USCIS announced on September 22, 2016 that:
USCIS will collect photographs, fingerprints and a signature at the biometric service appointment at the Application Support Center (ASC).
the “Filing Dates” Chart must be used for October 2016 for both family –sponsored and employment –based filings;
the “ Final Action” Chart must be used in October 2016 for expiring employment visa categories.
This month USCIS has agreed with the USCIS Ombudsman’s recommendation to implement a parole policy for U visa petitioners and qualifying family members who live abroad.
The U visa – available to individuals who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of a qualifying crime and who meet certain other criteria – are capped at 10,000 per fiscal year.
When the U vis cap is exceeded, U petitioners who live abroad are placed on a waiting list and must then proactively seek humanitarian parole to enter the United States. As a result, victims of crimes residing abroad are not able to easily aid investigators and prosecutors.
The Ombudsman’s recommendation explains the clear regulatory authority for a parole policy and the significant public and humanitarian benefits.
Family reunification allows the victim to focus attention on the prosecution of the crime and on rebuilding his or her life.
In addition, U petitioners and derivate family members who remain abroad may be subject to violence and harm in the country in which they reside.
USCIS will change the current policy and implement this change when a new form and policy guidance are completed in Fiscal Year 2017 which commences on OCTOBER 1, 2016.
The following recommendations by the USCIS Ombudsman remain under consideration by USCIS: