USCIS Updates and Improve Certain Immigration Forms

USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:

               Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (published on Feb. 4): provide clear and comprehensive instructions in plain language and are in a user-friendly format.

               Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (published on Jan. 16): improves the application intake process and reduces customer errors. This two-column, Adobe fillable electronic form restricts incorrect entries and provides informational pop-up boxes to assist customers.

               Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (published on Jan. 16): includes 2D barcode technology to improve data quality and operational efficiency. The barcode at the bottom of the page stores the data on the form when entered electronically.

USCIS has also launched a new USCIS Form Improvements Initiative Web Page which explains the types of improvements in the initiative, introduces recently published and upcoming forms, and links to each form’s landing Web page. Visitors will also find information related to form improvement initiatives, including enhanced Web content (i.e., posting filing addresses and detailed fee information on form landing pages) and filing reminders.

New $165 USCIS Immigrant Fee Begins Feb. 1, 2013

On Feb. 1, 2013,U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting a new USCIS Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States. This new fee was established in USCIS’s final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions announced on Sept. 24, 2010.

USCIS has worked closely with the Department of State (DOS) to implement the new fee which allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas in the United States after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from DOS. This includes staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card. The implementation of this new fee is further detailed in a Federal Register notice.

In order to simplify and centralize the payment process, applicants will pay online through the USCIS website after they receive their visa package from DOS and before they depart for the United States. DOS will provide applicants with specific information on how to submit payment when they attend their consular interview. The new fee is in addition to fees charged by DOS associated with an individual’s immigrant visa application.

USCIS processes approximately 36,000 immigrant visa packages each month. Prospective adoptive parents whose child will enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague processes are exempt from the new fee.

USCIS Expands e-Request Immigration System

USCIS has expanded the services offered by the e-Request system.  This Web-based tool allows customers to inquire about applications and petitions submitted to USCIS.

On November 19, customers will see the following enhancements to e-Request:

               Create a service request for all forms to either inquire about the status of your application or petition if it is outside of the normal processing time OR notify USCIS about an administrative error in a notice or document the USCIS sent you.

               For Forms I-90 and N-400 only, inquire about an Application Support Center appointment notice or other notice you were expecting to receive.

               Accessibility to individuals with disabilities (section 508 compliant).

To submit an e-Request, please visit the USCIS e-Request home page and have your receipt number available. 

Fingerprints ('Biometrics') and the Immigration Process

Fingerprints

USCIS requires applicants and petitioners for certain immigration benefits to be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting FBI criminal background checks. To better ensure both the quality and integrity of the process, USCIS processes fingerprint cards for immigration benefits only if an authorized fingerprint site prepares them. Authorized fingerprint sites include USCIS offices, Application Support Centers (ASCs), and U.S. consular offices and military installations abroad.

In general, USCIS schedules people to be fingerprinted at an authorized fingerprint site after an application or petition is filed. USCIS charges a set fee per person (for most applicants) at the time of filing for this fingerprinting service. Please check the instructions on your Immigration application or petition form to find out if you must be fingerprinted.

The following three points apply for all immigration benefits applications requiring an FD-258 fingerprint check filed with USCIS after March 29, 1998:

1.          Do not submit a completed fingerprint card (FD-258) with your application. Your application will be accepted without the fingerprint card attached. If you submit a completed fingerprint card with your application on or after March 29, 1998, the card will be rejected and you will be scheduled to be fingerprinted by USCIS.

2.          Do submit fee, in addition to the application fee, payable to USCIS, with your application. The fee is noted at the top of our Forms and Fees page. This charge will cover the cost for you to be fingerprinted by USCIS.

3.          After USCIS receives your application, USCIS will provide you with an appointment letter with the location of the nearest USCIS authorized fingerprint site. Please read the instructions in the appointment letter, and take it to USCIS authorized fingerprint site when you go to your fingerprint appointment.

Exceptions:

Applicants and petitioners residing abroad who are fingerprinted at a United States consular or military installation abroad do not need to be fingerprinted by USCIS and are exempt from the fingerprint fee. These applicants and petitioners must file their completed card at the time their application or petition is filed.

The following forms are subject to exceptions to the above requirements.  

               Special Fingerprint Instructions for Form I-600, "Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative (Orphan Petition," and Form I-600A, "Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition (Advance Processing Application)"

               Form I-589, "Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal"