U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

USCIS Updates Guidance on National Interest Waivers 01/21/2022 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated guidance on adjudicating requests for “National Interest Waivers” regarding job offer and labor certification requirements for certain advanced degree professionals and individuals of exceptional ability. This includes discussing the unique considerations for persons with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and entrepreneurs. Consistent with this Administration’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration under President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, USCIS is clarifying how the national interest waiver can be used by STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, as well as the significance of letters from governmental and quasi-governmental entities. The updated guidance also serves to promote effective and efficient processing of benefits consistent with the executive order. An employer seeking to hire a noncitizen must generally obtain a permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position they are seeking and that their employment will not adversely affect similarly employed U.S. workers. The noncitizen may, however, seek a waiver of a job offer, and of the labor certification, if it is in the interest of the United States. Individuals seeking a national interest waiver must show evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability and must also meet three factors that USCIS uses to determine, in its discretion, whether it is in the national interest that USCIS waive the requirement of a job offer, and thus the labor certification. The three factors USCIS considers for a national interest waiver are whether: The person’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance; The person is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and thus the permanent labor certification requirements. Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition using Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.  This guidance, contained in Volume 6 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update.  USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance for O-1 Petitions with a Focus on STEM Fields 01/21/2022 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on petitions filed for individuals in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, as well as how USCIS determines whether an O-1 beneficiary’s prospective work is within their area of extraordinary ability or achievement. Individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics may be eligible for O-1A classification. The new update provides examples of evidence that may satisfy the O-1A evidentiary criteria and discusses considerations that are relevant to evaluating such evidence, with a focus on the highly technical nature of STEM fields and the complexity of the evidence often submitted. The update also emphasizes that, if a petitioner demonstrates that a particular criterion does not readily apply to their occupation, they may submit evidence that is of comparable significance to that criterion to establish sustained acclaim and recognition, and it provides examples of possible comparable evidence that may be submitted in support of petitions for beneficiaries working in STEM fields. In addition, the update explains that when evaluating whether an individual of extraordinary ability is coming to work in their “area of extraordinary ability,” officers will focus on whether the prospective work involves skillsets, knowledge, or expertise shared with the occupation(s) in which the individual garnered acclaim. Visit the Policy Manual for Comment page to comment on this update. For more information, see the policy manual update.

News Release / Communiqué

Celebrating Active Citizenship with the Ottawa Senators 20 families from 20 countries take oath of citizenship before NHL hockey game January 18, 2020 – Ottawa, ON – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) today partnered with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club in a special citizenship ceremony, where 20 families from 20 countries were welcomed into the Canadian family ahead of the hockey game between the Senators and the visiting Calgary Flames. Following this special ceremony, the new citizens helped open the game with the singing of the national anthem, accompanied by the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Read more

Célébrer la citoyenneté active avec les Sénateurs d'Ottawa 20 familles provenant de 20 pays différents prêtent le serment de citoyenneté avant une partie de hockey de la LNH Le 18 janvier 2020 – Ottawa (Ontario) – Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) s'est joint au Club de hockey Les Sénateurs d'Ottawa pour tenir aujourd'hui une cérémonie de citoyenneté spéciale dans le cadre de laquelle 20 familles provenant de 20 pays différents ont été accueillies dans la famille canadienne avant la partie de hockey des Sénateurs d'Ottawa, qui accueillent les Flames de Calgary. À la suite de cette cérémonie spéciale, les nouveaux citoyens ont participé à l'ouverture de la partie en chantant l'hymne national, accompagnés de l'Orchestre du Centre national des Arts. Lisez plus

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Program 01/12/2021 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), have announced the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in 2021. The notice listing the eligible countries will be published in the Federal Register on Jan. 13, 2021. For 2021, the acting secretary of homeland security and the secretary of state have agreed to: * Add the Philippines to the list of countries eligible to participate in the H-2B program; * No longer designate the Independent State of Samoa and Tonga as eligible countries because they no longer meet the regulatory standards for the H-2A and H-2B visa programs; and * No longer designate Mongolia as an eligible country for the H-2A visa program because it no longer meets the regulatory standards for that program. DHS maintains its authority to add countries to the eligible countries list at any time, and to remove any country at the time it publishes a new list, should DHS and DOS determine that a country fails to meet the requirements for continued designation. Examples of factors that could result in the exclusion of a country or the removal of a country from the list include fraud, abuse, denial rates, overstay rates, human trafficking concerns, and other forms of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the H-2 visa programs by nationals of that country that are contrary to U.S. interest. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs allow U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural and nonagricultural jobs, respectively. Typically, USCIS approves H-2A and H-2B petitions only for nationals of countries that the secretary of Homeland Security has designated as eligible to participate in the programs. However, USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions, including those that were pending as of the date of the Federal Register notice, for nationals of countries not on the list on a case-by-case basis only if doing so is determined to be in the interest of the United States based on submitted evidence. Effective Jan. 19, nationals of the following countries are eligible to receive H-2A and H-2B visas: Andorra Fiji Madagascar Philippines** Argentina Finland Malta San Marino Australia France Mexico Serbia Austria Germany Moldova* Singapore Barbados Greece Monaco Slovakia Belgium Grenada Mongolia** Slovenia Brazil Guatemala Montenegro Solomon Islands Brunei Honduras Mozambique South Africa Bulgaria Hungary Nauru South Korea Canada Iceland The Netherlands Spain Chile Ireland New Zealand St. Vincent and the Grenadines Colombia Israel Nicaragua Sweden Costa Rica Italy North Macedonia Switzerland Croatia Jamaica Norway Taiwan** Czech Republic Japan Panama Thailand Denmark Kiribati Papua New Guinea Timor-Leste Dominican Republic* Latvia Paraguay** Turkey Ecuador Liechtenstein Peru Tuvalu El Salvador Lithuania Poland Ukraine Estonia Luxembourg Portugal United Kingdom     Romania Uruguay       Vanuatu *The Dominican Republic, Moldova, and Paraguay are eligible to participate in the H-2A program but they are not eligible to participate in the H-2B program. **Mongolia and the Philippines are eligible to participate in the H-2B program but are not eligible to participate in the H-2A program. ***Regarding all references to “country” or “countries” in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the regulations governing whether nationals of a country are eligible for H-2 program participation, 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5)(i)(F)(1)(i) and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(i)(E)(1), are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979. This notice does not affect the status of H-2 beneficiaries who currently are in the United States unless they apply to extend their stay in H-2 status on the basis of a petition filed on or after the date of publication of the Federal Register notice. Similarly, this notice would not affect the eligibility of an H-2 beneficiary to apply for an H-2 visa and/or seek admission to the United States based on an H-2 petition approved prior to the date of publication of the Federal Register notice. It does apply to nonimmigrants changing status in the United States to H-2A or H-2B. Each country’s designation is valid, subject to removal for failure to meet the requirements for continued designation, from Jan. 19, 2021, until Jan. 18, 2022. For more information on these programs, see the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers and H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers pages on our website. USCIS Suspending In-Person Services Jan. 19 and 20 01/15/2021 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced it will temporarily suspend in-person services at all field offices, asylum offices and application support centers on Jan. 19 and 20 to ensure the safety of our employees and individuals with appointments. USCIS will reschedule individuals who had appointments on Jan. 19 and 20 and send them notices with their new appointment dates. The USCIS website and USCIS Contact Center will remain available for information, case status updates, and other online tools and resources.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

USCIS Implements Two Decisions from the Attorney General on Good Moral Character Determinations 12/10/2019 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced new policy guidance implementing two decisions from the attorney general regarding how two or more DUI convictions affect good moral character (GMC) requirements and how post-sentencing changes to criminal sentences affect convictions and sentences for immigration purposes. On Oct. 25, the attorney general decided in Matter of Castillo-Perez that two or more DUI convictions during the statutory period could affect an applicant’s good moral character determination. When applying for an immigration benefit for which GMC is required, applicants with two or more DUI convictions may be able to overcome this presumption by presenting evidence that they had good moral character even during the period within which they committed the DUI offenses. The term DUI includes all state and federal impaired-driving offenses, including driving while intoxicated, operating under the influence, and other offenses that make it unlawful for an individual to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Also on Oct. 25, the attorney general decided in Matter of Thomas and Thompson that the definition of “term of imprisonment or a sentence” generally refers to an alien’s original criminal sentence, without regard to post-sentencing changes. Post-sentencing orders that change a criminal alien’s original sentence will only be relevant for immigration purposes if they are based on a procedural or substantive defect in the underlying criminal proceeding. “In response to two decisions from the attorney general, USCIS has updated policy guidance on establishing good moral character for immigration purposes,” said USCIS Deputy Director Mark Koumans. “As the attorney general directed, this guidance enhances public safety by ensuring that USCIS adjudicators consider driving under the influence convictions with the appropriate standard of scrutiny.” Under U.S. immigration law, there are consequences for criminal convictions and sentences that could render applicants inadmissible, deportable, or ineligible for an immigration benefit. Also, certain immigration benefits require an applicant to demonstrate that an alien has GMC to be eligible for the benefit. For example, naturalization applicants must demonstrate GMC. To find more information about this update, view the USCIS Policy Manual. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and LinkedIn (/uscis). USCIS Expands Guidance Related to Naturalization Requirement of Good Moral Character 12/13/2019 WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expanded its policy guidance regarding unlawful acts that may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character (GMC) requirement for naturalization. The commission of, or conviction or imprisonment for, an unlawful act, during the statutory period for naturalization, may render an applicant ineligible for naturalization should the act be found to adversely reflect on moral character. Previously, the USCIS Policy Manual did not include extensive information on unlawful acts. This update to the Policy Manual provides additional examples of unlawful acts and instructions to ensure USCIS adjudicators make uniform and fair determinations, and further identifies the unlawful acts that may affect GMC based on judicial precedent. This update does not change the impact of an unlawful act on USCIS’ analysis of whether an applicant can demonstrate GMC. Adjudicators in the field receive extensive training to apply the law on GMC and unlawful acts regulation. They are aware of which unlawful acts could bar an applicant from naturalization and are not limited by the examples listed in the Policy Manual. On Dec. 10, USCIS issued separate policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual about how two or more convictions for driving under the influence or post-sentencing changes to criminal sentencing might affect GMC determinations. “In the Immigration and Nationality Act, Congress determined that good moral character is a requirement for naturalization,” said USCIS Deputy Director Mark Koumans. “USCIS is committed to faithfully administering our nation’s lawful immigration system, and this update helps to ensure that our agency’s adjudicators make uniform and fair decisions concerning the consideration of unlawful acts on good moral character when determining eligibility for U.S. citizenship.” Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an applicant for naturalization must establish GMC. Although the INA does not directly define GMC, it does describe certain acts that bar establishing GMC of an applicant. Examples of unlawful acts recognized by case law as barring GMC include, but are not limited to, the following: bail jumping; bank fraud; conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; failure to claim U.S. citizenship; falsification of records; forgery uttering; insurance fraud; obstruction of justice; sexual assault; Social Security fraud; unlawful harassment; unlawful registration to vote; unlawful voting; and violation of a U.S. embargo. In general, applicants must show they have been, and continue to be, people of GMC during the statutory period before filing for naturalization and up until they take the Oath of Allegiance. The statutory period is generally five years for permanent residents of the United States, three years for applicants married to a U.S. citizen, and one year for certain applicants applying on the basis of qualifying U.S. military service. USCIS officers must continue to perform a case-by-case analysis to determine whether an act is unlawful and adversely reflects on an applicant's good moral character. They must also determine whether there are extenuating circumstances. An extenuating circumstance must pertain to the unlawful act and must precede or be contemporaneous with the commission of the unlawful act. Training for adjudicators will be updated to reflect this expanded guidance. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and LinkedIn (/uscis). USCIS Expands Guidance Related to Naturalization Requirement of Good Moral Character 12/13/2019 WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expanded its policy guidance regarding unlawful acts that may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character (GMC) requirement for naturalization. The commission of, or conviction or imprisonment for, an unlawful act, during the statutory period for naturalization, may render an applicant ineligible for naturalization should the act be found to adversely reflect on moral character. Previously, the USCIS Policy Manual did not include extensive information on unlawful acts. This update to the Policy Manual provides additional examples of unlawful acts and instructions to ensure USCIS adjudicators make uniform and fair determinations, and further identifies unlawful acts that may affect GMC based on judicial precedent. This update does not change the impact of an unlawful act on USCIS’ analysis of whether an applicant can demonstrate GMC. Adjudicators in the field receive extensive training to apply the law on GMC and unlawful acts regulation. They are aware of which unlawful acts could bar an applicant from naturalization and are not limited by the examples listed in the Policy Manual. On Dec. 10, USCIS issued separate policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual about how two or more convictions for driving under the influence or post-sentencing changes to criminal sentencing might affect GMC determinations. “In the Immigration and Nationality Act, Congress determined that good moral character is a requirement for naturalization,” said USCIS Deputy Director Mark Koumans. “USCIS is committed to faithfully administering our nation’s lawful immigration system, and this update helps to ensure that our agency’s adjudicators make uniform and fair decisions concerning the consideration of unlawful acts on good moral character when determining eligibility for U.S. citizenship.” Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an applicant for naturalization must establish GMC. Although the INA does not directly define GMC, it does describe certain acts that bar establishing GMC of an applicant. Examples of unlawful acts recognized by case law as barring GMC include, but are not limited to, the following: bail jumping; bank fraud; conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; failure to file or pay taxes; false claim to U.S. citizenship; falsification of records; forgery uttering; insurance fraud; obstruction of justice; sexual assault; Social Security fraud; unlawful harassment; unlawful registration to vote; unlawful voting; and violation of a U.S. embargo. In general, applicants must show they have been, and continue to be, people of GMC during the statutory period before filing for naturalization and up until they take the Oath of Allegiance. The statutory period is generally five years for permanent residents of the United States, three years for applicants married to a U.S. citizen, and one year for certain applicants applying on the basis of qualifying U.S. military service. USCIS officers must continue to perform a case-by-case analysis to determine whether an act is unlawful and adversely reflects on an applicant's good moral character. They must also determine whether there are extenuating circumstances. An extenuating circumstance must pertain to the unlawful act and must precede or be contemporaneous with the commission of the unlawful act. Training for adjudicators will be updated to reflect this expanded guidance. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and LinkedIn (/uscis). Please do not reply to this message.  See our Contact Us page for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |   Unsubscribe   |  Help Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact Subscriber Help. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sending to desipulau.immigrationnewsandup@blogger.com  20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20529  1-800-375-5283

News Release / Communiqué

Special Citizenship Ceremony at Pier 21 attended by Minister Mendicino Today, many immigrants, including a well-known Antigonish business owner, realized their dreams of Canadian citizenship January 15, 2020—Halifax, Nova Scotia Fifty immigrants from 14 countries became Canadian citizens at a special ceremony held today at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, delivered the oath of citizenship and congratulated the new Canadians. Read more

Cérémonie de citoyenneté spéciale au Quai 21 en présence du ministre Mendicino Aujourd’hui, de nombreux immigrants, dont un propriétaire d’entreprise bien connu d’Antigonish, ont réalisé leurs rêves de devenir citoyen canadien. Le 15 janvier 2020 – Halifax (Nouvelle-Écosse) Cinquante immigrants de 14 pays sont devenus des citoyens canadiens lors d’une cérémonie spéciale tenue aujourd’hui au Quai 21 à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse. L’honorable Marco E.L. Mendicino, C.P., député, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a présidé l’assermentation de citoyenneté et a félicité les nouveaux Canadiens. Lisez

News Release / Communiqué

Canadian Football League Hosts Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies in Spirit of Diversity is Strength Campaign August 18, 2018—Edmonton, AB The Edmonton Eskimos will kick off the Canadian Football League (CFL) Diversity is Strength campaign by welcoming 50 new Canadian citizens at a special citizenship ceremony today at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. After reciting the oath of citizenship in front of family and friends, Canada’s newly sworn citizens will head to the football field to sing the Canadian national anthem alongside football players and thousands of fans. Read more

La Ligue canadienne de football organise des cérémonies de citoyenneté canadienne dans l’esprit de la campagne Diversité est synonyme de force Le 18 août 2018 – Edmonton (Alberta) Les Eskimos d’Edmonton lanceront la campagne Diversité est synonyme de force de la Ligue canadienne de football (LCF) en aidant à accueillir 50 nouveaux Canadiens à l’occasion d’une cérémonie de citoyenneté spéciale, aujourd’hui, au stade du Commonwealth, à Edmonton. Après avoir prononcé le serment de citoyenneté devant leur famille et leurs amis, les nouveaux citoyens canadiens se rendront sur le terrain de football pour chanter l’hymne national du Canada aux côtés de joueurs de football et de milliers de spectateurs. Lisez plus

News Release / Communiqué

A new way forward for some immigration application processing times Ottawa, August 9, 2018 – At Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we know that applying to immigrate to Canada is a life changing event, and we understand how frustrating it can be when applications take longer than expected. That’s why we have made changes to improve the experience for some permanent resident clients. Now, clients will have a more accurate idea of how long processing of their immigration application may take for several permanent resident business lines. Read more

Nouvelle orientation concernant les délais de traitement de certaines demandes d’immigration Ottawa, le 9 août 2018 – Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) sait que la présentation d’une demande d’immigration au Canada est un événement qui change le cours d’une vie et comprend à quel point il peut être frustrant d’attendre plus longtemps que prévu le traitement de sa demande. C’est la raison pour laquelle nous avons apporté des changements afin d’améliorer l’expérience de certains candidats à la résidence permanente. Dorénavant, les clients qui présenteront une demande d’immigration au titre de l’une de plusieurs catégories de demandes de résidence permanente auront une idée plus précise du temps qu’il faudra pour traiter leur demande. Lisez plus

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

USCIS Using Tablets to Administer the English Reading and Writing Tests for Naturalization 10/03/2018 On Oct. 1, USCIS began using digital tablets to administer the English reading and writing tests during naturalization interviews as part of the agency’s ongoing business modernization efforts. Although USCIS applicants already use digital tablets to sign or verify parts of their applications, this new approach expands tablet usage, allowing the device to be used for a greater portion of the application process. USCIS will be able to continue using the paper process on a case-by-case basis. While the eligibility requirements and the subject material of the naturalization test have not changed, applicants are now using a stylus on a digital tablet instead of a paper application. Immigration Services Officers (ISO) will carefully instruct applicants on how to use the tablets before administering the tests: For the reading test, a sentence will appear on the tablet and the ISO will ask the applicant to read it. For the writing test, several lines will appear on the tablet, replicating the appearance of a piece of blank paper. The ISO will read a sentence aloud and ask the applicant to write it on the tablet. Applicants will continue to take the civics test verbally, without the tablet.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

USCIS to Expand Information Services Modernization Program to Key Locations 10/30/2018 Program provides operational efficiencies, improves delivery of services WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will expand its Information Services Modernization Program to key field offices, beginning with the Detroit Field Office and the five offices in the Los Angeles District on Nov. 13. Field offices in the Newark, Great Lakes, and San Francisco districts will implement the program during the first quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2019. USCIS anticipates expanding the program to all remaining field offices by the end of FY 2019. The Information Services Modernization Program ends self-scheduling of InfoPass appointments and instead encourages applicants to use USCIS online information resources to view general how-to information and check case statuses through the USCIS Contact Center. Recent improvements to online tools provide applicants the ability to obtain their case status and other immigration information without having to visit a local field office. Since USCIS launched a pilot of this program in March, transitioning from the InfoPass appointment system to the Information Services Modernization Program has improved the delivery of emergency and other services that can only be provided in person and made operations more efficient overall. “Expanding this program is a significant step in our efforts to move more USCIS services and information online,” said USCIS Director Francis Cissna. “It also frees up agency staff to spend more time adjudicating benefit requests which should help reduce case processing times. USCIS remains committed to pursuing the most effective and efficient ways to administer our nation’s lawful immigration system.” Based on surveys and other data, USCIS determined that most people who made in-person information service appointments through InfoPass could have received the same information by calling the USCIS Contact Center or checking the USCIS website. Importantly, when it is determined an applicant does need in-person assistance under the Information Services Modernization Program, personnel at the USCIS Contact Center will help schedule an appointment without the individual having to search for available timeslots. Early results indicate the Information Services Modernization Program provides essential assistance while saving the public time and effort. The program will also allow USCIS to better align resources to reduce case processing times. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), and Facebook(/uscis).

News Release / Communiqué

Immigration Minister announces key initiatives to promote Francophone immigration from pre-arrival to citizenship November 7, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Promoting Francophone immigration is a priority for the Government of Canada. As part of National Francophone Immigration Week, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a number of key initiatives to improve and grow services for francophone immigrants. Reinforcing Francophone settlement services from pre-arrival to citizenship will ensure the successful integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers to Canada.  Read more

Le ministre de l’Immigration annonce d’importantes initiatives pour promouvoir l’immigration francophone, de la période préalable au départ jusqu’à l’obtention de la citoyenneté Le 7 novembre 2018 – Ottawa (Ontario) – La promotion de l’immigration francophone est une priorité pour le gouvernement du Canada. Dans le cadre de la Semaine nationale de l’immigration francophone, l’honorable Ahmed Hussen, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de Citoyenneté du Canada (IRCC), a annoncé plusieurs initiatives importantes pour améliorer et élargir l’offre des services aux immigrants francophones. Une des nouvelles priorités consiste à consolider les services d’établissement francophones, de la période précédant le départ jusqu’à l’obtention de la citoyenneté, afin d’assurer l’intégration et la rétention des nouveaux arrivants francophones au Canada. Lisez plus

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Weekly Digest Bulletin

USCIS Finalizes Guidance on Signature Requirements - with limited exceptions, USCIS no longer accepts Power of Attorney signatures 02/16/2018 WASHINGTON —U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that petitioners and applicants who seek immigration benefits must provide a valid signature on forms submitted to the agency. In an effort to protect and safeguard the nation’s immigration system and those who benefit from it, power of attorney signatures will no longer be accepted. If forms are filed by a corporation or other legal entity, they must be signed by an authorized person. The new policy is effective March 18, 2018.  This final policy memorandum updates an interim memorandum that outlined the elements of a valid signature and permitted entities that filed petitions with USCIS to use the signature of an individual based on a power of attorney. Because of concerns about consistency and program integrity, USCIS reversed the interim memorandum’s policy on power of attorney signatures.   The prohibition on power of attorney signatures does not affect signatures on behalf of individuals younger than age 14 or those with disabilities. The final memorandum makes additional changes such as providing that an authorized signatory must be employed by the petitioner and that USCIS may reject a form submitted with a faulty signature instead of offering the opportunity to fix the deficiency.   USCIS will publish revised instructions for individual forms to clearly specify the applicable signature requirements. USCIS will also address requirements for electronic signatures in future guidance. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), and Facebook(/uscis). -USCIS-