Green Card Public Charge Wealth Test Eliminated
We are writing with positive news for adjustment of status green card applicants - the public charge "wealth test" is no longer required as part of the green card process!
We are writing with positive news for adjustment of status green card applicants - the public charge "wealth test" is no longer required as part of the green card process!
The wealth test required USCIS officers to apply a totality of circumstances analysis to determine whether an applicant would be likely to become a public charge in the future. They were directed to review factors such as the applicant's age, health, family status, education and skills, and assets, resources, and financial status. You can find out more about the now defunct rule on our post from September 5, 2019 here: Defunct Rule: Green Card Public Charge Rule.
This totality of circumstances analysis is no longer required. Moving forward, officers are directed to apply the old public charge analysis that was created in year 1999. The old analysis focuses heavily on whether the green card applicant has a valid sponsor, and only allows for minimal discretion by the adjudicating officer.
To learn more and get help with your green card application, please contact us at 415-413-8760 or theteam@huwelaw.com.
A Petition for Alien Relative Can Now be Filed Online
USCIS announced last week that petitioners can now file a Petition for Alien Relative (the first step in sponsoring a relative for a "green card") online.
This is significant for cases where the green card process needs to be done in two steps, and may help to avoid government errors and to decrease wait times.
Please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 to learn more about green card sponsorship.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the August Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for August 2019 to see if your priority date is current next month.
USCIS has determined that in August, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, with the exception of F2A category applicants, who may use the Final Action Dates chart. The Final Action Dates Chart must be used for employer-sponsored green cards.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for August 2019 to see if your priority date is current next month.
USCIS has determined that in August, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, with the exception of F2A category applicants, who may use the Final Action Dates chart. The Final Action Dates Chart must be used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application?
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Why your green card or naturalization interview could now be scheduled farther from home
A new government policy makes it possible for your green card or naturalization interview to be scheduled outside of your normal USCIS jurisdiction.
A new government policy makes it possible for your green card or naturalization interview to be scheduled outside of your normal USCIS jurisdiction.
There are currently large backlogs in some areas of the country in the processing of applications to adjust status (green card) applications, and applications for naturalization. This is causing a big discrepancy in processing times based on where an applicant resides. To help ensure more uniformity across the nation, USCIS has announced that it will begin shifting caseloads between field offices. That means that your green card or citizenship interview may now be scheduled earlier, but at a USCIS office located farther from home. USCIS has stated that the change will not affect the location of biometrics appointments.
For assistance with your green card or citizenship application in any jurisdiction, please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040.
Can you apply for a green card this month? Check the April Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category? You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2019 to see if your priority date is current this month.
USCIS has determined that in April, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, and the Final Action Dates Chart used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
