Category: Tuesday Immigration Update

Tuesday Immigration Update

5/13/2025

Always Check Form Dates Before Filing

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated several immigration forms, including Form I-765 and Form I-90—two of the most commonly used applications by foreign nationals and lawful permanent residents. As of May 29, 2025, USCIS will reject prior versions of these forms (both previously dated 08/28/24).

This update serves as an important reminder: always verify the edition date of any USCIS form before submitting your application.

Key Details:

The current edition of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) is dated 01/20/25.
The current edition of Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) is also dated 01/20/25.
USCIS will not accept older editions of these forms starting May 29, 2025.
You can verify the edition date by checking the bottom left-hand corner of the form and its instructions. The USCIS website will always list the acceptable version.

Why This Matters:

Submitting an outdated form can lead to rejection or significant delays. This may affect your ability to work lawfully (for I-765 applicants) or maintain valid proof of permanent residency (for I-90 applicants). In urgent situations, even minor delays can cause major disruptions.

Older forms may also reference outdated regulations, incorrect filing fees, or obsolete procedures—putting your application at risk.

How to Prepare:

✔ Always download the latest version of forms directly from the official USCIS website.
✔ Confirm the edition date before you begin completing the form.
✔ Review the instructions to ensure proper filing fees and required documents are included.
✔ File with the correct USCIS lockbox or service center based on your category.

Stay Current, Stay Compliant

At Stommes Immigration, we actively monitor form updates and regulatory changes to protect our clients from preventable errors and delays. If you are planning to file Form I-765, Form I-90, or any other USCIS application, our team is here to ensure your materials are accurate, up to date, and filed properly.

Do not let an outdated form delay your future. For support with your filing, contact us at [email protected].

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

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Tuesday Immigration Updates

5/6/2025

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USCIS to Conduct Random In-Person Visits for Certain Visa Holders

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its use of unannounced, random in-person site visits for employment-based visa holders, including individuals on H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas. This initiative is part of USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) mission “to verify information in visa petitions and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.”

Key Details:

Site visits may take place at the petitioner’s primary business address or the beneficiary’s actual worksite, including remote or third-party locations if listed in the petition.

USCIS officers will typically verify job duties, salary, worksite conditions, and whether the visa holder is working in the role described in the original petition.

Employers and employees are expected to cooperate fully and provide requested documentation during the visit. Failure to do so may lead to additional scrutiny or adverse immigration consequences.

Why This Matters:

For both employers and foreign nationals, maintaining compliance with the terms of the approved petition is essential. Any material changes—such as job title, work location, or salary—may require filing an amended petition. Inconsistencies can result in visa revocation or denial of future immigration benefits.

How to Prepare:

Keep employment records current and aligned with the information submitted to USCIS.

File amended petitions promptly for any material changes to the job or worksite.

Train HR and front-desk staff to handle site visits and direct officers to the appropriate representative.

*Cooperate with USCIS officers and provide accurate documentation during the inspection.

For official guidance, visit the USCIS page on H-1B Compliance and Site Visits.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

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Tuesday Immigration Updates

4/29/2025

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DHS to Begin Screening Foreign Nationals' Social Media Activity for "Antisemitism"

As of April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin screening the social media activity of foreign nationals as part of the vetting process. This initiative aims to address concerns over "antisemitism" and "other harmful ideologies" that could pose "security risks" to the U.S.

Key Details:

The screening will focus on identifying individuals with "ties to extremist activities," including "antisemitism," to ensure they do not "pose a threat to public safety or national security."
DHS plans to use social media platforms as a tool to evaluate an individual’s potential risk before granting entry to the U.S.
This policy is part of a broader effort to "tighten security protocols and align immigration processes with national security objectives."

Why This Matters:

This new policy represents a significant shift in how foreign nationals are vetted for entry into the U.S. If you are applying for a visa or permanent residency, it is important to be aware that DHS will now be reviewing your social media activity.

To prepare for this change, foreign nationals should ensure their online presence aligns with the current administration’s U.S. policies. Avoid posting or sharing content that could be viewed as promoting "antisemitism", "hate speech", or any politically sensitive material. Even if such content was shared in the past, it is crucial to review your social media profiles, remove any problematic posts, and adjust privacy settings to restrict access to sensitive or potentially harmful information.

Proactively managing your social media activity can help prevent delays or denials in your application due to national security concerns. If you need guidance on how this new screening process may impact your immigration journey, consulting with an immigration attorney is highly recommended.

For more detailed information, read the full announcement here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism

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Tuesday Immigration Updates

4/22/2025

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New Online Registration Requirement

As of April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out a new online registration requirement for certain foreign nationals who are physically present in the United States for 30 days or more without prior registration. This new policy affects a variety of individuals—including some who may not realize they are required to take action.

Who Must Register:

Children who have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more and turn 14 while present
Visa-exempt Canadian nationals entering the U.S. for business or tourism at land ports of entry without receiving a Form I-94, and staying for 30 days or longer
Foreign nationals who entered without inspection (EWI) and have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or more without a prior record of registration with DHS

Why This Matters—Especially for Children Turning 14

One of the most significant implications of this rule applies to children who turn 14 while physically present in the U.S. for 30 days or more. These children must independently register with DHS through the new online system, even if they have already been included on a parent’s application or benefit request.

Failing to complete this registration could create complications when applying for future immigration benefits, including adjustment of status (green card applications), employment authorization, or even naturalization down the line. Parents should be especially mindful of this rule as their children approach this age milestone.

What Does Registration Involve?

The registration process requires individuals to submit:

Biographic information
A recent photograph
Fingerprints (as required)

DHS may also conduct vetting as part of the registration process to maintain national security and immigration compliance.

Additional Affected Groups

In addition to children turning 14, this rule applies to other groups who may not typically receive a formal DHS registration:

Visa-exempt Canadian nationals are often permitted to enter the U.S. without a Form I-94 when visiting for business or tourism. If their stay extends beyond 30 days, they must now complete this new registration to remain compliant.
Foreign nationals who entered without inspection (EWI)—including those who crossed the border unlawfully—must register if they remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days without any prior DHS record.

Stay Compliant, Stay Informed

It’s critical for individuals and families—especially those with children nearing 14 or with unique entry circumstances—to be aware of this change and take timely action. The consequences of missing this registration could result in delays, denials, or additional scrutiny during future immigration processes.

If you or a family member may be affected by this new rule, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through the online registration process and ensure you remain in compliance with evolving immigration requirements.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

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Tuesday Immigration Update

4/15/2025

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May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released

The U.S. Department of State has published the May 2025 Visa Bulletin, outlining the availability of immigrant visa numbers for both family-sponsored and employment-based categories. This bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking to adjust their status or apply for immigrant visas, as it determines when applicants can proceed with their applications.

1. Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing

The Visa Bulletin provides two critical sets of dates:

Final Action Dates: These dates indicate when visas may be issued. Applicants with priority dates earlier than the listed dates are eligible for final processing.

Dates for Filing: These dates suggest when applicants can begin submitting required documentation to the National Visa Center.

For May 2025, USCIS has directed applicants to use the "Final Action Dates" chart to determine eligibility for filing adjustment of status applications. 

2. Employment-Based Visa Categories

A significant development in the employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) category is the exhaustion of available visas for Fiscal Year 2025. As a result, embassies and consulates will not issue EB-4 visas for the remainder of the fiscal year. Visa issuance in this category will resume with the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025.

3. Family-Sponsored Visa Categories

The family-sponsored categories continue to progress, with modest advancements in priority dates across various preferences. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific dates listed in the bulletin to assess their eligibility.

Action Steps for Applicants:

Review the May 2025 Visa Bulletin: Determine your eligibility based on the Final Action Dates.

Prepare Documentation: If your priority date is current, gather and submit the necessary documents promptly.

Consult with Legal Experts: Given the complexities of immigration law, seeking advice from immigration attorneys can provide clarity and guidance.

Staying informed about the Visa Bulletin's updates is essential for navigating the immigration process effectively. Regularly checking the bulletin ensures that applicants can take timely action when their priority dates become current.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

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Tuesday Immigration Update

4/8/2025

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New I-9 Form Updates for Employers

This week, the USCIS issued an updated I-9 Form that all U.S. employers must use to verify employee eligibility. Here are the key updates you need to know:

New I-9 Form Released by USCIS: Key Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an updated version of Form I-9 to reflect minor but important changes. These adjustments are designed to improve clarity, change statutory language, and update the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice.

1. Renaming the Fourth Checkbox in Section 1

One of the notable changes is the renaming of the fourth checkbox in Section 1. The option is now labeled: "An alien authorized to work"

2. Updates to the List of Acceptable Documents

Another key update is the revision of the descriptions in the List of Acceptable Documents (the list employers use to verify identity and work authorization).

3. Privacy Notice Revision

The DHS Privacy Notice section has been updated to reflect current privacy standards and clarify how employers should handle personal information collected on the I-9 form.

4. Effective Date

While employers can still use the previous version of the I-9 form until their respective expiration dates:

Form I-9 (08/01/23 edition) that is valid until 05/31/2027

Form I-9 (08/01/23 edition) that is valid until 07/31/2026 (Employers using this form must update their electronic systems with the 05/31/2027 expiration date by July 31, 2026.)

Action Steps for Employers:

Familiarize Yourself with the New I-9 Form: It is important to review these changes and understand how they may impact your hiring process.
Update Your Procedures: Ensure your HR team is prepared to use the updated form.
Review Acceptable Documents: Make sure you are correctly following the revised List of Acceptable Documents to avoid any issues with employee verification.

By staying updated on these changes, you can ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and maintain smooth operations as you hire and manage employees. Follow us for updates and additional guidance from USCIS.

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Tuesday Immigration Update

Always Check Form Dates Before Filing

Tuesday Immigration Updates

USCIS to Conduct Random In-Person Visits for Certain Visa Holders

Tuesday Immigration Updates

DHS to Begin Screening Foreign Nationals' Social Media Activity for "Antisemitism"

Tuesday Immigration Updates

New Online Registration Requirement

Tuesday Immigration Update

May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released

Tuesday Immigration Update

New I-9 Form Updates for Employers

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