The USCIS recently proposed fee changes in the Federal Register for all USCIS filing fees. While some of the fees are in fact decreasing slightly, such as the biometrics fee, a few fees are increasing significantly. The hardest-hit are children under 14 years old applying for adjustment of status, who will see the fee increase by […]

“My wife in Nicaragua changed her cell phone number. Do we need to inform the USCIS?” Yes, it is highly recommended that you update any and all information as soon as it changes. Especially the cell phone number. The reason being is because the consulate sends text messages. Basically, you filled out a form that […]

In the Ombudsman Report of 2019, we discover that the USCIS has quietly killed the InfoPass process for getting an in-person meeting with a USCIS agent to get an update about a dragged-out or stalled case. The process is now called InfoMod. In the past, the process was to set up an online appointment at […]

“Is it possible to choose which USCIS office processes your spousal visa or to transfer? I’ve heard testimonies of some offices processing and faster than others.” Unfortunately, no you cannot choose the processing center or USCIS office where your paperwork is sent to. It’s going to be sent to one of two lock boxes either […]

In short, no, calling the USCIS will not speed up the process. It’s best if you just check the status online. You can go to the USCIS website, enter in your USCIS case number and you can obtain the case status right online. Just calling in to the USCIS is probably just going to make […]

Form I-797 is used for various types of communication known as ‘notice of action‘. It’s not a form you fill out. Rather, it’s a form that is mailed to you by the USCIS to notify you of certain action that’s been taken on your case. Often, our customers receive this commonly as a receipt notice, […]

InfoPass is a free online service that lets you schedule an appointment with a USCIS immigration officer. This may be something you want to do if you are waiting on answers from your fiance visa or spousal visa application. It’s a face-to-face meeting at your local USCIS office either in the US or outside the […]

Is a copy of a birth certificate and divorce papers acceptable to USCIS or do I need originals? You should never send original supporting evidence to the USCIS, unless they specifically ask for it. Always send a photocopy. The USCIS won’t return you your original supporting documents back either, so be prepared to never see […]

“How long after a petition gets approved do you have to pay the NVC?” Once a petition’s approved by the USCIS, you’ll get an invoice from the NVC by email. It’s going to take a few weeks, could take up to a month before you get it. But, once you get it, you actually have […]

In a disturbing memo issued by USCIS (PM-602-0163) on July 13, 2018, we were made aware of a new policy which will make it much easier for the Trump Administration to issue denials for legal immigration cases across the board (with the exception of DACA), including fiance visas, spousal visas, green card applications and more. According to […]