USCIS Tightens Signature Rules for Immigration Applications Starting July 10, 2026

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is introducing stricter signature requirements for immigration filings beginning July 10, 2026.

Under the updated rule, USCIS officers may reject or deny immigration applications if a signature is found to be invalid — even after the case has already been accepted for processing. USCIS may also keep the filing fees in certain cases.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new rule applies to nearly all immigration benefit requests submitted to USCIS on or after July 10, 2026, including:

• H-1B petitions
• Employment-based Green Card applications
• Family-based immigration petitions
• Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) filings
• Naturalization applications
• Work authorization applications

Both individual applicants and sponsoring employers may be impacted.

What Changes Under the New Rule?

Previously, some signature issues were caught during intake and applications could be resubmitted. Under the new policy, USCIS officers can deny cases later in the adjudication process if signatures are determined to be invalid.

USCIS states that the following may be considered invalid signatures:

• Typed names on signature lines
• Copy-and-paste signatures
• Auto-generated or stamped signatures
• Signatures created by a word processor or auto-pen
• Forms signed by unauthorized individuals

How Applicants and Employers Should Adjust

To avoid delays or denials, applicants and employers should:

• Carefully Review All Signatures Before Filing: Ensure every required signature is completed correctly by the authorized person.
• Avoid Reused or Digitally Generated Signatures: USCIS recommends against using copied image signatures, stamps, or software-generated signatures unless specifically permitted.
• Keep Original Signed Copies: Applicants and employers should retain copies of signed forms and supporting documents in case USCIS later requests verification.
• Review Internal Filing Procedures: Companies sponsoring foreign workers may need to strengthen internal review processes for H-1B and employment-based filings to prevent technical signature errors.

When Does the Rule Take Effect?

The new USCIS signature policy applies to immigration benefit requests submitted on or after July 10, 2026.

Where to Find More Information

Official USCIS guidance on signature requirements is available here:

• USCIS Policy Manual – Signature Requirements
• Also, you haven't checked out this step by step guidance for applying for your green card, you are missing out!>>

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increase (Effective March 1, 2026)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially confirmed an increase in premium processing fees for certain immigration applications. The new fees take effect on March 1, 2026, and apply to any Form I-907 premium processing request postmarked on or after that date.

Premium processing remains an optional service that allows applicants to request expedited adjudication of eligible immigration petitions, but the cost of this service is increasing due to inflation-based adjustments.

What Is Premium Processing?

Premium processing is an optional USCIS service that guarantees faster processing of certain immigration petitions in exchange for an additional fee. It applies to forms such as:

• Form I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, etc.)
• Form I-140 (employment-based Green Card petitions)
• Form I-539 (change or extension of status)
• Form I-765 (eligible employment authorization categories)

The service does not guarantee approval, only faster adjudication timelines.

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Who Will Be Affected?

The fee increase impacts a wide range of applicants and employers, including:

• H-1B and other work visa applicants
• Employment-based Green Card applicants
• F-1 students applying for OPT or STEM OPT (where eligible)
• Employers sponsoring foreign workers
• Immigration attorneys handling expedited filings

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Updated Premium Processing Fees (High-Level)

Effective March 1, 2026:

• Most Form I-129 categories (including H-1B, L-1, O-1): $2,965
• Form I-140 (employment-based Green Cards): $2,965
• Form I-539 (change/extension of status): $2,075
• Form I-765 (eligible EAD categories): $1,780

These increases apply only to the premium processing fee (Form I-907), not the underlying immigration filing fees.

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What Applicants Should Do

• Double-check the correct fee before filing Form I-907
• Ensure filings are postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 use updated fees
• Update employer immigration budgets for higher costs
• Coordinate filing timing to avoid unnecessary premium expenses
• Avoid fee errors, which may result in rejection and delays

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When Did It Take Effect?

• Effective date: March 1, 2026
• Applies to all premium processing requests postmarked on or after this date

For a step-by-step guide on Green Card adjustment of status, you can read:
https://www.sweetbeginningusa.com/2019/02/diy-i-485-adjustment-of-status-2019.html

USCIS Is Phasing Out Money Orders: What You Need to Know

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is modernizing how people pay filing and application fees—and that means that money orders and paper checks will soon no longer be accepted for most immigration benefit requests. If you're planning to file anything with USCIS, this change affects you. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing, when, and how to be ready.

🔍 What’s Changing

USCIS has introduced a new payment method: ACH debit (electronic funds transfer directly from a U.S. bank account). This is done using Form G-1650, “Authorization for ACH Transactions.”

They also continue to allow credit card payments via Form G-1450.

Paper checks and money orders are being phased out: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept them. After that date, most payments must be either electronic debit (ACH) or credit card.

✅ What You Should Do Now

To avoid delays, lost payments, or rejected applications, here are steps you can take now:

• Check Before You File Always review the specific USCIS form instructions (on USCIS.gov) and verify the payment methods accepted for that form and at the office where you are filing. Some field offices already reject money orders or cashier’s checks. 
• Get the Appropriate Forms If you have a U.S. bank account: Plan to use “Form G-1650” to authorize an ACH debit. 
•  If you don’t have a U.S. bank account: You can use Form G-1450 (credit/debit/prepaid card) to pay. 
• Make Sure Your Bank is Ready If you’re using ACH debit, ensure your bank allows automatic debit from USCIS or related agencies, and that you have the correct routing and account numbers. Also make sure the account has sufficient funds. USCIS may reject filings if the debit fails. 
• Avoid Waiting Until the Deadline Since the change is nationwide and official after October 28, 2025, waiting until right before the deadline can increase risk of mix-ups or rejections. 
• File earlier if possible. 
• Keep Proof and Documentation 
• If your area has an exemption or special case (no bank account, etc.), check whether there's a way to request an exemption (there are certain circumstances where paper payments may still be allowed or waivable). 
• Maintain documentation like bank statements or proof of inability to use electronic payments, as you may need them

New USCIS Policy: Form I-693 Medical Exam Report Now Valid Indefinitely!

11/1/2023 Update:　USCIS Limits Validity of Form I-693 to Pending Green Card Applications

Great news for immigrants to the U.S.! 🇺🇸 The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services just announced that starting Nov. 1, 2023, any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed by a civil surgeon remains valid indefinitely! 

Form I-693 Now Valid Indefinitely

This means that if you've had your medical exam completed and signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, you won't need to worry about expiration dates anymore. Your Form I-693 can now be used as evidence to show your eligibility without time constraints. This change provides more flexibility and peace of mind for applicants regarding health-related grounds for inadmissibility. For more details, check out the official announcement: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-new-guidance-on-form-i-693-validity-period

How to Assemble My I-485 Adjustment of Status Package - Updated April 2024!

Purchase Your Assembling Guide Here for $10! (10 Steps to Assemble your I-485 AOS Application Package)

How to organize my I-485 concurrent filing

I don't think there's a right or wrong way of organizing the I-485 package. It all depends on how you want the agent to review your case. I separated my package into 3 papers on top, 7 folders and 1 sealed envelope. Here's my filing order for your reference:

1. Four G-1450 Forms (on top) - Authorization for Credit Card Transactions for I-485, I-130, I-131 & I-765
2. Main Cover Letter
3. I-485 Folder - Adjustment of Status
4. I-864 Folder - Affidavit of Support
5. I-944 Folder - Declaration of Self-Sufficiency
6. I-130 Folder - Petition for Alien Relative & I-130A Supplementary Information for Spouse Beneficiary
7. Evidence of Bona-Fide Marriage Folder
8. I-765 Folder - Application for Employment Authorization
9. I-131 Folder - Application for Travel Document
10. Sealed I-693 Envelope - Report of Medical Examination & Vaccination Record

How to assemble my I-485 concurrent filing package

On the USCIS website, there are some guidelines you can follow:

• Use black ink
• Do not use highlighter or correction fluid/tape
• Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled
• Make sure you have written "Original Submission" on the package and the main cover letter. 
• Add tabs at the bottom, not on the side
• Two-hole punching on top is appreciated - This is not required and I wasn't sure about the hole distance, so I decided to skip the hole punching

Check the USCIS filing tips webpage for more details.

Click here to see a step-by-step guide for filing the I-485 application>>

More related questions:

• How many G-1145 forms and cover letters should I include in my I-485 application package?
• How many photos do I need for I-485 concurrent filing?
• Where do I mail my I-485 Package?

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing my personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

NEW! USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool

Finally! 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 Tool

Now 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 services. This is available to be used for both paper=filed and online-filed benefit requests. 

How do I use USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool?

Simply follow these steps:

• Create a USCIS online account if you don't have one yet here: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/
• Make sure your biometrics appointment date has not passed - you can't use this tool to reschedule the appointment that you missed already. 
• Make sure you have acceptable reasons for rescheduling. Here are a few examples:
• Medical reasons - illness, medical appointment, hospitalization
• Previously planned travel
• Significant life events - wedding, funeral, graduation
• Inability to obtain transportation to the appointment
• Inability to obtain leave from employment or caregiver responsibilities
• late delivered or undelivered biometric services appointment notice. 
• Select Biometrics Rescheduling Option and follow the prompts to fill out everything
• Print the new appointment notice and bring it to your appointment.

What if I missed my appointment already? 

There are some special circumstances where you still need to call USCIS Contact Center such as your request is within 12 hours of scheduled appointment, you have rescheduled the same appointment twice already, or if you have missed the appointment already. 

Learn more details on USCIS's website here>>

Keep Reading:

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated July 2023)

• How to Assemble My I-485 Adjustment of Status Package

USCIS 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 permanent policy! 

How will this affect previously submitted cases?

For those whose Green Card applications have been considered invalid solely due to the expired I-693 signature before, you will no longer receive Request for Evidence (RFEs). USCIS will accept these Forms I-693 for adjudicative purposes for up to 2 years after the date the civil surgeon signed the form.

For new applicants, Civil surgeons no longer have to sign Form I-693 no more than 60 days before the Green Card (I-485) application is filed. 

What's the best practice?

Submit your Form I-693 with your Form I-485 together! USCIS will consider a completed Form I-693 to remain valid for 2 years after the date the civil surgeon signed the medical record form. 

**New Update: Any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely. Learn more here>>

You may be interested in these posts:

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated Feb 2023)

• How Long Does It Take to Receive My I-693 Report?

• What Vaccines Are Required for the I-485 Green Card Application?

NEW 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 you file Form I-485 before Dec 23, 2022, you MUST use the older version (07/15/22) or USCIS would reject your filing as well!

Download the latest version of Form I-485 here>>

The rule of thumb - always check your forms before you submit to make sure you are using the right version! 

Good luck!

More updates:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)
• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!
• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?

11 Scanning Issues with USCIS You Should Avoid Now

We 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 USCIS

As you may know, USCIS is moving toward an increasing electronic environment so that they can process cases in an efficient way. Most of the documents are scanned and uploaded into electronic database systems. Therefore it's especially important for applicants to avoid delays by avoiding scanning issues. Here is a list of things that you should NOT DO to avoid delays:

1. Hole punch, staple, paper clip, binder clip, or otherwise attach documents to one another.
2. Include photos or documents smaller than 4x6 inches for evidentiary purposes. Provide photocopies of these items instead. The only exception is when we request a passport photo with the filing.
3. Include anything that contains electronic chips and batteries (such as musical greeting cards) or any non-paper materials such as cassette tapes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, toys, action figures, or thumb drives. We will not accept these types of materials. However, we will accept photographs or photocopies of these items.
4. Submit forms or evidence documents bound with a binding or spiral wire/plastic.
5. Submit evidence using photo albums, scrapbooks, binders, or greeting cards.
6. Fold documents.
7. Place sticky notes on documents.
8. Use insertable tab dividers.
9. Print forms on colored paper.
10. Submit more than one copy of the same document or evidence unless required by the form instructions or regulations. If you are required to submit a copy of a complete prior application, petition, or request, clearly mark it as a “COPY” at the top of each page to ensure it is processed as intended.
11. Send original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, naturalization certificates, except when:

• Required by the form instructions for the application, petition, or request you are filing; or
• We specifically issue a request for you to submit an original document.

Avoiding these activities will improve USCIS's efficiency as they process your application, petition, or request.

Learn More:

• How to Reinstate your Green Card After Staying Aboard for a Long Period
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated Sept 2022)
• How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease
• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

How 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?

Other than losing your permanent residency and being required to restart the green card application all over again, here are a couple of other consequences:

• Watch out for "Exit tax"! - IRS may treat your assets as sold for market value on the day you lose your status. While you are still the owner of the assets, you may be subject to some additional taxes.
• You will not be able to sponsor any family members to visit the US and any sponsored applications for your family may be suspended or cancelled. 

How to avoid Green Card abandonment

Luckily, you may apply for Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, aka a re-entry permit! 

A re-entry permit allows permanent US residents to travel outside the country for more than 12 months without losing their permanent residency status. This permit is usually valid for 2 years and can be applied for as many times as possible.

Why do you need this re-entry permit? This permit is to show USCIS that you still have a very strong intention to come back to the US and maintain your permanent residency status.

If you are out of the country for a long time period (over 12 months), you may be given a warning by a Custom and Border Protection (CBP) when you try to re-enter the US with your current unexpired green card. So it's suggested to apply for Form I-407 before you leave the US when you know that you would be outside of the US for more than 1 year. 

What if I am already out of the US for over 1 year and didn't apply for Form I-407?

How to reinstate your Green Card after abandonment

You can reinstate your green card at the US Embassy or Consulate near your current location abroad. An interview will be required. You will need to submit documents to prove that:

• When you departed the US, you had a valid green card. You will need to present your valid permanent resident card and other supporting documents
• Your overstaying outside the country is due to circumstances beyond your control. For example, medical reasons or employment, or even other family affair. 
• You left the US with an intention to come back - meaning you didn't mean to abandon your status. You may be required to submit your US income tax return records. 
• You may also show that you have properties, investments and/or other close relatives int he US. Bank accounts and other assets may also support your true intentions. 

Check with your US embassy or consulate at your current country when you apply for the reinstatement. Every case can be different but here are a few key documents for the green card reinstatement application:

• DS-117, Application to Determine Returning Resident Status 
• Your existing I-551, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Re-entry permit if applicable 
• Documents to prove the date you traveled outside the US, such as your flight tickets or passport stamps
• Your recent US tax returns
• Other supporting documents such as evidence of family and social ties to the US

I hope this article helps! Come back to learn more about immigration applications.

USCIS Decouples Form I-765 and Form I-131 Filed at the Same Time

Did 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 Time

USCIS 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 start?

This new processing had already started from February 1st, 2022. 

How does this affect my Green Card I-458 application?

USCIS will try to process your Form I-765 first (ahead of Form I-131) and if they approve it, they will issue you an Employment Authorization Document without any notation about advanced parole (Form I-131 for traveling). This is not bad at all! After all, most of us need the work permit more than traveling permit!

USCIS will adjudicate the Form I-131 separately and once it's approved, you will receive a separate advance parole document. 

Keep reading...

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated Sept 2022)
• USCIS Revised Form I-589 and I-765!
• I-485 DIY Application Ebook  is ON SALE!

USCIS 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 Employment Authorization - very important for Green Card applicants!

Here I will emphasize on Form I-765 which is one of the important forms along with Form I-485 Green Card application. 

Starting from Nov. 7th, 2022, USCIS will only accept the 07/26/22 edition. Until then applicants can still use the older versions (5/31/22 and 08/25/20 editions). 

Make sure you use the latest version before you submit your application! USCIS has the right to reject your application if you are using the wrong versions. 

Good luck! We will talk soon.

See more interesting posts and updates here:

• USCIS Decouples Form I-765 and Form I-131 Filed at the Same Time
• DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE! (Recently Updated!)
• Watch Out: USCIS Flexibility Periods for RFE Ends July 25, 2022!

Watch 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 accept responses received within 60 calendar days after the due date set in the following requests or notices (only if the date listed on the notice is between March 1, 2020 and July 25, 2022 Jan. 24, 2023) So be sure to check your date on the notice! This applies to the following notices:

• RFE Requests for Evidence
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
• Notices of Intent to Deny
• Notices of Intent to Revoke
• Notices of Intent to Rescind
• Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Centers
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant

Read more new posts:

• *NEW* 3 Things You Need to Know About USCIS Citizenship Ambassador Initiative
• How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease
• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

USCIS Released the New Versions of Several Forms

USCIS 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 Forms

What USCIS forms are updated?

• I-864, Affidavit of Support
• I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
• I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
• I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support
• I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition
• I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
• I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document

What is the cutoff date?

April 7th, 2022! Starting from April 7th, you can't use any older versions of these forms, otherwise your application can be rejected. It's always good to double check before you submit your application!

Read more USCIS news updates:

• What Is the Difference Between I-864 and I-864A?
• USCIS Confirmed to Separate EAD & AP Combo Cards
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated March 2022)

3 New Actions USCIS Takes to Ease Backlogs

As 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 Backlogs

USCIS 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, processing time will follow and you will receive decision more quickly!

Check out the filing guidance here

2) Expanding Premium Processing

USCIS intends to begin implementing premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765 and Form I-140 in fiscal year 2022. 

They also plan to begin this phased implementation process by expanding premium processing eligibility to Form I-140 filers requesting EB-1 immigrant classification as a multinational executive or manager, or EB-2 immigrant classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver.

3) Improving Access to Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

USCIS has begin streamlining the EAD processes, including:

• extending validity periods for certain EADs 
• providing expedited work authorization renewals for healthcare and childcare workers. 
• ensure certain individuals will not lose their work authorization status while their applications are pending

They are also decoupling the combo card that used to be a combination card of the EAD and travel permit. Click here to learn more.

Before you leave...Have you checked out these?

• The 7th Edition E-Book is published! My Marriage-Based Green Card Application Experience

• I-485 Adjustment of Status Cover Letter Samples

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated March 2022)

USCIS Confirmed to Separate EAD & AP Combo Cards

As you may know, USCIS has been issuing EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and AP (Advanced Parole, aka travel permit) together as a 'combo card' a while now. 

However, due to long delays in processing these documents, USCIS has confirmed that they will decoupling these two cards and make standard, separate documents in an effort to expedite the processing times.

How does this affect my application?

The current processing times are around 11-13 months for EADs. Most applicants apply concurrently EAD and AP cards along with their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Status (Green Card). USCIS has been trying to clear the backlog and avoid employment interruption. Now with the decoupling decision, we should be the processing times being shortened. 

These new EAD cards will no longer have a notation "serves as I-512 Advance Parole" and can not be served as a travel permit. You need a separate AP document to be able to travel internationally. 

You may also want to read these:

• USCIS Now Accepts Credit Cards for Most Form Fling Fees!
• The 7th Edition E-Book is published! My Marriage-Based Green Card Application Experience
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated March 2022)

USCIS Now Accepts Credit Cards for Most Form Fling Fees!

Did you know? USCIS announced that they will begin accepting credit card payments for most of the form filing fees!

You may have heard of USCIS's credit card payment pilot program and now finally they are accepting this newest payment option. 

How do I pay USCIS fees by credit card?

You will have to attach Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. 

What forms are accepting credit card payments?

Nearly all form filing fees! Although, you have to know that Form I-129 is an exception. I-129 is for petition for a nonimmigrant worker for H-1B and H-2A visas.

At the end of the pilot period, USCIS will evaluate and announce the next steps for opening up this new payment option for other forms. Stay tuned!

More USCIS News:

• When Can I Expect My Biometrics Appointment?
• No More Combined Fee Payments for H-1B Petitions
• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!

March 2022 USCIS News Updates

As we move back to our normal lives, don't forget to keep following what's new from USCIS! Let me make it easier for you by summarizing some of the key updates:

What's New with USCIS in 2022?

1) USCIS launched a H-2A Employer Data Hub: It's a place to provide information on employers petitioning for H-2A workers. This will help search for H-2A petitioners from 2015 to 2021. You will be able to see employer name, city, state, ZIP code, worksite state, and more! Learn more here.

2) USCIS's Application Support Centers (ASC) are back! The ASC had been having delays due to Pandemic-related protocols but now they are back in full operation. They will be rescheduling most of the biometrics appointment. Learn more here.

3) H-1B and H-1B1 Fee Payments Rule: For all H-1B and H-1B1 petitions received on or after April 1, 2022, USCIS no longer accept a single, combined fee payment for Form I-539, Form I-765, or Form I-824 is filed concurrently. It's always good to separate the payments! Learn more here.

4) New USCIS forms: Some of the Green Card application forms are going to be updated in April! So keep an eye on those. I will come back and give more updates on that. Stay tuned!

5) USCIS Now Accepts Credit Cards for Most Forms: Did you know? USCIS announced that they will begin accepting credit card payments for most of the form filing fees!

6) USCIS Confirmed to Separate EAD & AP Combo Cards: USCIS has confirmed that they will decoupling these two cards and make standard, separate documents in an effort to expedite the processing times.

That's it for now! Stay tuned for more updates soon.

You may also want to check out:

• My newly updated I-485 e-Book is on sale!
• How long does it take to receive my EAD card?
• I-485 Adjustment of Status Cover Letter Samples
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated December 2021)

No More Combined Fee Payments for H-1B Petitions

 If you are applying for H-1B visa, you will want to know this! USCIS will stop accepting a single combined fee payment when you file some forms concurrently. Let's take a look in detail:

USCIS Will No Longer Accept Combined Fees for H-1B Petitions

For All H-1B and H-1B1 petitions received on or after April 1, 2022, you should not combine fee payments for these forms:

• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• Form I-765, Application for Emplooyment Authorization
• Form I-824, Application for Action on an Aprpovied Application or Petition

When you file them together with an H-1B or H-1B1 peition (Form I-129) you need to separate the payments, aka each form comes with its own fee payment. Otherwise USCIS has the right to reject your entire package! 

Only Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service may be combined with Form I-129.

Why this change?

USCIS is transitioning to e-processing of immigration benefit requests and they will be using multiple systems to receipt and process the requests. Learn more on USCIS's page.

More new updates here:

• USCIS Issued the Temporary Waiver of I-693 Civil Surgeon 60-day Signature
• *Attention* USCIS Adjusted Some Application Filing Locations!
• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!

When Can I Expect My Biometrics Appointment?

Great News - After being delayed a long time, USCIS's Application Support Centers are finally back in full service! Now the big question is, when will we receive our biometrics appointments?

When Can I Expect My Biometrics Appointment?

Due to Pandemic-related protocols, USCIS hasn't been keeping up with the biometrics appointments; but now they are back in full operation and will be rescheduling or issuing new biometrics appointments!

Noe that it can take 90 days (or even longer) depending on the locations to schedule biometrics appointments. For those whose appointments were canceled, it may be rescheduled also. So be patient! 

Keep learning:

• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!
• Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?