Immigration news & commentary
Updates and analysis from the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC.
USCIS Approves 10,000 U Visas for 7th Straight Fiscal Year
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the statutory maximum of 10,000 petitions for U-1 nonimmigrant status (U visas) for fiscal year 2016. This marks the seventh straight year that USCIS has reached the statutory maximum since it began issuing U visas in 2009.
By Rajiv S. KhannaNebraska Service Center to Begin Processing Certain Form I-918 Cases (U Visa)
In July, the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) will begin processing cases involving Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Sharing this workload with the Vermont Service Center (VSC) will balance workloads between centers and provide flexibility as USCIS works towards improving processing time...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUpdate to Form I-918
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s): Update to Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status03/13/2017 01:38 PM EDT New edition dated 02/07/17. Starting 05/12/17, USCIS will only accept the 02/07/17 edition. Until then, you can use the 01/15/13, 11/23/10 and 08/31/07 editions. For mo...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Releases U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide to Better Support Certifying Agencies to Protect Victims of Crimes
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published the U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide (PDF, 1.58 MB) to provide law enforcement and other certifying agencies with helpful information and best practices for the U visa certification process.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUpdate to Filing Location for Form I-918 and Form I-485 for Applicants Filing Based on U Nonimmigrant Status
Starting June 29, 2020, petitioners residing in certain states must file the following forms at the Nebraska Service Center, instead of the Vermont Service Center:
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Issues Statistics On T and U visas for Fiscal Years 2002-2012
USCIS performance data containing information on the Victims of Trafficking (T visa) applications and the Victims of Crime (U visa) petitions. The number of receipts, approvals, denials, and pending cases are displayed by office for FY2002 to FY2012. Please check the attachment to view T and U visa...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa
USCIS is revising the guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule. This rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Issues Updated and Comprehensive Guidance on T Visa Adjudications
Release Date 10/20/2021 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing updated and comprehensive guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on adjudicating applications for T nonimmigrant status (or T visas) submitted by victims of human trafficking, including clarifying how applicants establish elig...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims
Release Date 04/29/2024
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Updated Forms - Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
USCIS recently updated the following form(s): Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status 12/06/2021 01:32 PM EST Starting Mar. 14, USCIS will only accept the 12/06/21 edition. Until then, you can use the 04/24/19 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions....
By Rajiv S. KhannaDOL to Support Of Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes Seeking Immigration Relief
In early 2015, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the Department of Labor will begin exercising its authority to certify applications for trafficking victims seeking T visas. In addition, WHD will expand its existing U visa program by certifying such requests when it detects three additional qualif...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Publishes Interim Rule on T Nonimmigrant Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking who seek T nonimmigrant status. DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments, and providing guidance on the statutory requirements fo...
By Rajiv S. Khanna