USCIS EXTENDS WORK/EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION CARDS (EAD) FOR SOME INDIVIDUALS FOR UP TO 540 DAYS

USCIS recently announced they increased the automatic extension period of work permits/employment authorization cards (“EAD”) for certain applicants. In May, USCIS announced a Temporary Final Rule that increases the automatic extension period for EAD cards and Employment Authorization Documents for certain applicants up to 540 days. “As USCIS works to address pending EAD caseloads, the […]

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USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Requests (RFEs, NOIDs, Denials and Appeals) as well as Updates Guidelines on Validity Periods for Certain EAD (Work) Cards

Recently, USCIS again granted extensions for responding to their requests. For any Request for Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), Appeal or other agency requests, USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices timely if received within 60 calendar days after the response due date. This applies to agency requests […]

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USCIS Allows Employment Authorization for Individuals Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong Residents

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a Federal Register notice. It includes information on how to apply for employment authorization for eligible Hong Kong residents. This is covered under the president’s Aug. 5, 2021 memorandum directing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for 18 months, through Feb. 5, 2023. DED for Hong Kong residents applies only to certain […]

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New York Court System Requires Masks Again Effective August 13, 2021

The New York State Courts Administrative Judge recently revised mask-wearing guidance for NY Courts. New York State is currently listed as an area of substantial or high transmission of COVID-19. The CDC stated that vaccinated individuals should be wearing masks or face coverings indoors, in public areas. Until further notice, several programs permitting court users […]

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U.S. Department of State Extends COVID-Related National Interest Exemptions (NIE) for Travelers Subject to Presidential Proclamations

On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended National Interest Exceptions (NIE). This applies to travelers subject to Presidential Proclamations (PPs). These include PPs: 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and others related to the spread of COVID-19. Unless otherwise stated, NIEs are valid for 12 months from the date of approval. NIE’s are valid […]

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The Importance of Properly Filed Taxes for Marriage-Based Green Card and Citizenship Applications

At times, the immigration attorneys at Heiferman & Associates see tax returns with errors. These errors can negatively affect marriage-based immigration applications. Tax returns for Green card or citizenship applicants based on marriage, usually should check the box “married filing jointly”. Sometimes individuals incorrectly claim head of household. By claiming head of household, tax filers […]

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