USCIS Announces New Green Card Processing Policy for Temporary Visa Holders

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new policy directing most temporary visa holders seeking permanent residency to complete the Green Card process outside the United States through consular processing.

The policy reinforces USCIS’ interpretation that adjustment of status inside the U.S. should only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.

Who Is Affected?

The policy primarily affects foreign nationals currently in the United States on temporary nonimmigrant visas, including:

• International students (F-1 visas)
• Temporary workers (such as H-1B, L-1, and TN visas)
• Tourists and business visitors (B-1/B-2 visas)
• Other temporary visa holders pursuing family-based or employment-based Green Cards

Applicants planning to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) may be most impacted.

What Changes Need to Be Made?

Current and future Green Card applicants may need to revise their immigration process in several ways:

Shift From Adjustment of Status to Consular Processing

Instead of completing the Green Card process through USCIS inside the U.S., applicants may need to:

• Complete immigrant visa processing through the U.S. Department of State
• Attend visa interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad
• Coordinate case transfers through the National Visa Center (NVC)

Update Case Planning and Timelines

Applicants and sponsoring employers may need to account for:

• International travel requirements
• Visa interview scheduling delays
• Additional documentation requests
• Potential work authorization interruptions

Review Travel Risks Before Leaving the U.S.

Applicants with prior overstays, status violations, or expired visas should carefully review possible reentry risks before departing the country.

When Is the Policy Effective?

USCIS announced the policy memo today, but implementation details and officer guidance may continue to develop in the coming weeks. Applicants with pending or upcoming Green Card filings should closely monitor updates to determine how the policy will be applied to active cases.

Where to Find More Information

Additional information and official policy updates are available through:

• USCIS Official Website
• USCIS policy manual updates and future guidance memos
• The U.S. Department of State immigrant visa process resources

Applicants currently pursuing permanent residency, check out this post for a step by step guide!>>>

How to use My Progress to track Form I-485 Green Card Application

USCIS 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 Application

Here are the steps:

1. create an online account with USCIS here if you don't have one yet
2. select your pending application
3. once you link your application to your account, you will see a my Progress tab for your application
4. You will now be able to see the estimated wait time until your case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside three milestones as they are completed
1. Confirmation that the application was received
2. Biometric services appointment (if required) has been completed; and
3. The decision on the pending case.

What forms are now available for tracking?

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - NEWLY ADDED!
• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status - NEWLLY ADDED!
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Have you tried My Progress yet? Share your progress with all of us in the comment below! Learn more here

USCIS 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 Tool

Exciting news! USCIS is getting better and better. Now the agency announced that they are updating its processing time tool "My Progress" for Form I-765 (Work Permit) & Form I-131 (Travel document)

What is "My Progress" from USCIS?

USCIS My Progress is a tool within USCIS online account that helps applicants to get personalized estimation of their wait times, including the final decisions. Although the estimates are based on historical patterns of similar cases and can't be guaranteed, it does give applicants some insights where their cases are at.

What Forms are Available for USCIS My Progress?

Currently several forms are available within the tool:

• Form I-765 and Form I-131 - newly added!
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
• Form I-485 & I-821 are also added! - Updated on 11/21/2023!

Where do I use USCIS My Progress?

To view estimated case timelines, you need to:

1. create an online account with USCIS here if you don't have one yet
2. select your pending application
3. once you link your application to your account, you will see a my Progress tab for your application
4. You will now be able to see the estimated wait time until your case has a decision, along with a checkmark beside three milestones as they are completed
1. Confirmation that the application was received
2. Biometric services appointment (if required) has been completed; and
3. The decision on the pending case.

Click here to learn more from USCIS's news post>>

What do you think? Is this tool helpful? Any thoughts? Leave me a comment!

Keep learning....

• 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?

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!

I-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 to back. We applied for both all by ourselves. 

For those who want to know the process of applying for I-751 or N-400, click here: 

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

My interviews were scheduled for 2:30pm and on the notice, it mentioned that we won't be able to check in until 15 minutes before our interview time, therefore, we planned to get there around 2:15pm. 

Once we entered the door, we showed our IDs (driver's license) and went through the X-ray security. After that we checked in at the desk where my fingerprints and photo were taken. We then waited in the waiting room for another 10 minutes or so before the immigration officer came out to get us. 

We are very lucky to have a super nice officer to conduct the interviews!

I-751 Interview Questions

My husband was asked to come in with me. He asked just a few questions to confirm our date of birth, home address, etc. All basic background information. After that he asked us to go back to the waiting room for 5 minutes until his computer updates and removes the condition on my Green Card. 

N-400 Interview Questions

A few minutes later, the officer came out again and he asked me to go in alone. 

First he conducted the reading test: Abraham Lincoln was a president

Then the writing test. The officer said the sentence a couple times and asked me to write down on a tablet with a pen. My test question was: Lincoln was the president during the civil war

Now we moved on to our civic questions. Once I answered 6 questions correctly he stopped.

1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
2. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? 
3. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? 
4. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?  
5. Name two national U.S. holidays.
6. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?  

See the full list of the 100 questions here to prepare for your civic test. 

In a separate post, I will talk in more details about how to prepare well for your N-400 interview. Stay tuned!

After I passed the reading, writing, and civic tests, he moved on to my application details. He first confirmed a few questions on my application. This part is also just about my background information. Some questions such as:

• What's your full name?
• What are your children's names?
• What's your email and phone number?
• What's your home address/mailing address?
• Do you want to change your legal name?
• The YES/NO questions
• Other chatting....not very important I believe

In the end, the officer showed me a screen of all my information and asked me to go through and make sure they are all correct. I then was asked to sign.

He then showed me the oath allegiance and asked me to sign again. 

Congelation's! That's the end of the interview. I was given a letter notice which includes my oath ceremony date and time.  

I hope this post helps! I will do another update for the oath ceremony, so come back to learn more. See you!

Don't forget to read more about other related topics:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)
• How to be well-prepared for the N-400 Citizenship Interview by yourself

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)

DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

I can not believe that it’s been almost two years since I received my Green Card! It’s time to renew my Green Card. This time is a fairly easy process compared to what we have gone through when applying for the original Green Card. 

Many of my readers are asking if I would share my experience on renewing the conditional Green Card, aka Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. So here I am! Before we get into details, be sure to check your eligibility first!

Your current Conditional Green Card is only valid for 2 years and it can not be renewed. What we need to do is to apply for a NEW Green Card. Once your I-751 application is approved, you will receive a 10-year Green Card. Click here to learn more. 

When can you apply for US citizenship? Click here to find out.

Click here to learn about the Form I-751 processing time.

How to Renew My Conditional Green Card without RFE

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card 

Step 5: Prepare Fees 

Step 6: Put your package together 

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier 

Step 8: Do a final review! 

Step 9: The Interview 

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms 

What Form do I need to include to remove my conditional Green Card? 

1) Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence 

I can’t stress enough that you should download the latest version of forms directly from USCIS’s official website! You don’t want to be rejected by submitting an outdated version of forms. So let’s head over to this webpage to download form I-751 

2)  Form G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance 

If you’d like to be notified by email or text, remember to also download Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. I highly recommend including this! It’s so hard to keep waiting for the notification letters to show up in your mailbox…. Just sign this up and you will be the first to get notified when they receive your package! 

3) G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (Optional) 

This form is only needed when you choose to pay by Credit Card or Debit Card. 

These are really the only forms you needed!

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample(with a final review checklist!)

Having a cover letter makes your application organized and it also helps you review what is missing! If you need an example, definitely take advantage of my cover letter template:) I appreciate your support! 

I am asking for $8 for this document so I can continue to update you all with the latest information. Plus, you will also receive a final review checklist to help you make sure everything is all set. 

No one wants to make easy mistakes that can ruin or delay the application process!

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

For renewing a conditional Green Card, your bona fide marriage evidence is the biggest part of the application. So what do you need to provide? Short answer - anything that can prove the relationship between you and your US citizen spouse. 

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that you should include evidence since the date of your marriage. Many people made mistakes by providing only evidence from the date they received their Green Card (that’s not enough!) 

What evidence should I include for a bona fide marriage? 

You may have submitted some of these already when you applied for your original Green Card, but it doesn’t hurt to include them again. Here are some example: 

• Marriage Certificate 
• Birth Certificates of your child(ren) 
• Family Health Insurance Daily life photos 
• Download my cover letter sample to see the full list! 

Click here to learn more about preparing for Bona Fide Marriage Evidence.

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card

Check your Green Card again to make sure it’s not expired first and then make a photocopy of it. Remember to do both front and back! Black and white is totally fine.

Step 5: Prepare Fees

How much do I have to pay to remove conditions on residence?

Well, there are two key payments: 

•  The Biometric Service Fee: $85 
•  The Form I-751 fee: $595 

I separate the payment into two because I think it’s more clear what each fee is for. It’s totally fine to combine them if you wish though! 

What payment methods are accepted? 

Several options are available for you: 

• Credit Card/Debit Card - remember to fill out the authorization form.
• Personal Check 
• Money Order 
• More options

Check out this blog post to see how to write a money order and a personal check correctly to USCIS.

Do I need to include biometric service?

This is an interesting question. It’s quite confusing on the instructions actually. It did mention below: 

1. Conditional Resident. Each conditional resident and conditional resident dependent included in the principal petitioner’s Form I-751 is required to submit a biometric services fee with this petition, in addition to the required filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) 
2. U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse. If you are the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you do not need to include a biometric services fee at the time this petition is submitted. If USCIS later notifies you that you must submit your biometrics, you will receive a biometric services appointment notice with instructions on how to submit the additional fee. 

 I wasn’t sure which category I am supposed to be in so I just included the biometric service fee anyways. I figured if it’s not needed, they can just ignore it. Another good reason to keep each payment separate. 

Update: It turns out that they do require a biometric service fee! They cashed out my bio payment at the same time and I got my bio appointment again even though they already took the bio last time.

Step 6: Put your package together

As usual, all payments have to be on top so the agent can see them right away. Without correct payments, they will reject directly without further review. After that you need to include your Green Card copy, and other evidence together. I used a paper clip to hold all documents together and labeled them nicely. Here's my order:

Form I-751 Checklist

• 2 Payments on top
• The Cover letter
• Form I-751
• A copy of  your current Green Card
• Bona Fide marriage evidence
• Other supporting documents
• Download the cover letter sample to learn more

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier

There are really only two main addresses depending on which carrier you are using: (This is just an example) 

If you use U.S. Postal Service (USPS): 

USCIS 

Attn: I-751 

 P.O. Box 21200 

 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1200 

If you use FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: 

 USCIS 

 Attn: I-751 (Box 21200) 

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S 

Suite 100 

 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 

Be careful - Remember to triple check the correct address on USCIS’s website before you mail as they change them from time to time!

I shipped mine with UPS this time because we all heard about the long wait time and delays on USPS packages. The fee is slightly higher than USPS but it’s worth it for me. At least I don’t have to worry about losing track of the package or the package being delivered late, etc.

Step 8: Do a final review!

It’s always good to do a final review on a few things before you wrap up everything! 

Here are a few tips: 

• Use black ink for handwriting parts 
• Write “Original Submission” on the package if this is the first time you apply 
• Make sure all forms are current and not expired 
• Learn More! 

Download my cover letter sample and you will also receive a complete checklist!

Step 9: The Interview

While an interview for Form I-751 application is generally required, some applicants did report that they did not need to do an interview. Maybe when USCIS determines that your application is perfect then you might be able to skip the interview process (if you are lucky!) 

My personal application is still in the process, so I will come back and update you all on this part!

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

How long does it take to receive notifications/updates? 

It was about 2-3 weeks after I mailed my application before I received a text message notifying me that they had received my application. After a couple of days, I received an official I-797 notice in the mail. Check out my real timeline below! My application is still ongoing so stay tuned! 

• 4/9 Mailed out the I-751 application package 
• 4/12 Package tracking showed that it’s arrived 
• 5/1 Received a confirmation text message from USCIS 
• 5/3 Received the I-797 notice in the mail 
• 8/24 Received a mail notice for biometrics appointment 
• 9/8 Completed the bio appointment 
• 4/10 Submitted N-400 Application online
• 4/14 I-751 Case Transferred to another USCIS office
• 6/18 Received I-751 Interview notice
• 6/19 Received N-400 Interview notice (same day as I-751 interview)
• 7/20 Combined interviews conducted. Oath ceremony scheduled for 8/30!
• My application is going, so check back for more updates!

How is your application going? What do you want to know more about? Share with me in the comment!

Learn more:

• How long does it take to receive Form I-751 Approval?

• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?

Certain Hong Kong Residents are Eligible for Employment Authorization

Are you a Hong Kong resident on "Deferred Enforced Departure" (DED)? You may be eligible for apply for employment authorization! USCIS recently announced more details on how to apply for employment authorization for eligible Hong Kong residents.

This announcement came after the Predisent's memorandum on August 5th, directing DED for 18 months, through Feb. 5th, 2023.

Who are eligible?

Deferred Enforced Departure applies to only certain eligible Hong Kong residents. If you present in the US as of August 5th, 2021 and continuously resided here since then. You may be eligible. 

How do I apply for DED?

There's no need to apply! Those who are eligible under DED will be automatically covered by the Department of Homeland Security. 

How do I apply for Employment Authorization Document?

Submit form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

You can also apply for travel authorization by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This will allow you to travel based on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

Click here to check cover letter templates!

[Q&A] Do I Need to Apply for Form I-131 and I-765?

Many of our readers are in the process of applying for their Green Card and this question comes up very frequently! Do I need to apply for Form I-131 and I-765? Let’s look at it closer:

Are Form I-131 and Form I-765 Required?

Download Form I-485 Cover Letter Samples Here

Form I-131 is an application for Travel Document and Form I-765 is an application for Employment Authorization. Both of these documents are only needed for the transition time while your Green Card application is pending. The purpose of these two forms is to allow you to travel and work with a pending Green Card I-485 application.

In other words, once your Green Card is approved, you will no longer need these two documents for work and travel.

By the way - USCIS is issuing combo cards that combine travel and work permits on one single card now if you haven’t heard of.

So do you need to apply for them? It’s really up to you! I would recommend applying for the combo card along with your I-485 application whether you think you would need it or not! Why?

A couple of reasons:

• It’s free of charge with your I-485 application! (It may change later on, but it currently requires no additional fees if you apply together) 
• You never know if you will need to travel or work before your Green Card shows up! Especially during COVID-19, everything is slow, so why not?

Click here to see how to apply for these two and how I applied for my Green Card I-485 with No RFE here!

Ebook and cover letter samples are also available if you haven’t checked them out!

*Solved* The USCIS Forms are Expired? What should I do?

Just when you are about to submit your application, you realize that the forms you filled have an expired date on them. What should we do? 

Don’t picnic - First check on USCIS’s official website to see if that is the latest version of forms. If it is, you are good to go. If there’s a newer version available, you HAVE TO use the up-to-date forms. 

The USCIS Form on the Website is Expired - What do I do?

What if the latest form is expired? Not a problem. You can use that latest form available on USCIS’s website. As long as that is the newest on the official website, even if it’s expired, it’s still valid! The agents are just too busy and not being able to update these forms in time. 

 That’s it! Easy right? Check out more filing tips and tricks here:

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated November 2021)

• Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

• I-485 Adjustment of Status Cover Letter Samples

Conditional Permanent Residents with Pending Form I-751 Now Valid for 24 Months!

Are you a conditional permanent resident with a pending Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence? You can now use your receipt notice as an evidence of status for 24 months! Let's hear more details:

USCIS Extends evidence of status for conditional permanent residents to 24 months

Originally, USCIS offers 18 months validity period for conditional permanent residents to use their receipt notice as an evidence of status, now USCIS is extending that validity period to 24 months (two years!)

**1/23/2023 Update: USCIS is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. This change started on January 11, 2023, for Form I-829 and will start on January 25, 2023, for Form I-751.

Who is eligible?

Petitioners who properly filed:

• Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence OR
• Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status

Why the change?

This is due to the long processing times on Form I-751 and Form I-829 over the past year. 

How does this affect my status?

If you are a conditional permanent resident with a pending Form I-751 or Form I-829, you can show your receipt notice along with your Green Card as a proof of continued status for up to 24 months past the expiration date on your permanent resident card. 

Learn more:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Record Will be Required for all Green Card Applicants
• Get your Green Card and Social Security Card All at Once!
• USCIS Extends Validity Period of Form I-693 Medical Record to 4 Years!

USCIS Changes Filing Addresses for Form I-131

Attention! If you are about to file your form I-131, Application for Travel Document, pay attention to the correct filing address on USCIS's website!

Download Form I-131 Cover Letter Template

USCIS Changes Filing Addresses for Form I-131

To improve internal process at USCIS's lockboxes, USCIS has announced on July 22nd, that they will be updating the addresses for certain applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. 

Who is Affected by This Change?

• Applicants with a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, who are filing Form I-131 alone with a Form I-485 receipt notice;
• Haitian family members filing for advance parole under the Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) program;
• Cuban family members filing under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) program;
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients;
• Humanitarian parole applicants;
• Refugee travel document applicants;
• Temporary Protected Status applicants; and
• All other applicants as noted on the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 page.

View USCIS's official release here.

Don't forget to come back for more updates!

You might want to check out a few posts here: 

• USCIS Allows Certain Rejected Applicants to Re-file!

• 3 Latest USCIS Policy Updates that Affect Your Green Card Application

• USCIS Suspends Biometric Requirements for H-4, L-2 and E visa holders

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated August 2021)

Who is Going to Fill Top Immigration and Border Policy Positions?

Big news on Monday - President Biden nominated two vocal Trump critics to fill top immigration and border policy positions!

Who is Going to Fill Top Immigration and Border Policy Positions?

Biden nominated these two people to lead the two important immigration agencies:

• Tucson, Ariz. Police Chief Chris Magnus to lead Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Ur Jaddou to head United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

What does each agency do?

The two agencies are part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• CBP oversees border and port-of-entry operations
• USCIS works for granting visas, permanent residences and naturalizations, etc.

Both are very important for all immigrants in the US!

We can't wait to see what changes they will bring to the immigration system. What do you think?

Before you go, don't forget to check out these popular posts:

• DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE!
• Public Charge Rule Form I-944 Is No Longer Needed
• F-1 Students Can Now Apply OPT Online
• The 5th Edition of DIY Green Card Application Guide is Published!

Biden Reversed Trump's COVID-19 Freeze on Green Cards and Work Visas

 Did you hear this exciting news? President Biden on Wednesday revoked a COVID-19 freeze that Trump administration had put on visas and green cards. The reason being that the order didn't advance US interests and can hurt industries and individuals involved. Let's hear more about it!

COVID-19 Freeze on Green Cards and Work Visas is Revoked!

You must have heard the COVID-19 freeze which was implemented back in June 2020 as an extension to the 2017 "Buy American, Hire American" executive order.. Trump administration had frozen green cards for new immigrants and paused temporary work visas for skilled workers including manager, H-1B, H-4, H-2B, L-1, J and more visa holders. The reason was to protect American workers and safeguard US labor market during the pandemic.

However Biden administration argued that this policy prevented qualified and eligible non-US residents from entering the country.

"It harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here" - from President Biden

What does the reversal mean?

For those who had expected to wait until the end of March to apply for the coveted visas, can now submit their application immediately! (This is huge!)

Come back for more updates!

Can I Stay Over the 60-day Grace Period with a Pending OPT Receipt?

If you are still waiting for your work OPT or STEM extension to be approved, you must be a little concerned about overstaying in the US! Here's what you should know:

USCIS Delays Affect OPT Applicants 

As we all know by now, USCIS has been VERY slow on approving all kinds of visas and applications, including OPT work authorization, STEM extensions, as well as naturalization petitions. These are all affected by COVID-19 with USCIS working at a reduced capacity. 

Can You Stay Over the 60-day Grace Period?

Many OPT applications started worrying about whether they can remain in the US beyond the 60-day grace period if they can't receive the receipt notice in time. Luckily, universities and many immigration lawyers indicated that as long as your application was filed correctly and timely, the delay of issuing the receipt notice will not affect your immigration status!

So be sure you submit your application in time correctly! Come back for more USCIS news updates. 

You may find these articles useful: 

• DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE! (Updated January 2021)
• USCIS News Updates: January 2021
• H1B Spouse Can Work in the US Again!

Biden's First Day in the Office - 8 Key Immigration Changes You Should Know About

Within hours of his inauguration, President Biden has already begun implementing changes on immigration regulations. Let's take a quick peek at what he is proposing:

8 Key Immigration Updates from President Biden

The first biggest highlight goes to the farm workers. These workers serve important roles to keep the whole country fed throughout the pandemic, and Biden is going to offer a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

Green Card holders would also be able to shorten the wait time for presuming their citizenships. More updates include:

1. Provide path to citizenship for Dreamers including farm workers
2. Shorten wait time for Green Card holders to gain their citizenships 
3. Provide path to legal status for undocumented people residing in the United States
4. Extend overtime pay to all who toil in the agriculture industry
5. Provide 8-year path to citizenship for millions of undocumented Americans (5 years of temporary status and 3 years of Green Card)
6. Provide people who were brought to the US as children and/or adults who fled natural and human disasters immediate permanent residency
7. Reverse Muslim ban which prohibits travelers from countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Somalia
8. Possibly provide temporary legal status to minors from Central America

What do you think about these immigration changes? I am sure there will be more coming up. Looking forward to seeing more exciting updates in the next few months!

Before you go, have you checked out these updates?

• Watch Out! USCIS Updated the I-485 Form Filing Locations
• DIY How I Applied for My Green Card with No RFE! (Updated January 2021)
• USCIS Clarifies Certain Green Card Holders' Ineligibility for Naturalization

USCIS Replaces Green Card Extension Stickers

Do you have a sticker for your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Car(Green Card)? USCIS is about to replace it with a revised Form I-797 Notice of Action starting this January!

Who is affected?

This only affects Green Card holders who files Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card when their Green Cards expire or are about to expire. 

How do I prove my Green Card validity now?

The revised From I-797 notice that will soon be issued by USCIS will serve as a receipt notice for your Form I-90. Together with your Green Card, this From I-797 notice will be able to extend your Green Card validity for one year (12 months) from the date on your Green Card. This is your temporary proof of your permeant radiance status.

The revised Form I-797 notice will also serve as evidence of identity and employment authorization when presented with your expired Green Card. 

A few more things to know:

• Applicants who are scheduled for a biometrics appointment will receive an extension sticker at their appointment
• Other Form I-90 applicants will no longer have to visit the support center to obtain temporary evidence of LPR status
• Starting in January, applicants who file Form I-90 will receive the revised receipt notice in the mail in 7 to 10 days after USCIS accepts the application.

Read the USCIS release here. 

More USCIS updates for you....

• Watch Out! USCIS Updated the I-485 Form Filing Locations
• USCIS Clarifies Certain Green Card Holders' Ineligibility for Naturalization
• USCIS Suspending In-Person Services

Will the New Travel Ban Affect My Parents' Green Card Application?

Are you applying for a green card for your parent(s) and worried about President Trump's new 60-day travel ban that everyone has been talking about lately? You're not alone! Let's talk about it:

First of all, this travel ban ONLY affects immigrants abroad. So if your parents are already in the US, you can proceed with their visa normally - Most people file I-130 & I-485 concurrently. The USCIS is currently closed until June 4th though, so there will be no in-person interviews. See more information here:

• Concurrent Filing for I-485 & I-130 without RFEs
• How to Apply for a Green Card for My Parent(s)

If your parents are outside the US, you can still submit your I-130 petition Petition for Alien Relatives, but they will not be able to get their immigrant visas abroad. You will have to wait until the travel ban is lifted.

See More USCIS updates here.

China Airline Experience Sharing: Flying Internationally with a 9-Month-Old!

We made it back! I took my 9-month-old back to Taiwan for a 3-week visit this January. I did a lot of research on how to fly smoothly with a little baby, especially for international long flights (over 10+ hours!). I couldn’t find a lot of information about China Airline specifically so I decided to share my experience! We flew from JFK to TPE which is about 16 hours long flight.

China Airline Bassinet Requirements

You probably already heard that many airlines provide baby bassinets for passengers who fly with a baby. But! It’s not for everyone. Well, they only have 4 bassinets for economy seats per international flight. And, before you call them to book your bassinet, check to see if your baby is qualified for one! First of all, one adult is only allowed to fly with one baby on lap. If you have two babies, you have to buy at least one seat for one of them.

• Weight - your baby has to be under 10 kg (22 lb) 
• Height - your baby has to be shorter than 71 cm (28 inch) 

Click here to see China Airline's infant policy.

The flight attendant came to help us install the bassinet after the plane got to a certain height and stable. He asked me how heavy and tall the baby was before he installed the bassinet. Check out this photo below, T is pretty tight already, he was 69 cm and 8.5kg.

Note ***I was told that China Airline has changed their policy to only allow 6-month-old babies to use the bassinet.

I am not sure if this is accurate since every agent has different sayings, so be sure to ask them about the age limit before you book the tickets!


Honestly, T didn’t like the bassinet that much, so most of the time I still needed to hold him. I put him down when he is super tired and he stayed in there for a while until he woke up again. However, I was glad that I got to switch our seat to the bassinet seat because it has extra leg room! That makes both of us more comfortable. Not to mention that the person next to us didn’t show up! So we were lucky to have two seats...hehe:)

Can babies fly internationally free?

No, you have to pay 10% of an adult’s ticket!

Can I carry on a stroller?

Yes, but your stroller has to meet the carry-on size. An umbrella stroller that folds up quickly is usually a good choice. You can check in at the gate and the agent will return it to you when you get off the plane. Downside? You have to wait until everyone is gone before they can bring you your stroller out. So make sure you don’t have a tight connection flight schedule!

China Airline Baby Foods + Diapers

Remember to order your special meal for your little one! We were provided 5 diapers for the 16-hour flight. I prepared a couple extra ones just in case. On the way to Taiwan, T’s meal included 6 glass jars:

• 1 pear sauce
• 1 peach sauce
• 1 apple sauce
• 1 peas puree
• 1 chicken puree 
• 1 beef puree

On the way back we also had 6 jars of baby foods, 2 pear & banana sauce, and 4 apple sauce.

Check-in Bags

3 check-in bags were allowed for international flights with a baby. Overall this was a good travel with my little one! Have you flown with infants? What's your experience? I would love to hear it!

How to Go Through Canada Customs without Speaking English

Most of my elder relatives in my home country don't speak English. In fact, some of them probably don't understand English at all. Not to mention that they have never traveled abroad by themselves.

As my husband and I are expecting a baby soon in the USA, my parents are eager to come for a visit and meet their little grandchild! To make their wish come true, a big mission landed on me - help them get prepared for the trip and make sure the traveling won't have any hiccups.

We plan to book a direct flight from Taiwan to Canada and transfer from Canada to the USA by ground. Let's take a look at my planning of "shipping" my parents here!

How to Enter Canada Customs without Speaking English

The biggest concern, of course, is the language barrier. With proper preparation ahead of time, I am sure we all can help our non-English speaking relatives travel around the world without any issue and fear! There are a few things to think about:

Airline Special Assistance

Will they know where to go after they get off the airplane? Many airlines nowadays offer special assistance which includes directing elder/younger travelers to the connection flight or customs. As far as I know, EVA Air and China Airline offer this service. I am going to call the airline to request special assistance ahead of time so they will direct my parents to the customs after they land in Canada.

Fill Out the Declaration Card

How do they know how to fill out the declaration card? I found a sample declaration card online and filled out their information in English. They will bring this sheet with them to board the airplane. By the time they are given the declaration card, they just need to copy what I have on that sample sheet to the real card. That way, there won't be any confusion.

Canada Declaration Card Questions

For Canada visitors, the declaration card contains A, B, C parts. If you are traveling together with someone else that lives at the same address, you can have up to 4 same-address travelers on the same single card. Click here to see more details.

Write a Quick Note for the Customs

How are they going to answer the customs agent's questions if they can't even understand it? I decided to help them communicate with the agent through a note. I wrote down a quick note to answer some basic questions the agents might ask:

• What's your purpose for this visit?
• Where are you going?
• How long are you staying?
• Where are you staying?

At the bottom of the note, I left my contact information in case they need to clarify further. I also included my VISA status and occupation just in case they question about it. Click here to see the template I created.

As a matter of fact, based on other people's experience, if there is a language barrier, the customs agent will ask other people on site who speak your language to help translate. But it's still good to be prepared so my parents can be at ease.

Other Things to Look Out for:

Aside from the language barrier, I also prepared the following for my parents in case they need them:

• Airport Map: Download this from the airport website
• Cell Phone Service: Get a prepaid phone from your home country. I got it through T-Mobile. 
• WiFi Service: Check to see if the airport offers a free or paid WiFi service.
• Cash: Exchange some US or Canadian dollars just for emergency. Credit cards are generally accepted in most places in the USA.
• Meeting location: Decide a clear and easy-to-find meeting location for the pick-up and circle it on the map.

Have you ever helped elder/young non-English speakers travel abroad? What's your experience? Is there anything else that I am missing? Share with us!

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