Oakton Health Center

USCIS has issued guidelines on when to file Adjustment of Status applications for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas in May 2025. This process allows individuals seeking to become U.S. permanent residents to adjust their legal status. The process varies depending on the individual’s visa type and birth country. In addition, USCIS has announced starting Jan. 20, 2025, they will no longer issue any requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny related to the COVID-19 vaccination. The immunization has been removed from the list of required vaccinations for aliens seeking admission as immigrants.

Meanwhile, as part of the Visa Bulletin, USCIS in collaboration with DOS provides immigrant visa availability information, ensuring all authorized visas are issued when there is a demand. USCIS and DOS also ensure that maximum visas are issued as directed by Congress and minimize fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates.

In terms of eligibility, various Green Card categories are available. After establishing the preferred category, individuals have to file an immigrant petition (if applicable), check visa availability, file Form I-485 and attend an Application Support Center appointment for biometrics. Some may require to attend an interview and respond to a request for additional evidence (if applicable). The final step is for individuals to check their case status and await the decision. USCIS also released the HHS Poverty Guidelines effective from March 1, 2025, which is necessary to complete the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.

In a nutshell, USCIS is working towards modernizing the adjustment process in the immigration system to streamline the procedure, minimize fluctuations, and improve accessibility.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA, is a legally binding contract in which an individual pledges to financially support an immigrant intending to become a legal resident of the U.S. The obligations of the sponsor last until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or accumulates 40 work quarters (about 10 years). The sponsor is legally obligated to repay the expenses of any means-tested public benefits received by the immigrant they sponsored. Falsification of the Affidavit may lead to severe legal repercussions including criminal prosecution. Those not obligated to file an affidavit include those who have earned 40 work credits in the U.S, and certain individuals with approved Form I-360 petitions. Certain relatives, fiancés and children of the sponsor may need to submit an Affidavit at a different stage of their immigration process.

In other news, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now consider anti-Semitic activity on social media, physical harassment of Jewish individuals, or affiliation with institutions linked to anti-Semitic activity as factors in denying immigration requests. Promoting or supporting anti-Semitic terrorism or organizations will factor negatively in any USCIS discretionary analysis in the immigration benefit request process. The objective is to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and terrorist sympathizers. Effective immediately, this policy applies especially to those applying for permanent resident status and foreign students.