Trump Signs New H-1B Law: $100,000 Annual Fee and Stricter Requirements

On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a new proclamation that brings sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program. The most striking provision: a $100,000 annual fee for all H-1B visa petitions, including renewals.

Key Provisions

Here are the main highlights of the new law:

• $100,000 Annual Fee – Both new applicants and renewal petitions must pay the fee, or they will be denied entry or extension.
• Entry Restrictions – Foreign nationals outside the U.S. who have not paid the fee will be barred from entering as H-1B workers, with limited exceptions for “national interest” cases.
• Documentation & Verification – Employers must retain proof of payment, subject to review by the State Department and DHS. Failure to pay will result in denial.
• Prevailing Wage Updates – The administration will initiate rulemaking to update wage requirements for H-1B workers, prioritizing high-skilled and higher-paid positions.

By dramatically raising costs and tightening wage rules, Trump’s move is designed to reshape the H-1B program into a much more exclusive pathway for only the highest-paid and most in-demand talent. The coming months will reveal whether these changes stand up in court, how employers adapt, and what it means for America’s ability to attract global talent.

The latest version of Form N-400, slated for use starting June 3, 2024, introduces significant updates from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Let's see what's new:

USCIS Unveils Updated Form N-400: Notable Changes and Third Gender Option

Streamlined Social Security Process:

Applicants can now opt to authorize USCIS to update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly through the form, eliminating the need for a visit to an SSA office or additional documentation, though alternatives remain available.

Inclusive Gender Option:

The N-400 becomes the first USCIS form to offer a third gender option, denoted as "X" for "Another Gender Identity," aligning with similar changes by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Regarding the "X" gender option:

• No supporting documentation is required. 
• It does not need to match other documents. 
• However, applicants may still need to visit an SSA field office for certain services. 
• Applicants with pending N-400 applications can request a gender update through various channels.

These updates reflect USCIS's commitment to inclusivity while ensuring identity verification and fraud prevention. Further updates to related forms are underway to accommodate these changes.

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 Proposed Rule to Adjust Certain Naturalization Application Fees

USCIS 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 Fees

USCIS 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 and they need more money to maintain timely case processing (which is one of the biggest concerns that everyone has!)

The projected revenues would also allow USCIS to increase the number of adjudicators processing applications, improve technology and increase support provided to individuals. 

Who will be affected by the new rule?

The proposed rule would include a modest increase in the fee for certain naturalization applications, while preserving existing fee waiver eligibility for low income and vulnerable populations and adding new fee exemptions for certain humanitarian programs. 

If finalized, the rule will decrease or minimally increase fees for more than one million low-income filers per year. 

New measures include:

• incorporate biometrics costs into the main benefit fee 
• remove the separate biometric services fee
• establish separate fees for each nonimmigrant classification covered by Form I-129
• Change premium processing timeframe from 15 calendar days to 15 business days
• institute lower fees for certain forms filed online

Click here to see the full measures

Please note that the fees will not change until the final rule goes into effect, after the public has the opportunity to comment and USCIS finalizes the fee schedule in response. Stay tuned for USCIS's public engagement session on proposed fee rule on Jan 11, 2023! 

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?

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?

USCIS Automatically Extends Green Cards for N-400 Naturalization Applicants

Great 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 Applicants

USCIS now automatically extends the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) for applicants who applied for naturalization! 

Since many naturalization applicants are experiencing long processing times, this new policy will help permanent resident maintain their status in the US and avoid the need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). 

In plain words - Make sure you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization in time and you will receive an automatic extension on your existing Green Card. Isn't that wonderful?

When does this policy start? 

It's effective on Dec. 12th, 2022! 

How do I prove that my expired Green Card has been extended? 

The N-400 receipt notice will have an updated language that extends your Green Card for up to 24 months for these applicants. 

As long as you present your expired Green Card with the N-400 receipt notice, you will be able to prove your continued status in the US. 

Keep Reading...

• 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?

NEW Trial Naturalization Test by USCIS

Are 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 become a US citizen. The test includes two parts, Eglish and civics test. 

If you are interested in learning about my naturalization test experience - click here to see more details!

USCIS Trials NEW Version of the Naturalization Test

USCIS announced recently that they would trial a new version of the naturalization test. Why? This decision is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to overhaul the immigration system. According to USCIS, some experts reviewed the current version of the test and suggested a redesign.

You may be interested in these:

• 11 Scanning Issues with USCIS You Should Avoid Now
• How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease
• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

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!

*NEW* 3 Things You Need to Know About USCIS Citizenship Ambassador Initiative

NEW! 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 lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who may be eligible to apply for naturalization (citizenship) but don't have access or knowledge of the naturalization process.

In plain words - the government wants to help you learn about how to become a citizen if you are eligible!  

“Granting citizenship is vital to our nation’s economic prosperity, and a future built on America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.

How does the ambassador initiative work? 

USCIS has selected 8 community leaders across the US to connect with aspiring citizens. These ambassadors will connect eligible populations with the USCIS by:

• sharing their experiences with the naturalization process
• highlighting available information and resources
• emphasizing the advantages of US citizenship
• addressing myths and misconceptions
• providing inspiration for other pursuing citizenship

Who are the partners?

See a full list here if you are interested. These ambassadors are all voluntary and unpaid! 

• Magdalena Alvarado, President, Ser y Hacer Galveston, Galveston, TX;
• Abdirizak Bihi, Executive Director, Somali Education and Social Advocacy Center, Minneapolis, MN;
• Myriam Mezadieu, Chief Operating Officer, Catholic Legal Services, Miami, FL;
• Nam Loc Nguyen, Former Director of Immigration and Refugee Department, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Orange County, CA;
• Margarita Rocha, Executive Director, Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Central Valley, CA;
• Luis Shephard, Community Leader, Boston, MA;
• Dr. Mara Vaughn, Professor, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; and
• Pao Yang, Executive Director, President and CEO, The Fresno Center (TFC), Fresno, CA.

Before you go...check out these articles!

• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

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

• How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease

How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease

I 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 Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

How to prepare for the N-400 Citizenship Tests

There will be three main tests and possibly some questions for the N-400 Yes/no questions. I gathered some great preparation materials here for your convenance. These really helped me prepare with ease and very efficiently. 

1. English reading test

For this part, the officer will show you a sentence on the tablet screen and ask you read it out loud.

Click here to download the Reading Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test

Click here to see a video for practicing the English reading test!

2. English writing test

For this part, the officer will read out loud a sentence and ask you to write down the answer on a tablet with a pen. He will then check for your spelling and correctness. Remember to spell out numbers and no abbreviations such as NYC, otherwise those will be considered incorrect! (very important)

Click here to download the Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test. 

3. Civic test 

There's a list of 100 civic test questions on USCIS's website with answers. Click here to download it! 

You need to remember all questions. Unless you are over age of 65, then you can just study the questions with * symbol. 

During the civic test, the officer will ask you 10 questions of the 100 questions randomly and you will need to get 6 correct answers out of 10 to pass.

Here's a video of the Civic test questions in Chinese and English

Having trouble remembering the answers? Try this video! It separates the questions by group.

4. N-400 Application Questions

The last part is the application questions. Sometimes the officer will test your understanding of the N-400 Yes/No questions. So just be prepared if you are being asked! Here is a great video that explains in more details.

Finally, if you think you are all prepared, I recommend watching this mock interview for more practices before you go to your real interview!

That's it! You may be interested in learning more 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 with Real Questions!

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 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 they obtained their Green Card via consular processing, however, USCIS announced recently that they are going to adopt a risk-based approach when waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed to remove conditions on residence. 

When will this go into effect?

This new update is effective immediately! This new update is one of the actions the agency takes to increase efficiencies and improve processing times. This is expected to allow for a better use of staffing resources.

Who is considered "low-risk"?

An agency offer will determine:

• There is sufficient evidence about the bona fides of the marriage. 
• There's no indication of fraud or misrepresentation in supporting documents
• No complex facts or issues to resolve
• No criminal history that render the CPR removable
• Joint-filing requirement is also eligible for a waiver if applicable. 

You may be interested in these posts too:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!
• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!

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!

New H-2A Employer Data Hub

USCIS is coming out with an H-2A Employer Data Hub! See what this is all about:

USCIS Launched a New H-2A Employer Data Hub

What it is? 

H-2A Employer Data Hub was created by USCIS to provide the public with information on employers petitioning for H-2A workers. This is meant to be increasing transparency in employment-based visa programs. USCIS also launched the H-1B Data Hub back in 2019.

What does it do?

This data hub will allow you to search for H-2A petitions from 2015 through 2021. You will be able to see employer name, city, state, ZIP code, worksite state, NAICS code, and SOC code. You and your employers will have a better understanding of the approval and denial rates and be able to make a better decision.

Download the H-2A Employer Data Hub Files here. 

Learn more about the H-2A program here.

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!

New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!

 Are you eligible for US citizenship through naturalization? Now there's an easy way to find out! 

USCIS Released a New Naturalization (N-400) Eligibility Tool

To help you quickly determine whether you may be eligible to submit your application for Naturalization (N-400), USCIS recently released a new online Naturalization Eligibility Tool! 

Click here to get on the page and answer a few questions, then you will see if you are eligible or not at this time! Easy enough? Check it out now!

Note that this is just an online quick tool to help you determine your edibility for citizenship. After you submit your application, USCIS still need to review your information and make a decision on whether you are eligible for citizenship through naturalization.

Read More:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!

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

• DIY I-485 Adjustment of Status Part II: Immigration Interview (with real questions!)

• How long does it take to receive my EAD card in 2021? (Updated November 2021)

*Attention* USCIS Adjusted Some Application Filing Locations!

Great news! USCIS is planning on opening a new facility in Elgin, Illinois next year! This will expand its lock box capacity.

USCIS Adjusted Some Application Filing Locations

It's worth mentioning that USCIS has adjusted filing locations for certain applications and this could include some I-485 adjustment of status (AOS) applications. For example, some AOS applicants who originally would have submitted to the Phoenix Lockbox now should go to Chicago or Dallas Lockbox. 

Additionally, USCIS also streamlined filing locations for some employment-based forms to a single lockbox location. So be sure to triple check your correct filing location! 

USCIS Expands Lock Box Capacity

This coming new year, USCIS will be adding a few more filing location changes and they will add Elgin as a new filing location. Soon USCIS will also be moving the Phoenix lockbox facility in Arizona to Tempe. 

How to check the correct USCIS filing location

To avoid delays or even rejections, you need to use the most current filing location! Go to USCIS's website and find your form. On that page, you should be a Where to File section for more detail!

Learn more updates:

• How long does it take to receive my EAD card in 2021? (Updated November 2021)
• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?
• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!

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?