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A Service Request (or Case Assistance Request) is essentially a formal inquiry made by an applicant or an applicant’s attorney asking for information about the status of a case pending before the US Citizenship & Immigration Services, or requesting something from the USCIS. USCIS now refers to these as “Case Assistance Requests” on their website. Usually you would be submitting a Service Request because (1)the case is outside the normal processing time that are posted at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and you want case status information; (2) you need to request accommodations; (3) you noticed a typographical error you need to get corrected; or (4) you need to reschedule an appointment/interview.. WHAT INFORMATION CAN YOU GET? When you make a Service Request you will explain what the problem is you are attempting to remedy or ask for information about your case is outside normal processing times. Typically a Service Request is a tool reserved for the following situations: You have not received a notice, or other correspondence that you should have received already. For instance, if you check the status of your case at uscis.gov and it says that USCIS mailed a notice to the address provided and that you should contact USCIS if you don’t receive that notice within ten days. If you have not received any update on the status of the application or petition that you filed, the USCIS Online Case Status System does not show any update, and you checked the current processing times for form that you filed at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and you see that your case is outside of the normal processing times. Example: You filed an I-485 application for adjustment of status and received a receipt notice nine months ago but nothing since then. You check the case status online at uscis.gov using the receipt number but that only states that USCIS received your application nine months ago. You check the current processing times on the uscis processing times page and there it says that 80% of Form I-485 Applications are adjudicated within six months. Your case is outside processing times and you have were diligent in attempting to get a status update through all other available channels before submitting a Service Request. If your hearing is impaired and you will require a sign-language interpreter for your USCIS interview then you should request those accommodations as soon as possible. If you received your EAD or LPR Card or other document from USCIS and you see there is a typographical error. If you contact USCIS after receiving your receipt notice to inform them of the typographical error then they may be able to make that correction in time to avoid your card being printed with the error. More on having USCIS fix an error. If you need to request expedited processing because of a time-sensitive emergency. For example, if one of your parents is in the hospital with a serious medical condition and you are requesting a travel document like advance parole to go visit them. WHO CAN MAKE A SERVICE REQUEST? Only the applicant or their attorney who has submitted a Form G-28 that has been accepted and processed by USCIS can make a Service Request. You will need to provide personal information to confirm your identity to submit the request. HOW TO MAKE A SERVICE REQUEST? A Service Request can be made online, by phone, or in-person, although since COVID-19 it has become exceedingly difficult to get in-person appointments at USCIS so they are quite rare now. Only the applicant or their attorney who has submitted a Form G-28 that has been accepted and processed by USCIS can make a Service Request. ONLINE: https://www.uscis.gov PHONE: 1-800-375-5283 BY MAIL: ⬅️ The mailing address will depend on the specific form you are inquiring about and where you live. You should address your letter to the USCIS Field Office with Jurisdiction over your case. WHEN CONTACTING USCIS You should make sure you have the following whenever you are contacting USCIS: A pen/pencil to write down the Service Request Confirmation Number they give you and the ID number of the person you speak with; The Name and DOB of the petitioner and beneficiary (if applicable), the receipt number of the application/petition, and the address you gave to USCIS, and your A number; At least an hour to wait on hold if you are contacting them by phone. WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT USCIS? You should not make a Service Request or otherwise contact USCIS for assistance when you are looking for information that is readily available on the USCIS website (what form do I need to file for employment authorization or what address should the form be submitted to) or things USCIS cannot assist you with. Send a Secure Message If you filed a form online through myUSCIS, you have access to all of the account features (such as a secure inbox and the ability to view notices, respond to RFEs, check case status, etc.) and can send a secure message from within your USCIS online account. If you did not file your case online but have a receipt number that begins with “IOE,” you have access to all account features AFTER you (1) create your online account AND (2) link your paper filing to your myUSCIS account using a unique Online Access Code (OAC) that USCIS provides via mail. You can then send secure messages to USCIS. Submit a Complaint About a USCIS Worker Use the report employee misconduct link. Do not submit a Service Request. WHAT IS THE NORMAL PROCESSING TIME? What’s an INquiry Date? The normal processing time is the amount of time that USCIS claims that it usually takes for the specific form to be adjudicated by them. To manage their limited resources by allowing staff to focus on adjudicating cases rather than responding to inquiries–USCIS only allows inquiries for cases that are taking longer than the time USCIS took to complete 93% of adjudications. Those cases are deemed to be outside normal processing times. The
§ 274a.12 Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment. (a) Aliens authorized employment incident to status. Pursuant to the statutory or regulatory reference cited, the following classes of aliens are authorized to be employed in the United States without restrictions as to location or type of employment as a condition of their admission or subsequent change to one of the indicated classes. Any alien who is within a class of aliens described in paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(6) – (a)(8), (a)(10) – (a)(15), or (a)(20) of this section, and who seeks to be employed in the United States, must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a document evidencing such employment authorization. USCIS may, in its discretion, determine the validity period assigned to any document issued evidencing an alien’s authorization to work in the United States. (1) An alien who is a lawful permanent resident (with or without conditions pursuant to section 216 of the Act), as evidenced by Form I-551 issued by the Service. An expiration date on the Form I-551 reflects only that the card must be renewed, not that the bearer’s work authorization has expired; (2) An alien admitted to the United States as a lawful temporary resident pursuant to sections 245A or 210 of the Act, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (3) An alien admitted to the United States as a refugee pursuant to section 207 of the Act for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (4) An alien paroled into the United States as a refugee for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (5) An alien granted asylum under section 208 of the Act for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document, issued by USCIS to the alien. An expiration date on the employment authorization document issued by USCIS reflects only that the document must be renewed, and not that the bearer’s work authorization has expired. Evidence of employment authorization shall be granted in increments not exceeding 5 years for the period of time the alien remains in that status. (6) An alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant fiancé or fiancée pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(K)(i) of the Act, or an alien admitted as a child of such alien, for the period of admission in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (7) An alien admitted as a parent (N-8) or dependent child (N-9) of an alien granted permanent residence under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the Act, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (8) An alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to the Compact of Free Association between the United States and of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau; (9) Any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant spouse pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of the Act, or an alien admitted as a child of such alien, for the period of admission in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document, with an expiration date issued by the Service; (10) An alien granted withholding of deportation or removal for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (11) An alien whose enforced departure from the United States has been deferred in accordance with a directive from the President of the United States to the Secretary. Employment is authorized for the period of time and under the conditions established by the Secretary pursuant to the Presidential directive; (12) An alien granted Temporary Protected Status under section 244 of the Act for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (13) An alien granted voluntary departure by the Attorney General under the Family Unity Program established by section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (14) An alien granted Family Unity benefits under section 1504 of the Legal Immigrant Family Equity (LIFE) Act Amendments, Public Law 106-554, and the provisions of 8 CFR part 245a, Subpart C of this chapter, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service; (15) Any alien in V nonimmigrant status as defined in section 101(a)(15)(V) of the Act and 8 CFR 214.15. (16) Any alien in T-1 nonimmigrant status, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.11, for the period in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien. (17)-(18) [Reserved] (19) Any alien in U-1 nonimmigrant status, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14, for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien. (20) Any alien in U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14, for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien. (b) Aliens authorized for employment with a specific employer incident to status or parole. The following classes of aliens are authorized to be employed in the United States by the specific employer and subject to any restrictions described in the section(s) of this chapter indicated as a condition of their parole or of their admission in, or subsequent change to, the designated nonimmigrant classification. An alien in one of these classes is not issued an employment authorization document by DHS: (1) A foreign government official (A-1 or A-2), pursuant to § 214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the foreign government entity; (2) An employee of a foreign government official (A-3), pursuant to § 214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the foreign government official; (3)
(c) Alien crewmen, aliens continuing or accepting unauthorized employment, and aliens admitted in transit without visa Other than an alien having an approved petition for classification as a VAWA self-petitioner, subsection (a) shall not be applicable to (1) an alien crewman; (2) subject to subsection (k), an alien (other than an immediate relative as defined in section 1151(b) of this title or a special immigrant described in section 1101(a)(27)(H), (I), (J), or (K) of this title) who hereafter continues in or accepts unauthorized employment prior to filing an application for adjustment of status or who is in unlawful immigration status on the date of filing the application for adjustment of status or who has failed (other than through no fault of his own or for technical reasons) to maintain continuously a lawful status since entry into the United States; (3) any alien admitted in transit without visa under section 1182(d)(4)(C) of this title; (4) an alien (other than an immediate relative as defined in section 1151(b) of this title) who was admitted as a nonimmigrant visitor without a visa under section 1182(l) of this title or section 1187 of this title; (5) an alien who was admitted as a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(S) of this title, (6) an alien who is deportable under section 1227(a)(4)(B) of this title; (7) any alien who seeks adjustment of status to that of an immigrant under section 1153(b) of this title and is not in a lawful nonimmigrant status; or (8) any alien who was employed while the alien was an unauthorized alien, as defined in section 1324a(h)(3) of this title, or who has otherwise violated the terms of a nonimmigrant visa. – INA 245(c) / Title 8-ALIENS AND NATIONALITY CHAPTER 12-IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY SUBCHAPTER II (Link to Full) These bars apply not only to unauthorized employment since an applicant’s most recent entry but also to unauthorized employment during any previous periods of stay in the United States. Employment-based applicants also may be eligible for exemption from this bar under INA 245(k). An applicant employed while his or her adjustment application is pending final adjudication must maintain USCIS employment authorization and comply with the terms and conditions of that authorization. The filing of an adjustment application itself does not authorize employment. OTHER LINKS https://web.archive.org/web/20160607145933/https://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume7-PartB-Chapter6.html USCIS POLICY MANUAL Volume 7 Chapter 6 – Unauthorized Employment https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1255&num=0&edition=prelim My Attorney USA
If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, you typically must undergo an immigration medical examination and receive vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases. The examination must be done by a doctor who is designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS designates certain doctors (known as civil surgeons) to perform the immigration medical examination required for most green card applicants. The civil surgeon that conducts your medical examination and review of your vaccination records will then prepare a Form I-693 which will serve as evidence of your compliance with this requirement. A NEW USCIS POLICY requires that an applicant for permanent residency submit a completed Form I-693 WITH their Form I-485 application for adjustment of status or the application will be rejected. WHO CAN PERFORM AN IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND COMPLETE THE FORM I-693? Immigration medical examinations conducted inside the United States must be performed by a civil surgeon who has been designated by USCIS. (Immigration medical examinations conducted outside the United States must be performed by a panel physician who is authorized by the Department of State.). For more information on immigration medical examination, see Form I-693, Report of Medial Examination and Vaccination Record and USCIS Policy Manual Guidance on Health- Related Grounds of Inadmissibility. HOW CAN I FIND A CIVIL SURGEON IN MY AREA to PERFORM THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND COMLETE THE FORM I-693? USCIS has a excellent tool on their website which allows you to search for civil surgeons by location and language spoken, so you can find a designated civil surgeon to complete your medical examination who is not only close to you but speaks your language. Further, you can narrow your search down by gender. This is a really great feature they added as it makes the unpleasant task of going to the doctor much more comfortable when you can pick a doctor in your neighborhood who you can communicate with easily…it’s a trip to the amusement park but it makes the process less uncomfortable. To find a designate civil surgeon in your area use the tool on the top of this webpage. What Exactly is the Examination? The immigration medical examination entails a review of your medical history and a physical examination. The civil surgeon will review your medical history and then perform a basic physical examination. As part of the physical examination the civil surgeon will test for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on age, as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon will complete the Form I-693 and seal the form in an envelope for you to submit to USCIS. They usually stamp the envelope across the fold to ensure the seal is not broken before it is submitted to USCIS. Be careful with the sealed envelope and before you leave the office ensure that it is completely sealed shut. USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope has been opened or altered. It is strongly recommended that you ask the civil surgeon for an extra copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the civil surgeon seals the original in the envelope. You can review that copy prior to submitting the sealed envelope, so if you notice the civil surgeon made any mistakes (spelling of your name, date of birth, etc.) you can go have it corrected so it will not delay your application. You can find all the details about the Form I-693 on the USCIS website at uscis.gov/i-693. WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR EXAMINATION Bring the following to your medical examination: Vaccination Requirements These Questions and Answers provide basic information about the general vaccination requirements for immigrants (this page does not address the vaccination assessments conducted by panel physicians overseas). For refugees applying for adjustment of status, health department physicians may complete only the vaccination record portion of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, as blanket-designated civil surgeons. WHAT VACCINATIONS AM I REQUIRED TO GET? Under the immigration laws of the United States, a noncitizen who applies for an immigrant visa abroad, or who seeks to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident while in the United States, is required to receive vaccinations to prevent the following diseases: NOTE: If a noncitizen applies for an immigrant visa abroad, that individual has to undergo an immigration medical examination conducted by a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). CDC issues separate instructions to panel physicians designated by DOS to conduct immigration medical examinations abroad. For more information about panel physicians, please consult CDC’s and DOS’s websites: Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians | CDC & Medical Examinations FAQs (state.gov). CDC publishes the vaccination requirements and immigration medical examination instructions (including a detailed table listing all required vaccines) at www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/hcp/civil-surgeons/index.html. WILL IMMIGRATION FORCE ME TO GET ALL OF THESE VACCINATIONS? No. No Government agency will force you to get any vaccinations. It is your decision whether or not you wish to get vaccinated, however, should you choose not to get the required vaccinations then you will not be admitted to the US as a legal permanent resident–your application will be denied. HOW CAN MY APPLICATION BE DENIED BECAUSE OF VACCINATION RECORDS? Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii), a noncitizen who seeks admission as an immigrant or who seeks adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident, who fails to show proof that they were vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, is inadmissible and therefore ineligible for admission or adjustment of status. LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR IMMIGRATION VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS The legal foundation for this authority is found in Title 8: Aliens and Nationality and Title 42: The Public Health and Welfare of the U.S. Code (USC), and relevant supporting regulations at Title 42 Public Health in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Title 8 of the U.S. Code: Aliens and Nationality Title 42 of the U.S. Code: The Public Health and Welfare Title 42 of the
Civics Practice Test (English) Tarjetas de Educación Cívica para el Examen de Naturalización (Tarjetas de Educación Cívica para el Examen de Naturalización) 100 Civics Questions and Answers (Spanish) (DOCX, 104.84 KB) 100 Preguntas y Respuestas de Educación Cívica Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide (Spanish) Civics Practice Test (Spanish) Reading & Writing Test Writing Vocabulary Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 1014.08 KB) Easy-to-use flash cards containing vocabulary words to help study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. Reading Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 184.75 KB) Official list of vocabulary for the English reading portion of the naturalization test. Writing Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 181.5 KB) Official list of vocabulary for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. Reading Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test (large print) (PDF, 130.53 KB) Official list of vocabulary for the English reading portion of the naturalization test. Writing Test Vocabulary List for the Naturalization Test (large print) (PDF, 126.91 KB) Official list of vocabulary for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. Vocabulary for the Naturalization Interview: Self-Test 1 This reading activity has words and phrases that you may read on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, or hear during the naturalization interview. Teacher Guide (PDF, 130.88 KB) Vocabulary for the Naturalization Interview: Self-Test 2 This reading and listening activity has words and phrases that you may read on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, or hear during the naturalization interview. Teacher Guide (PDF, 133.38 KB)
On August 19, 2024 USCIS will begin accepting Applications for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens using a new electronic Form I-131F. USCIS has published webpages with additional information about these processes: Filing Guide for Form I-131F & Keeping Families Together webpage. USCIS has also updated the Key Questions and Answers about the process on the Keeping Families Together webpage. More information about Keeping Families Together will be made available in a Federal Register notice in the coming days.Form I-131F will only be available to file online. Each requestor, including minors, must file a separate Form I-131F, and each requestor must have their own USCIS online account, including minors. Information on creating a USCIS online account is available on the How to Create a USCIS Online Account webpage. There is no paper form for this process.
July 18, 2024, USCIS published a Policy Alert (PA-2024-21), with information about changes made to the USCIS Policy Manual in regards to the agency’s interpretation of Acquired Citizenship provisions for children. HIGHLIGHTS Summary of Changes Affected Section: Volume 12 > Part H > Chapter 1, Purpose and Background SOURCE: Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part H, Children of U.S. Citizens [12 USCIS-PM H] (Chapters 1-6).
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