Immigration news & commentary
Updates and analysis from the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC.
DHS proposes changes related to on-the-job training program for STEM students
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed changes to its regulations that would strengthen and enhance the process for foreign students with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees from a U.S. college or university to get practical training experien...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees
Release Date 01/09/2026 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is publishing a final rule that will increase USCIS fees for premium processing to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Now Requires Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record to be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants
Release Date 12/02/2024 USCIS now requires certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Updates Process for Accepting Petitions for Relatives Abroad
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that, as part of the adjustment of its international footprint to increase efficiencies, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, will only be processed domestically by USCIS or internationally by the Department of State in certain cir...
By Rajiv S. KhannaU.S. Embassy in Paris Announces Changes in NIV Appointment System
As of July 29, 2012, all non-immigrant visa applicants must fill in the DS 160 application form and pay the MRV fee through purchase of a mandat compte before scheduling an appointment. The reference numbers of both the DS 160 and the mandat compte must be provided at time of scheduling. Important n...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Enhances Voter Verification Systems
Release Date 11/03/2025 States can now use last four digits of Social Security numbers to verify citizenship
By Rajiv S. KhannaHow to Seek Prosecutorial Discretion from ICE
As we know on November 20, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced new immigration enforcement priorities and guidance on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion entitled Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants Memorandum. All DHS agencies, includi...
By Rajiv S. KhannaWorkload Transfer Update
July 19, 2018: USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, for F, M, J or B nonimmigrants For more information, see Workload Transfer Updates page.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Unveils First Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards
Release Date 09/17/2025 Changes to naturalization civics test better assess applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Strengthens Guidance for Spousal Petitions Involving Minors
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced additional guidance (PDF, 222 KB) regarding the adjudication of spousal petitions involving minors, following up on the agency’s February update to its policy.
By Rajiv S. KhannaWorkload Transfer Updates - L-1 Cases
USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center and California Service Center to the Texas Service Center: Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for petitioners seeking L nonimmigrant classification
By Rajiv S. KhannaRajiv's Article The Economic Times - US' new ‘good moral character’ rule: Flexibility or atougher barrier to citizenship?
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: August 20, 2025 https://shorturl.at/fgEeb Synopsis A new USCIS policy on Good Moral Character (GMC), effective August 15, 2025, raises concerns despite its seemingly flexible approach. While it aims for a "holistic" review, applicants may now face a higher bu...
By Rajiv S. Khanna