Department of State Predictions: Visa Bulletin Through October 2021

For more on this topic, watch our YouTube video: Department of State Visa Bulletin Predictions (first aired on March 24, 2021).

Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division at the Department of State, has now moved his monthly check-ins to a more accessible format: YouTube Live! This month he shared a number of predictions on employment-based and family-based green card numbers, as well as how the Visa Bulletin will shift over the coming months. Below we have summarized some of his predictions.

  • EB-1 for China and India will remain current throughout the remainder of the year, barring any extraordinary spikes in demand.
  • Unused 1st preference numbers will be reallocated to 2nd preference.
  • EB-3 is moving rapidly for China and India because there are fewer applicants in EB-3 who are ready to be processed immediately so that date is advanced more quickly to increase demand and increase EB-3 applications ready to be fully adjudicated.
  • There was a “dramatic movement” in India EB-2 in April, predicting rapid movement in May as well.
  • Last year there were approximately 122k unused family numbers. Employment for a given year is a minimum of 145k. DOS added 122k to 145k to get the 262k limit for this year.
  • DOS predicts that there will be at least that many unused numbers this year, maybe more which is why they estimate a 275k limit for next year.
  • EB-2 and EB-3 horizontal and vertical spillover is outlined as follows. If employment 2nd preference category limit is 70,000. The Chinese and Indian limits might be (for example) 5,000. Once those countries are subtracted from the 70,000 limit, there would be 60,000 remaining. DOS then estimates how many of those will be used. If DOS estimates that 40,000 of those numbers will be used, they can reallocate them in strict priority date order to China and India. Those 20,000 extra numbers would go to the 20,000 earliest applicants. Oppenheim predicts that most of the additional allocation would be allotted to Indian applicants who would get to use those numbers first. It would be on a priority date order, without regard to the foreign state.

Question: How does the Visa Bulletin work? 

Charlie’s Response: The process is similar to creating your household budget. You need to allocate your income to your various expenses. In assessing final action dates, I assess the annual limits for each individual preference category, as well as foreign states, and budget an appropriate number of visas each month. How many remain? What is the annual limit? How many have been used? How many may be needed for emergency cases? What are the future expectations for our needs? How many unused numbers may come back from overseas posts? There are a lot of numbers, and there are a lot of other variables at play.

Question: How many employment visas may be unutilized for FY2021 based on COVID-based delays?

Charlie’s Response: It is not possible to comment on that at this time, but I will say last year, when similar constraints were underway, over 95% of the numbers available were used. Hopefully, this pattern will repeat this year and visa numbers allocated will be maximized.

Question: What does it mean to be pre-adjudicated with respect to pending EB cases? How many such cases exist? Why can’t they be immediately approved?  

Charlie’s Response: If the USCIS utilizes “dates for filing” dates on the visa bulletin. The applicants can file their AOS with the USCIS. The USCIS will pre-adjudicate the AOS application, but the USCIS will not finalize adjudicating the application until the final action date is advanced beyond the priority date.

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Affidavit of Support Rule Withdrawn by DHS

Today DHS announced that it will withdraw the proposed rule, Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants. The proposed rule was published by the Trump Administration in October 2020 along with a series of other regulations that would increase hurdles to legal immigration. The Affidavit of Support serves as an agreement by sponsors to provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant(s) and acknowledge and accept liability for any costs of public benefits an immigrant receives during the effective period. The new rule would have put increased burdens on U.S. citizen and permanent resident sponsors to demonstrate how they will maintain their income, requiring Federal income tax returns for 3 years, credit reports, credit scores, and bank account information.

DHS Press Release

On March 19, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule, Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants.

By taking these steps, DHS aims to reduce barriers and alleviate burdens on American families who wish to sponsor individuals immigrating to the U.S. within the legal immigration system.

Summary
On Oct. 2, 2020, DHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants, in the Federal Register. This proposed rule followed a presidential memorandum issued by former President Trump on May 23, 2019, Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens. The NPRM proposed to revise DHS regulations governing affidavit of support requirements under section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

On Feb. 2, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, revoking the 2019 presidential memorandum.

Consistent with the Feb. 2, 2021, executive order, DHS has withdrawn the Affidavit of Support NPRM.

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USCIS Announces Possible Reconsideration of H-1B Denials Under Rescinded Policy Memos

BREAKING NEWS: USCIS Announces Possible Reconsideration of H-1B Denials Under Rescinded Policy Memos

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced it may reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions on Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, made based on three rescinded policy memos. USCIS will generally use its discretion to accept a motion to reopen filed more than 30 days after the decision, if filed before the end of the validity period requested on the petition or labor condition application, whichever is earlier, and the decision was based on one or more policies in the rescinded H-1B memoranda below.

On June 17, 2020, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum 602-0114, which officially rescinded two prior policy memoranda:

  • HQ 70/6.2.8 (AD 10-24), “Determining Employer-Employee Relationship for Adjudication of H-1B Petitions, Including Third-Party Site Placements (Reference AFM Chapter 31.3(g)(16)),” issued, Jan. 8, 2010; and
  • PM-602-0157, “Contracts and Itineraries Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites,” issued Feb. 22, 2018.

On Feb. 3, 2021, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1, which officially rescinded:

  • PM-602-0142, “Rescission of the December 22, 2000 ‘Guidance memo on H1B computer related positions’,” issued March 31, 2017.

Both Policy Memorandum 602-0114 and Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1 state that they apply to “any pending or new [H-1B Petitions], including motions on and appeals of revocations and denials of H-1B classification.”

A petitioner may request that USCIS reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions based on the three rescinded policy memos by properly filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, accompanied by the appropriate fee. In addition, USCIS has the discretionary authority to accept and consider untimely motions under certain circumstances as explained in the form instructions and permitted by regulation.

Petitioners who received an adverse decision on an H-1B petition based on the now-rescinded policy memoranda should consider whether there is time remaining in the validity period requested on the previously filed H-1B petition and the relevant labor condition application.

Additionally, USCIS recently extended through March 31, 2021, COVID-19 related accommodations that affect the deadlines for filing motions and appeals.

USCIS will generally process motions based on filing order, and consistent with current policy guidance.

USCIS reminds petitioners that even when a motion to reopen or reconsider is filed, accepted, and processed by USCIS, petitions will remain subject to all remaining and relevant eligibility requirements during any reopening or reconsideration.

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Interview Waiver Policy Expanded by Department of State

Consular Officials Can Waive Interviews for Visa Expirations Within 48 Months

Individuals may be able to renew their visas without an interview if they are reapplying for the same visa class that they previously held. Typically, interviews can be waived for individuals who are renewing unexpired visas or visas that expired less than one year ago. A recent Department of State announcement expanded that time frame to visas that have expired within a 48-month period, effective until December 31, 2021.

From the Department of State:

Secretary Blinken, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.  Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 24 months were eligible for an interview waiver.  The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months.  This policy is in effect until December 31, 2021.  This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants and consular staff.  Travelers are encouraged to review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview. 

Related Resources

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Public Charge Rule Dismissed

Form I-944 No Longer Required

The Justice Department notified the Supreme Court that under the Biden administration, the changes made to the “public charge rule” under President Trump would no longer be defended in court. This follows an executive order President Biden signed in February that directed the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive review of the rule. The Supreme Court agreed to the Biden administration’s request to dismiss the case, effectively putting an end to the public charge updates made under President Trump. On March 9, 2021, the Seventh Circuit lifted its stay and the U.S. District Court order vacating the public charge rule went into effect, so that USCIS immediately stopped applying the public charge rule to any pending applications and petitions.

The rule had been challenged frequently by litigation in courts around the U.S. On November 2, 2020, the Seventh Circuit issued an administrative stay, that dictated that all adjustment of status (Form I-485) green card filings must be filed with Form I-944 once again. Under the March 9 decision and the dismissal by the Supreme Court, USCIS will now be applying earlier public charge guidance.

Shortly after the dismissal by the Supreme Court, USCIS updated the public charge webpage to state:

USCIS is no longer applying the August 2019 Public Charge Final Rule. As a consequence, among other changes, USCIS will apply the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance. In other words, USCIS is not considering an applicant’s receipt of Medicaid (except for long-term institutionalization at the government’s expense), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.

Applicants and petitioners are also instructed to not provide information or evidence related solely to the public charge rule, which includes Form I-944. However, the page also advises that in the interim, USCIS will not reject any Form I-485 based on the inclusion or exclusion of Form I-944, nor will it reject Form I-129 or I-539 based on whether the public benefits questions have been completed or left blank.

USCIS Updates for Cases in Progress

Applicants and petitioners should not provide information or evidence related solely to the Public Charge Final Rule. That means that applicants for adjustment of status should not submit Form I-944, Declaration of Self Sufficiency, or any evidence or documentation required by Form I-944 when they file their Form I-485. Applicants and petitioners for extension of nonimmigrant stay and change of nonimmigrant status should not provide information related to the receipt of public benefits on Form I-129 (Part 6), Form I-129CW (Part 6), Form I-539 (Part 5), and Form I-539A (Part 3).

If an applicant or petitioner already provided information related solely to the Public Charge Final Rule, and USCIS adjudicates the application or petition on or after March 9, 2021, USCIS will not consider any information that relates solely to the Public Charge Final Rule, including, for example, information provided on Form I-944, evidence or documentation submitted with Form I-944, or information on the receipt of public benefits on Form I-129 (Part 6), Form I-129CW (Part 6), Form I-539 (Part 5), and Form I-539A (Part 3). Any other information received will be evaluated consistent with the statute, regulations, and policies in effect at the time of adjudication.

If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) requesting information that is solely required under the Public Charge Final Rule, including but not limited, to Form I-944, and your response is due on or after March 9, 2021, you do not need to provide that information. However, you do need to respond to the aspects of the RFE or NOID that otherwise pertain to the eligibility for the immigration benefit sought. If USCIS requires additional information or evidence to make a public charge inadmissibility determination under the statute and consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, we will issue another RFE or NOID.

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Challenges of “Day 1 CPT” – 12 Month Training Limit for F-1 Students at Same Degree Level

USCIS Interprets 12 Month Training Limit for F-1 Students at Same Degree Level

Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken a restrictive reading of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10), issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials for certain H-1B change of status petitions in which the foreign national used more than 12 months of combined Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same degree level. USCIS has interpreted that the 12-month limitation of practical training eligibility encompasses both CPT and OPT. If a foreign national has utilized CPT after already maximizing OPT work authorization at the same educational level (despite the degree program being at a different institution) USCIS has interpreted the individual to have failed to maintain a valid F-1 status.

While this appears to be a new interpretation of existing regulations, it does not yet appear that USCIS has applied the standard to all cases. Currently, USCIS appears to be targeting RFEs and denials for cases where the foreign national is enrolled in a second master’s degree at an institution that authorizes immediate CPT. In other words, these tend to be cases where a foreign national, upon completion of his or her OPT, continues working for the OPT employer by enrolling in an institution that will immediately authorize CPT to do so.

Although not failproof, it is recommended to obtain documentation from the student and the CPT-granting institution from the outset to substantiate the validity of the CPT, such as (but not limited to):

  • Official copies of the student’s current transcript;
  • Copies of degrees and/or certificates issued to the student showing course completion;
  • Receipts for tuition payments, books, parking passes, and school supplies;
  • Student’s school ID;
  • Course syllabi or outlines for the student’s current program;
  • Documentary evidence to show that the student was physically attending the courses in which s/he was enrolled (e.g. transportation receipts, confirmed transportation reservations, attendance records, etc.);
  • Utility bills/rental contracts or other receipts documenting the student’s current residence;
  • Confirmation as to the number of online/distance education class credits the student was/is enrolled in for the duration of his/her studies;
  • A letter from the school, that establishes that the student has been engaged in a full course of study and is working towards program completion; and
  • A letter from the school or the employer explaining how CPT is directly related to the academic program and how it will form an integral part of that program.

It may be advantageous to consular process the H-1B visa in the event that the USCIS approves the underlying petition but denies the change of status request.

Don’t forget to register for Challa Law Group’s webinar series, where Managing Attorney explores strategies for navigating the new immigration challenges and answers your questions live. Join us every Wednesday at 12 PM EST.

Don’t miss out on the immigration news! You can sign up for our mailing list or follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, or LinkedIn. You can also join our Telegram community.

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USCIS Addresses Lockbox Delays for Student Work Authorization

USCIS today announced flexibilities for certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities apply only to applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive.

USCIS has experienced delays at certain lockboxes in issuing receipt notices for Form I-765 for optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. These delays are a result of COVID-19 restrictions, a dramatic increase in filings of certain benefit requests, postal service volume and delays, and other external factors. While we have made progress in addressing the problem, we are extending the following flexibilities to assist certain applicants for OPT impacted by the delays.

14-month OPT Period Flexibilities

F-1 students may participate in up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, which must be completed within 14 months from the end of their program. Due to the delays at the lockbox, some applicants may only be eligible for a shortened period of OPT within that 14-month period. To allow F-1 students to complete the full period of requested OPT (up to 12 months), USCIS will allow the 14-month period to commence from the date of approval of the Form I-765 for applications for post-completion OPT.

Beginning today, USCIS will approve applications for post-completion OPT with validity dates reflecting the same amount of time originally recommended by the designated school official (DSO) from their school on the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

F-1 students requesting post-completion OPT who receive an approval of Form I-765 for less than the full amount of OPT time requested (not to exceed 12 months) due to the requirement that the OPT be completed within 14 months of the program end date may request a correction of the EAD due to USCIS error. USCIS will issue a corrected EAD with a new end date, as requested, to cover the full amount of OPT time recommended in the original application.

Refiling Following Rejection

Applicants for OPT must file the Form I-765 during certain timeframes. However, we recognize that due to the lockbox delays, some applicants who timely filed Form I-765 for OPT and whose applications were later rejected are unable to timely refile within the required application timeframes.

USCIS will accept a refiled Form I-765 for OPT and STEM OPT as filed on the original filing date if:

  • The original, timely filed application was received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive; and
  • USCIS subsequently rejected it.

Refiled applications must be received by May 31, 2021, for USCIS to treat the application as though filed on the original received date.

Applicants refiling a Form I-765 for OPT or STEM OPT do not need to obtain a new Form I-20 with an updated OPT recommendation from the DSO, as long as they originally submitted an application for post-completion OPT within 30 days of the DSO’s recommendation or an application for STEM OPT within 60 days of the DSO’s recommendation as required by the regulations.

Applicants refiling an application should include a copy of the rejection notice to facilitate review of the case.

Missing or Deficient Signatures

Applications with missing or deficient signatures are generally rejected at the lockbox. This policy remains unchanged. However, if the lockbox accepts a Form I-765 application for OPT or STEM OPT with a missing or deficient signature, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence rather than deny the application, to give the applicant the opportunity to respond and provide the necessary signature or correct the deficiency. We encourage applicants filing Form I-765 to review the form instructions on our website to ensure their application is complete before filing it.

Don’t forget to register for Challa Law Group’s webinar series, where Managing Attorney explores strategies for navigating the new immigration challenges and answers your questions live. Join us every Wednesday at 12 PM EST.

Don’t miss out on the immigration news! You can sign up for our mailing list or follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, or LinkedIn. You can also join our Telegram community.

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President Biden Revokes Visa Ban

The Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10014 allows the Department of State to immediately begin reconsideration of those immigrant visa applications that were denied due to the proclamations. The DOS requests that individuals affected by the proclamations wait for instruction from the consulate or embassy processing the visa.

Department of State Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants

Not Yet Interviewed:  Immigrant visa applicants who have not yet been interviewed or scheduled for an interview will have their applications processed according to our existing phased resumption of visa services framework.

Previously Refused:  Immigrant visa applicants whose petitions remain valid and who were previously interviewed but refused visas due to P.P. 10014 should wait for instructions from the U.S. embassy or consulate where they were interviewed.  The Department of State will reconsider cases that were previously refused because of P.P. 10014 and will inform applicants if additional information is needed.

Diversity Visa 2020 Applicants:  Those holding diversity visas issued in 2020 that are still valid may seek entry to the United States immediately, despite the visa annotation, “Entry Subject to PP 10014.”  Individuals whose DV-2020 visas have expired may not be issued replacement visas; however, individuals who received diversity visas in 2020 as a result of orders in the court case Gomez v. Trump may travel to the United States on an expired visa as the court ordered the government to treat these visas as though they were issued on the date P.P. 10014 was rescinded. The court did not specify for how long the visas would be considered valid.   Additionally, it may be possible that the court order could be changed or modified in some important respect.  Therefore, applicants wishing to benefit from the order are encouraged to travel as soon as practicable as the order could change.

The Secretary of State has granted a national interest exception for Diversity Visa (DV) applicants for the 2020 fiscal year (DV-2020) who hold a valid immigrant visa and are subject to the geographic COVID-19 Presidential Proclamations.  In addition, diversity visa applicants for DV-2020 who were not issued visas before September 30, 2020 for any reason including P.P. 10014 will not be interviewed, scheduled, or reconsidered for visas, as those applicants were only eligible for issuance of a visa through the end of the 2020 fiscal year, which ended on September 30, 2020.

Diversity Visa 2021 Applicants:  DV applicants for the 2021 fiscal year (DV-2021) should wait to be notified of the scheduling of an interview in accordance with the phased resumption of visa services framework.

Geographic COVID-19 Restrictions

The geographic COVID-19-related P.P.s 9984, 9992, and 10143, which suspend entry into the United States of foreign nationals who have been physically present in the People’s Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa, in the 14-day period before seeking entry into the United States, remain in effect.  Immigrant visa applicants who are spouses or children of U.S. citizens (IR/CR-1, IR/CR-2, IR/IH-3, and IR/IH-4), as well as spouses and minor children of LPRs (F2A), are excepted from the geographic COVID-19 P.P.s.  All other immigrant visa applicants and K fiancé nonimmigrant visa applicants remain subject to these geographic COVID-19 P.P.s., unless another exception applies.

Resumption of All Visa Services

We are resuming routine visa services on a post-by-post basis, following State Department guidance to safely return our workforce and the public to Department facilities.  U.S. embassies and consulates continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services.  As post-specific conditions improve, our embassies and consulates will begin providing additional services and will resume routine visa services completely as soon as it is safe to do so for the public and for our workforce.  Applicants should check the website of their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for updates on what visa services are currently available.

Don’t forget to register for Challa Law Group’s webinar series, where Managing Attorney explores strategies for navigating the new immigration challenges and answers your questions live. Join us every Wednesday at 12 PM EST.

Don’t miss out on the immigration news! You can sign up for our mailing list or follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, or LinkedIn. You can also join our Telegram community.

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USCIS Reverts to Earlier Citizenship Test, Plus FAQs on Both Versions

USCIS announced that it would be setting aside the 2020 civics test in favor of the 2008 version test for naturalization beginning on March 1, 2021.

From USCIS: 

On Dec. 1, 2020, USCIS implemented a revised version of the civics test for naturalization (2020 civics test). Due to recent policy changes, some applicants required to take the 2020 civics test may now have a choice to take the 2020 test or the 2008 civics test. Please note that beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview appointment regardless of filing date.

USCIS determined the 2020 civics test development process, content, testing procedures, and implementation schedule may inadvertently create potential barriers to the naturalization process. This action is consistent with the framework of the Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which directs a comprehensive review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals.

The 2008 civics test was thoroughly developed over a multi-year period with the input of more than 150 organizations, which included English as a second language experts, educators, and historians, and was piloted before its implementation. USCIS aspires to make the process as accessible as possible as directed by President Biden’s request to review the process thoroughly.

The civics test is administered to applicants who apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization and is one of the statutory requirements for naturalizing. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government of the United States. The decision to naturalize demonstrates an investment in and commitment to this country. USCIS is committed to administering a test that is an instrument of civic learning and fosters civic integration as part of the test preparation process.

Applicants who filed their application for naturalization on or after Dec. 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, likely have been studying for the 2020 test; therefore, USCIS will give these applicants the option to take either the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test. There will be a transition period where both tests are being offered. The 2020 test will be phased out on April 19, 2021, for initial test takers. Applicants filing on or after March 1, 2021, will take the 2008 civics test.

To help determine if you are required to take the 2008 civics test, or if you can choose between the 2008 and 2020 civics test, follow these two steps:

1)    Check your filing date, also known as a “received date” on your N-400 notice at the top left corner (see sample notice to the right).
2)    Once you have your received date, go to the table below and find which scenario applies to you based on your filing and initial examination dates

Which civics test will I take?

Applications Filed on or After December 1, 2020 and Before March 1, 2021
Date of Initial Exam (Interview) Civics Test Version on Initial Exam, Re-exam, or N-336 Hearing
Before April 19, 2021 2020 Civics Test or 2008 Civics Test (applicant’s choice)
On or After April 19, 2021 2008 Civics Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at my naturalization interview if I am taking the 2020 version of the civics test?

If you have the option and choose to take the 2020 version of the civics test, you will need to study 128 questions about American government and history. You must answer correctly 12 of the 20 questions (or 60%) to pass the 2020 civics test. All questions on the test are asked orally.

If you decide to take the 2008 civics test, you will need to study 100 questions about American government and history. You must answer correctly 6 of the 10 questions (or 60%) to pass the 2008 civics test. All questions on the test are asked orally. 

Has the English test changed?

No. The naturalization test has two components: an English and civics test. The English portion has not changed. Whether you are taking the 2008 or 2020 test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

  • Speaking: A USCIS officer will determine your ability to speak and understand English during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
  • Reading: You must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
  • Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
What if I fail the naturalization test?

Applicants are given two opportunities to pass the naturalization test. If you fail any part of the naturalization test at your first interview, you will be retested only on the portion of the test that you failed, between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.

Note: Please refer to the information in the table above to learn more about which test you will take at your second appointment.

What if I qualify for the 65/20 Special Consideration?

Certain applicants, because of age and time as a lawful permanent resident, are exempt from the English requirements for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Further, the 65/20 applicants are given special consideration and only have to study 20 designated test questions. For more information about the 65/20 special consideration and other exceptions, see our Exceptions and Accommodations page.

If you qualify for the 65/20 special consideration, you will only need to study the civics questions that are marked with an asterisk found at the end of each question regardless of which version of the civics test you are taking. (Refer to the table above to determine if will need to take the 2008 civics test or be able to choose the 2008 and 2020 test.)

To pass the 2020 version of the civics test as someone who qualifies for the 65/20 special consideration, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 10 out of the 20 civics test questions. You must answer at least 6 out of 10 correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test.

Don’t forget to register for Challa Law Group’s webinar series, where Managing Attorney explores strategies for navigating the new immigration challenges and answers your questions live. Join us every Wednesday at 12 PM EST.

Don’t miss out on the immigration news! You can sign up for our mailing list or follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, or LinkedIn. You can also join our Telegram community.

Contact us at info@challalaw.com or 804-360-8482 to get your case started today.

 

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Premium Processing Expanded to E-3 Visa Extensions for Australian Nationals

Starting Feb. 24, 2021, petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, requesting a change or extension of status to E-3 classification have the option to request premium processing service for their petition. The E-3 classification applies only to nationals of Australia who are coming to the United States solely to perform services in a specialty occupation.

An Australian national who is outside the United States may apply for an E-3 nonimmigrant visa directly through the Department of State or, in the case of an individual already in the U.S., by filing Form I-129 with USCIS. To qualify for the E-3 classification, you must demonstrate, among other things, that you:

  • Are a national of Australia;
  • Have a legitimate offer of employment in the United States;
  • Possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials; and
  • Will fill a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation.

The USCIS premium processing service allows petitioners to pay an additional filing fee to expedite the adjudication of certain forms, generally within 15 days.

The USCIS premium processing page was updated to state that the fee for expedited processing is $2,500 if you are filing Form I-129 requesting E-1, E-2, E-3 H-1B, H-3, L (including blanket L-1), O, P, Q, or TN nonimmigrant classification. 

Don’t forget to register for Challa Law Group’s webinar series, where Managing Attorney explores strategies for navigating the new immigration challenges and answers your questions live. Join us every Wednesday at 12 PM EST.

Don’t miss out on the immigration news! You can sign up for our mailing list or follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube, or LinkedIn. You can also join our Telegram community.

Contact us at info@challalaw.com or 804-360-8482 to get your case started today.

 

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