The US Citizen and Immigration Services under the Department of Homeland Security adopted many temporary policies to address the challenges that many experienced during the pandemic. It has once again done so as those flexibilities expired. In some cases, the changes are now permanent.
The extended flexibilities
The USCIS extended flexibilities through October 23 to assist applicants, requestors and petitioners. It will not take adverse action for responses received within 60 calendar days after the due date (between March 1, 2020, and October 23, 2022) for the following requests or notices:
- Requests for Evidence
- Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
- Notices of Intent to Revoke
- Notices of Intent to Deny
- Notices of Intent to Rescind
- Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status
- Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers
- Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.
The USCIS will also consider a Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B), a Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings if the USCIS issued the decision between November 1, 2021, and October 23, 2022, and the form was filed within 90 days from the USCIS issuing it.
The reproduced signature flexibility in use since March 2020, has been made a permanent policy on July 25, 2022. Now instead of requiring a “wet” signature for all forms, a scanned, or other reproduced signature can suffice for immigration forms submission. This is a very welcome permanent change that will make case submission more efficient and speed up case preparation time for attorneys and their clients.