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 […]

The USCIS issued a memo on December 22 stating that fee-funded activities will not be affected. None of the visa types RapidVisa handles will be impeded from filing and continuing with processing based on this memo. Programs directly affected at the USCIS level are EB-5 investor visas, Conrad 30 Waiver Program for J-1 medical doctors, […]

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 […]

The USCIS announced last week that effective November 1st, 2018, they will require applicants to submit form I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record that is signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application for immigration benefit. This applies to the adjustment of status or application to register […]