USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. USCIS previously notified the public in its Jan. 24, 2023, announcement that barring any changes presented by the pandemic, the extension of these flexibilities announced on Jan. 24 would be the last.

You must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request. This includes:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

Additionally, if you wish to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023, you must comply with the deadlines in the form instructions.

USCIS retains discretion to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis upon request, for applicants or petitioners affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID). Please see the Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances webpage for more information about remaining case-by-case flexibilities

As a reminder, the flexibilities regarding reproduced signatures first announced on March 20, 2020, became policy as announced on July 25, 2022.

 

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals

Effective Sept. 26, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90. On Sept. 26, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90.

These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

If you no longer have your Green Card and you need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive your replacement Green Card, you may request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center, and we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file Form I-90.

For more information, visit our Replace Your Green Card page.

If your mailing address changes while your case is pending, please update it through your USCIS Online Account, if you have one.

Source: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-green-card-validity-extension-to-24-months-for-green-card-renewals

 

DACA Final Rule Reminders

On Aug. 24, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that will preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

The new rule:

• Maintains the existing threshold criteria for DACA;
• Retains the existing process for DACA requestors to seek employment authorization; and
• Affirms the longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes.

The final rule will take effect Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. However, while a July 16, 2021, injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas remains in effect, DHS is prohibited from granting initial DACA requests and related employment authorization under the final rule. Because that injunction has been partially stayed, DHS presently may grant DACA renewal requests under the final rule.

As always, be careful of scams, rumors, and bad advice. Scammers and other bad actors exploit changes to create uncertainty and misinformation in the community. Family members and friends who want to help may not have correct information. You can find more information on scams and legal services on USCIS’ Avoid Scams webpage.

Some common scams to be aware of include:

• Notarios Publicos and unauthorized practitioners of immigration law: In the United States, a notario publico is not authorized to provide you with any legal services related to immigration. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ)-recognized organization can give you legal advice. For more information about finding legal services, visit our website.
• Misleading Websites: Some websites claim to be affiliated with USCIS and offer step-by-step guidance on completing a USCIS application or petition. Make sure your information is from uscis.gov or is affiliated with uscis.gov. Make sure the website address ends with .gov.
• Payments by Phone or Email: USCIS will never ask you to transfer money to an individual. We do not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards as payment for immigration fees. In addition, we will never ask you to pay fees to a person on the phone or by email.

 

 

 

Study Resource for the U.S. Naturalization Test

Study for the Test (2008 version)
Before your naturalization interview, study for the English and civics test by using our free resources to help you prepare.

Test Overview

For the English portion of the naturalization test you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

• Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• For the reading test, you must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.
• For the writing test, you must write one out of the three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.

Civics Test (2008 Version)
The 2008 version of the civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the 2008 version of the civics test.

• Applicants who filed their Form N-400 before Dec. 1, 2020, will continue to take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing.
• Applicants who filed their Form N-400 on or after March 1, 2021, will also take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing.

For more information, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing.

65/20 Special Consideration

If you are 65 years old or older and have been living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 20 or more years, you may study just the 20 questions that have been marked with an asterisk (*). You may also take the naturalization test in the language of your choice. For more information, see exceptions and accommodations or the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Note: On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview. For the answers to these specific questions, please visit the Civics Test Updates page.

Sign up to receive Citizenship Resource Center email updates.

Search below for civics flash cards, interactive practice tests, study booklets, videos and more. You may purchase USCIS products and publications from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

English Version

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf

Spanish Version

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q_Spanish.pdf

Korean Version

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q_Korean.pdf

Tagalog Version

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q_Tagalog.pdf