In December 2020, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updates to guidelines regarding applicants who wish to file for permanent U.S. residence or to adjust status.
The new guidelines address the subject of interviews and whether an interview is necessary for an Adjustment of Status Application.
Staying in America
Permanent residents and naturalized citizens of the U.S. can file petitions to help close family members become holders of green cards. Approval of this kind of petition depends on the family relationship, the family member’s country of origin, whether the family member is undocumented and whether he or she is inside the country or abroad. Family members who are already in the U.S. may qualify for an adjustment of status.
Updating the guidelines
On December 15, 2020, the USCIS announced updates made to the discretionary guidelines regarding interviews for applicants seeking to register their permanent residence in the U.S. or to adjust their status by filing Form I-485. The updated rules reinforce a USCIS officer’s ability to determine whether it is necessary to conduct an interview but does not change the requirements to adjust status.
Changing names
There are various reasons to file a petition to adjust status. One of the more obvious reasons is to record a name change. The pertinent document as issued by a civil authority must accompany the petition. These include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree or a legal last name change.
Keeping current
It is always a good idea to check on any changes that occur in the law under USCIS. You can rely on an advocate who keeps current on such changes when you are making major decisions, such as a decision for a family member who wishes to file an Adjustment of Status Application.