended period. In this case, you may be facing a difficult decision - whether to abandon your green card or not. What are the key consequences of green card abandonment?Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-73036016179569487382022-09-27T12:50:00.006-04:002022-09-27T12:50:32.853-04:00USCIS Decouples Form I-765 and Form I-131 Filed at the Same TimeDid you know that USCIS started separating Form I-765 and Form I-131 even if you filed them at the same time? Let's chat more!USCIS Decouples Form I-765 and Form I-131 Filed at the Same TimeUSCIS announced that, in order to improve efficiency and reduce Form I-765 processing times for Form I-485 applicants, they may decouple Forms I-765 from Forms I-131 filed at the same times!When will this Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-89467010121369349212022-09-27T12:38:00.005-04:002022-09-27T12:50:44.480-04:00USCIS Revised Form I-589 and I-765!If you are in the middle of preparing for your Green Card application, be sure you use the most recent forms! USCIS recently revised Form I-589 and I-765. Let's see more details:USCIS Revised Form I-589 and I-765!USCIS updates immigration forms from time to time. The most recent updates are for Form I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal Form I-765 Application for Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-51838255600800521102022-07-22T10:22:00.008-04:002023-01-03T12:06:49.550-05:00Watch Out: USCIS Flexibility Periods for RFE Extended to Jan. 24, 2023!Remember that during COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS extended certain flexibilities to assist applicants? No these flexibility periods have come to an end!What was the flexibility timeframe set by USCIS?March 1, 2020 to July 25, 2022.1/3/2023 Updated: USCIS continues to extend certain COVID-19 related flexibilities through Jan. 24, 2023!How does it affect my application?Currently, USCIS will still Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-33479894649852806752022-07-22T10:10:00.003-04:002022-07-22T10:10:19.294-04:00*NEW* 3 Things You Need to Know About USCIS Citizenship Ambassador InitiativeNEW! USCIS recently announced the launch of the first citizenship ambassador initiative! Here is what you need to know about:What is USCIS Citizenship Ambassador Initiative?USCIS Ambassador Initiative is designed by USCIS to partner with community leaders to promote US citizenship through their own immigrant experience. This initiative is mainly for making a personal and local connection with Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-16383412036138100422022-07-21T14:46:00.010-04:002022-07-22T09:24:17.152-04:00How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with EaseI started my preparation about 1-2 weeks before my N-400 citizenship interview and I believe that's more than enough for most people. I reviewed the tests and the dates of my trips during the last 5 years (the officer may ask about the most recent trip)If you want to know the process of applying for I-751 or N-400, click here to read: DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-19479560077961977972022-07-21T13:40:00.007-04:002022-07-22T09:21:55.323-04:00I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!Great news! We just passed our combined interviews for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence and the N-400 Citizenship Application. We want to share our experience with you while our memories are still fresh! So let's get to it:I received my interview notices back in June 2022. The two interviews were scheduled for the same day so I know they are going to be combined or be back Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-29750003447011599622022-05-12T16:19:00.004-04:002022-05-12T16:19:56.621-04:00USCIS Extends EADs Validation Period from 180 Days to 540 DaysGreat news - USCIS announced recently a Temporary Final Rule that temporarily increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days!When does this take effect?This policy will take effect on May 4, 2022, and will grant an automatic extension of up to 540 days.Who is qualified?Certain EAD renewal applicants Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-72164199110929889462022-04-08T13:00:00.001-04:002022-04-08T13:00:00.181-04:00USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners Great News! Are you in the process of removing your conditions on residence? If your Green Card is marriage-based and you are considered "low-risk", then there's a good chance that your immigration interview can be waived! Let's hear more about it:USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners Previously, all conditional permanent residents are required to undergo an interview if Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-84266398267878977302022-04-08T08:42:00.008-04:002022-04-08T08:42:42.023-04:00USCIS Released the New Versions of Several FormsUSCIS released the new versions of several forms! If you are submitting your application after April 7th, 2022, be sure to use the latest version from USCIS's website. Here's a quick list for your convenience:USCIS Released the New Versions of Several FormsWhat USCIS forms are updated?I-864, Affidavit of SupportI-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household MemberI-864EZ, AffidavitEvy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841821481152672129.post-55653867689494058812022-03-31T10:46:00.002-04:002022-03-31T10:46:03.605-04:003 New Actions USCIS Takes to Ease BacklogsAs you may know, USCIS has been trying different measurements to reduce the current backlogs, and now they are coming up with more actions! Here are some of the key changes:1) Reducing Processing BacklogsUSCIS established a new internal cycle time goals this month. These goals are internal metrics that will guide the backlog reduction efforts of the USCIS workforce. As cycle times improve, Evy Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263460418998647024noreply@blogger.com0