[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-2026-us-immigration-money-transfer-regulations-new-remittance-tax-and-compliance-requirements":3},{"post":4,"related":26},{"id":5,"slug":6,"title":7,"subtitle":8,"excerpt":9,"summary":9,"body":10,"language":11,"status":12,"publishedAt":13,"tags":14,"categoryId":15,"categorySlug":16,"categoryName":17,"coverImageId":8,"coverImageUrl":8,"thumbnailUrl":18,"authorUserId":19,"authorName":20,"viewCount":21,"readingMinutes":8,"isAiGenerated":22,"aiPrompt":8,"seoTitle":8,"seoDescription":8,"seoKeywords":8,"legacyBlogId":23,"createdAt":24,"updatedAt":25,"deletedAt":8},"ceaccad5-7328-4864-9a76-ea0b2fb652ab","2026-us-immigration-money-transfer-regulations-new-remittance-tax-and-compliance-requirements","2026 U.S. Immigration Money Transfer Regulations: New Remittance Tax and Compliance Requirements",null,"Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. implemented a 1% excise tax on cash-funded remittance transfers under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This affects millions sending money abroad, with specific rules for cash payments while exempting bank transfers. Learn the procedures, limits, and compliance requirements for international money transfers in 2026.","\u003Ch1>2026 U.S. Immigration Money Transfer Regulations: New Remittance Tax and Compliance Requirements\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background:#f0f8ff;border-left:4px solid #1a3a5c;padding:16px 20px;border-radius:6px;margin:20px 0;\">\n\u003Ch3>Key Takeaways\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>A 1% excise tax applies to cash-funded remittance transfers to foreign recipients starting January 1, 2026\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Bank account transfers, credit\u002Fdebit card payments, and cryptocurrencies are exempt from the tax\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>The tax is projected to generate $10 billion in revenue over 10 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Penalty relief is available for providers through the third quarter of 2026\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>USCIS immigration fees have increased for 2026 with stricter payment requirements\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"Blog image\" src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F110\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin:16px 0;float:right;margin:0 0 16px 20px;width:45%;\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Understanding the New Remittance Transfer Tax\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"7-8,7-9\">Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a 1% remittance transfer tax applies to remittances sent from the United States to recipients in foreign countries when the sender provides cash, a money order, a cashier's check, or other similar physical instrument to the remittance transfer provider. The sender is liable for the tax, and remittance transfer providers are required to collect the remittance transfer tax from certain senders, make semimonthly deposits, and file quarterly returns with the IRS.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cem>NOTE. \u003Cstrong data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" jsaction=\"\" jscontroller=\"zYmgkd#vvzi1e\" jsuid=\"fVrNbe_v\">The 1% Tax Rule:\u003C!--TgQPHd|[]-->\u003C\u002Fstrong> A 1% excise tax is applied to the amount transferred \u003Cstrong>FROM the US TO foreign accounts\u003C\u002Fstrong>. If you send $500 using cash, an extra $5 tax applies.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Qualifies for the Tax\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"3-10\">It covers remittance transfers funded by cash, money orders, cashier's checks, traveler's checks, or similar physical instruments issued by foreign governments.\u003C\u002Fcite> The tax is calculated at exactly 1% of the total transfer amount, with no minimum threshold or caps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"3-28,3-29,3-30\">The tax on remittance transfers equals 1% of the total amount the sender provides. That amount includes promotional bonuses tied to the transfer. It does not include service fees or state taxes.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"Blog image\" src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F115\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin:16px 0;width:100%;\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Exempt Transfer Methods\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Understanding which transfer methods avoid the 1% tax is crucial for cost-effective money transfers. \u003Ccite index=\"2-35,2-43\">Direct bank-to-bank transfer – no. Avoid the 1% remittance tax entirely by switching from cash funding to bank account transfers or US debit\u002Fcredit card payments.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Recommended Transfer Methods\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Bank Account Transfers:\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Ccite index=\"2-44\">For regular remittances, open a US bank account if you don't have one, and use ACH transfers or money transfer apps that accept account funding like Wise, Remitly, or Xoom.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Credit\u002FDebit Cards:\u003C\u002Fstrong> U.S.-issued cards are exempt from the tax\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Digital Assets:\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Ccite index=\"2-37\">Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are not classified as "physical instruments" under IRC 4475(c) and are therefore exempt.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"2-46,2-47\">Wise – Accepts bank account and debit card funding, offers competitive FX rates, and includes a multi-currency account option. Completely exempt from the 1% tax, with fees typically running 0.4–1% of the transfer amount.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Chr \u002F>\n\u003Ch2>Tax Collection and Reporting Requirements\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"Blog image\" src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F106\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin:16px 0;float:left;margin:0 20px 16px 0;width:45%;\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"3-32,3-33\">Senders owe the tax, but remittance transfer providers collect it at the point of sale. Providers must report it quarterly on Form 720 and make semi-monthly deposits even though the return is filed every quarter.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"7-1,7-2\">Remittance transfer providers report the new remittance transfer tax on Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return PDF, with the first semimonthly deposits due Jan. 29, 2026. In October 2025, the IRS issued Notice 2025-55 PDF providing limited penalty relief for remittance transfer providers who fail to deposit the correct amount of the remittance transfer tax as required during the first three quarters of 2026.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Revenue Projections and Market Impact\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"2-10,3-13\">The Joint Tax Committee estimates the tax will generate approximately $10 billion in federal revenue over 10 years – representing a small fraction of total U.S. outbound remittance flows, which exceed $100 billion annually. The Joint Committee on Taxation projects the tax will raise $10 billion over 10 years from annual flows of about $100B+.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"5-22\">Applying these shares to the average 2019-2024 annual remittance transfer volume of $520 billion results in annual cash remittance transfers totaling about $156 billion to $187 billion.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Chr \u002F>\n\u003Ch2>2026 USCIS Fee Updates and Processing Changes\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Beyond the remittance tax, U.S. immigration applicants face additional changes in 2026. \u003Ccite index=\"13-1,13-7\">USCIS will require the filing fees for FY 2026 established in this notice for any immigration benefit requests postmarked on or after January 1, 2026. Any immigration benefit request postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 without the proper filing fee will be rejected.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Premium Processing Fee Increases\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"12-3,12-4\">This rule is effective on March 1, 2026. If you submit a request for premium processing postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Key premium processing fee changes effective March 1, 2026:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ccite index=\"19-11\">Form I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions will increase from $2,805 to $2,965.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ccite index=\"19-12\">Form I-539 applications to extend or change nonimmigrant status for F, J, and M categories will increase from $1,965 to $2,075.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ccite index=\"19-13\">Form I-765 applications for employment authorization in OPT and STEM OPT categories will increase from $1,685 to $1,780.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"Blog image\" src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F114\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin:16px 0;width:100%;\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Processing Time Challenges\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"14-1,14-6,14-7\">Although USCIS currently lists an average processing time of approximately 4.5 months for change-of-status petitions, actual adjudications are taking 8 months or longer. Although USCIS currently lists an average processing time of approximately 4.5 months for change-of-status petitions, actual adjudications are taking 8 months or longer. By contrast, petitions filed under Premium Processing must be adjudicated by USCIS within 15 business days.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ccite index=\"15-8,15-9\">As of early 2026, USCIS is managing a record backlog of over 11 million pending cases. The current administration has indefinitely paused naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies for nationals from 39 designated countries.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Chr \u002F>\n\u003Ch2>Compliance Best Practices\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>To navigate the new regulations successfully, immigrants and their families should follow these guidelines:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cblockquote>"\u003Ccite index=\"1-14\">Senders are advised to use regulated banking channels and keep detailed documentation of their funds' lawful origins to navigate these changes smoothly.\u003C\u002Fcite>"\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\u003Ch3>For Money Transfers:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>Switch to bank account or card-funded transfers to avoid the 1% tax\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Keep detailed records of all international transfers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Use reputable providers like banks or regulated money transfer services\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Verify funding methods before initiating transfers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>For USCIS Applications:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ccite index=\"18-8\">Applicants should verify fees via USCIS's fee calculator and consider filing before the deadline to avoid higher costs.\u003C\u002Fcite>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Use current forms and correct fees to avoid rejections\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Consider premium processing for time-sensitive cases\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>Maintain compliance with all documentation requirements\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Chr \u002F>\n\u003Ch2>Sources\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e9ecef;padding:16px;border-radius:6px;margin:20px 0;\">\n\u003Cul style=\"list-style-type:none;padding:0;margin:0;\">\n\t\u003Cli>• \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.irs.gov\u002Fnewsroom\u002Ftreasury-irs-issue-proposed-regulations-on-the-new-remittance-transfer-tax-established-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IRS Official Announcement on Remittance Transfer Tax\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>• \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.federalregister.gov\u002Fdocuments\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F13\u002F2026-07085\u002Fexcise-tax-on-remittance-transfers\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Federal Register: Excise Tax on Remittance Transfers\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>• \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uscis.gov\u002Fg-1055\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">USCIS Fee Schedule\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>• \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uscis.gov\u002Fnewsroom\u002Falerts\u002Fuscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003Cli>• \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.taxesforexpats.com\u002Farticles\u002Fexpat-tax-rules\u002Fremittance-tax.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">US Remittance Tax Complete Guide\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background:#1a3a5c;color:#fff;padding:24px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;margin-top:30px;\">\n\u003Ch3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-bottom:16px;\">Need Expert Immigration Guidance?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">Kennedy Access Group specializes in EB-3 visa sponsorship and employment-based immigration services. Our experienced team helps you navigate complex immigration regulations, including the latest fee changes and compliance requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:0;\">\u003Cstrong>Contact Kennedy Access Group today for personalized consultation on your U.S. immigration journey.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n","en","published","2026-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",[],"5765734f-a387-4f4f-a0ed-880cb9e2addb","immigration-guide","Immigration Guide","\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F121","e0cd7bc0-1996-444a-acb5-4e09d6c1a97b","info@kennedyaccess.com",26,true,6,"2026-06-02T23:17:20.000Z","2026-06-09T21:14:57.000Z",[27,40,53],{"id":28,"slug":29,"title":30,"subtitle":8,"excerpt":31,"summary":31,"body":32,"language":11,"status":12,"publishedAt":13,"tags":33,"categoryId":15,"categorySlug":16,"categoryName":17,"coverImageId":8,"coverImageUrl":8,"thumbnailUrl":34,"authorUserId":35,"authorName":36,"viewCount":21,"readingMinutes":8,"isAiGenerated":37,"aiPrompt":8,"seoTitle":8,"seoDescription":8,"seoKeywords":8,"legacyBlogId":38,"createdAt":39,"updatedAt":39,"deletedAt":8},"22747aa9-e2cf-476e-8c98-3fc4a0757af5","premium-processing-frequently-leads-to-nonsensical-requests-for-evidence-rfes","PREMIUM PROCESSING FREQUENTLY LEADS TO NONSENSICAL REQUESTS FOR EVIDENCE (RFES)","USCIS premium processing is driving a surge in boilerplate RFEs for employment-based petitions. How employers and EB-3 applicants can build stronger cases.","\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">\u003Cb>\u003Cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Premium Processing frequently leads to nonsensical Requests for Evidence (RFEs)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">Recently, USCIS has been arbitrarily applying stringent, non-regulatory criteria when adjudicating Employment-based immigration petitions, leading to a sharp rise in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denial rates.  However, federal courts have recently begun to curb this trend of adjudication that exceeds statutory authority, thereby paving the way for future legal challenges.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cimg ng-click=\"previewImage(blog.thumbnailUrl)\" ng-if=\"blog.thumbnailUrl\" ng-src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F138\" src=\"http:\u002F\u002Fkennedyaccess.com:9090\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F138\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">\u003Cb>\u003Cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Overall Adjudication Climate: A Surge in RFEs and Rejection Rates\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">The most prominent characteristics of current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operations are the "arbitrary raising of standards" and "mass rejections."\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">By early 2026, Requests for Evidence (RFEs) were being issued for approximately half (50%) of standard processing cases.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">The Pitfall of Premium Processing: With Premium Processing which guarantees a decision within 15 to 45 days, there is an increasing tendency for USCIS officers to issue "substandard, boilerplate RFEs" just before the deadline without properly reviewing the documentation, simply to meet the mandated processing timeframe.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">\u003Cb>\u003Cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Practical Tips for Applicants and Employers\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">While the current landscape for U.S. employment-based immigration is undeniably more challenging than ever, success remains achievable. To navigate the rise in adjudication errors by USCIS, the following strategies are essential when preparing a petition:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">\u003Cb>Building a "Plenary Record"\u003C\u002Fb>: From the initial filing, you must meticulously align every piece of evidence with the relevant legal requirements to leave no room for USCIS adjudicators to merely skim the file or nitpick.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:115%\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">\u003Cb>Anticipating and Countering Arbitrary Requirements:\u003C\u002Fb> Be aware of "arbitrary conditions" frequently demanded by adjudicators (such as requiring a business plan or insisting that recommendation letters specify exact work dates). It is prudent to preemptively address and refute these demands by citing the legal basis within the petition letter itself.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\">*** Kennedy Access Group is not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.***\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\n*** \u003Cb>Disclaimer:\u003C\u002Fb> The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is \u003Cb>not intended to constitute legal advice\u003C\u002Fb> and should not be relied upon as such. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction."***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-bottom:11px\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",[],"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F138","e33558e3-ba49-473d-91c3-77f808a66a7c","undefined undefined",false,11,"2026-06-16T21:07:20.000Z",{"id":41,"slug":42,"title":43,"subtitle":8,"excerpt":44,"summary":44,"body":45,"language":11,"status":12,"publishedAt":13,"tags":46,"categoryId":15,"categorySlug":16,"categoryName":17,"coverImageId":8,"coverImageUrl":8,"thumbnailUrl":47,"authorUserId":35,"authorName":48,"viewCount":49,"readingMinutes":8,"isAiGenerated":37,"aiPrompt":8,"seoTitle":8,"seoDescription":8,"seoKeywords":8,"legacyBlogId":50,"createdAt":51,"updatedAt":52,"deletedAt":8},"6b842bed-05f7-4bc9-aa72-fa9fe71d90ad","what-happened-to-the-100000-h-1b-visa-fee-and-the-legal-rebuke-that-followed","What happened to the $100,000 H-1B visa fee and the legal rebuke that followed","A federal judge voided the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, ruling it violated the Administrative Procedure Act. What it means amid conflicting court decisions.","\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What happened to the $100,000 H-1B visa fee and the legal rebuke that followed\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\nIn September 2025, US government raised the fee for H-1B work visas to $100,000, saying it would protect American workers from losing their jobs to lower-paid foreign workers on this temporary work visa. The previous application fee was $215 to enter the visa lottery, plus additional processing charges. The higher fee became effective around 24 hours after the announcement.\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cb>What happened in court Monday?\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cbr \u002F>\nU.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston ruled that the fee violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations. The ruling voided “in its entirety” a policy from September requiring companies to pay $100,000 fees for H-1B visa petitions. “The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress,” Sorokin wrote.\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cimg ng-click=\"previewImage(blog.thumbnailUrl)\" ng-if=\"blog.thumbnailUrl\" ng-src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F128\" src=\"http:\u002F\u002Fkennedyaccess.com:9090\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F128\" \u002F>\u003Cbr \u002F>\nHis ruling contradicted an earlier federal court ruling — in a separate legal challenge to the H-1B fee brought by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — that upheld the charge and kept it in effect until it is scheduled to expire in September.\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\nYet another lawsuit has also been filed in federal court in San Francisco by religious groups and labor organizations, setting up the possibility of divided rulings in three appellate court circuits.\u003Cbr \u002F>\n\u003Cbr \u002F>\nThe ruling on Monday came just days after another federal judge similarly voided a policy in which the administration had directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to freeze applications for work permits and other immigration benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>*** Kennedy Access Group is not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.***\u003Cbr \u002F>\n*** \u003Cstrong data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" jsaction=\"\" jscontroller=\"zYmgkd\" jsuid=\"pARmIc_1a\">Disclaimer:\u003C!--TgQPHd|[]-->\u003C\u002Fstrong> The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is \u003Cstrong data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" jsaction=\"\" jscontroller=\"zYmgkd\" jsuid=\"pARmIc_1b\">not intended to constitute legal advice\u003C!--TgQPHd|[]-->\u003C\u002Fstrong> and should not be relied upon as such. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction."***\u003C\u002Fp>\n",[],"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F128","contact@steadyworkers.com",30,7,"2026-06-11T20:15:21.000Z","2026-06-11T20:18:28.000Z",{"id":54,"slug":55,"title":56,"subtitle":8,"excerpt":57,"summary":57,"body":58,"language":11,"status":12,"publishedAt":13,"tags":59,"categoryId":15,"categorySlug":16,"categoryName":17,"coverImageId":8,"coverImageUrl":8,"thumbnailUrl":60,"authorUserId":61,"authorName":62,"viewCount":63,"readingMinutes":8,"isAiGenerated":37,"aiPrompt":8,"seoTitle":8,"seoDescription":8,"seoKeywords":8,"legacyBlogId":64,"createdAt":65,"updatedAt":66,"deletedAt":8},"f45c44b6-97a0-46df-b7b4-037131acfc34","uscis-policy-memorandum-no-pm-602-0199","USCIS Policy Memorandum No. PM-602-0199","Adjustment of Status Is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace \nPolicy Date: May 21, 2026 \u002F Post Date: May 22, 2026","\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection1\">\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:2px\">\u003Cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\u002Fapi\u002Fblog\u002Fimage\u002F105\" style=\"width: 800px; height: 114px;\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Chr \u002F>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection3\">\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">May 27, 2026\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:16px\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify; text-indent:35.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) signed and issued Policy Memorandum No. PM-602-0199, titled "Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process." The policy was formally announced to the public on May 22, 2026.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify; text-indent:35.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">This memorandum fundamentally changes how USCIS will evaluate applications to obtain a Green Card from inside the United States - a process known as Adjustment of Status (AOS). This notice is intended to provide a general overview of what has changed, what has not changed, and what options may exist depending on your situation.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify; text-indent:35.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Ci>\u003Cu>\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">This letter is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fu>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"> \u003Cu>legal advice. Because every immigration case is different, the impact of this policy on your\u003C\u002Fu> \u003Cu>situation will depend heavily on your individual facts and circumstances. Before making any\u003C\u002Fu> \u003Cu>decisions, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified immigration attorney.\u003C\u002Fu>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fi>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">WHAT HAS CHANGED - AND WHY IT\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\"> MATTERS\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify; text-indent:35.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">The critical shift: Until now, AOS has been widely available in practice as a standard option for anyone who met the legal eligibility requirements. Under PM-602-0199, USCIS is instructing its officers to treat AOS as an exceptional privilege - not the default pathway - and to actively question why an applicant should be permitted to obtain a Green Card inside the U.S. rather than returning to their home country for consular processing.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify; text-indent:35.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">In other words, the burden has flipped. Where applicants previously needed to show they were eligible, they may now also need to affirmatively justify why they should be allowed to use AOS at all - even if every eligibility requirement is met.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection3\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.0in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">WHAT THIS POLICY DOES NOT DO - AND WHY SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTY \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">REMAINS\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection4\">\n\u003Col>\n\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"margin-top:5px; text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">AOS Is Not Banned - The Law Has Not\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\"> Changed.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">PM-602-0199 is an internal agency guidance document - NOT a change in the law. Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), enacted by Congress, has not been amended. Filing for a Green Card inside the United States remains legally available. A policy memo alone cannot override a federal statute.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"2\">\n\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Eligibility Requirements Have Not \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">Changed.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">The technical requirements to file for AOS remain exactly the same. What has changed is how strictly and skeptically USCIS will exercise its discretionary judgment when deciding whether to approve a case.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"3\">\n\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">No Follow-Up Implementing Guidance Has Been Issued \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.2pt\">Yet.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">As of today, USCIS has not released specific guidance explaining how PM-602-0199 will be applied across different visa categories, petition types, or individual circumstances. The memo is broad and leaves many critical questions unanswered. Acting on assumptions about how this policy will ultimately be enforced - before further guidance is issued - would be premature and potentially harmful.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"4\">\n\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"margin-top:19px; text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Legal Challenges Are Expected - And Courts Have Stepped In\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\"> Before.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Multiple immigration organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), are closely monitoring this memo and are expected to pursue litigation. This is not the first time the Trump administration has attempted to restrict immigration through agency guidance rather than legislation - and courts have a strong track record of stepping in:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">The 2019 "Public Charge" Rule (Trump 1.0): A sweeping rule that would have made it significantly harder for immigrants who used public benefits to obtain a Green Card - directly impacting AOS adjudications. Multiple federal district courts issued nationwide injunctions blocking the rule before it could take effect. The Second Circuit affirmed the injunction in 2020, finding the rule undermined Congress’s “unambiguous” intent. The rule was ultimately permanently vacated nationwide.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">F-1 Student Visa SEVIS Terminations (Trump 2.0, 2025): The administration moved to terminate the SEVIS records of tens of thousands of international students, effectively revoking their legal status without due process. More than 100 lawsuits were filed and over 50 restraining orders were issued by federal judges across the country. The administration reversed course and restored the F-1 registrations within weeks.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection4\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Mandatory Immigration Detention Policy (Trump 2.0, 2025): A policy of detaining individuals with long-pending immigration applications was\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection5\">\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:5px; margin-right:2px; margin-left:120px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">challenged in court. The Second Circuit affirmed that the policy violated existing immigration law and raised serious constitutional concerns.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Legal challenges to PM-602-0199 may be based on: (a) failure to follow the notice-and-comment rulemaking required under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA); (b) USCIS exceeding its statutory authority; (c) unlawful retroactive application to already-pending cases; and (d) conflict with Congress’s intent in designing the AOS framework. If a court issues an injunction, this guidance could be suspended or struck down entirely.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:53.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU - BY \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">SITUATION\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Col>\n\t\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">IF YOU HAVE ALREADY FILED FOR AOS (Pending I-\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.2pt\">485)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Fol>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">PM-602-0199 applies retroactively to all pending cases, regardless of when the application was filed.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) are expected to increase. Officers may issue an RFE requesting additional documentation of positive equities, or asking applicants to justify why AOS - rather than consular processing - is warranted. In more serious cases involving adverse factors, a NOID may be issued, signaling intent to deny and providing a limited window to respond. Both require prompt, thorough, and well-prepared responses. Consult an immigration attorney immediately upon receiving either.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Prior issues that once had limited impact may now become denial factors. A DUI, a brief overstay, minor visa violations, or working slightly outside the scope of a visa - factors that previously had relatively little effect - may now be treated as adverse factors, even when the applicant is otherwise legally \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">eligible.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Avoid creating any new adverse factors. Do not engage in unauthorized employment, do not travel internationally without advance parole, and maintain your current nonimmigrant status while the AOS is pending.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Begin gathering documentation of positive equities now. This includes proof of U.S. family ties, tax records, continuous lawful employment history, community involvement, evidence of good moral character, and any other factors demonstrating your ties to and contributions to the United States.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"margin-top:19px; text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO FILE FOR \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.25pt\">AOS\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection5\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Filing strategy must be carefully reassessed under PM-602-0199. Consult with an immigration attorney before taking any action.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection6\">\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:5px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Meeting eligibility requirements alone is no longer sufficient. You may need to affirmatively demonstrate “unusual or outstanding equities” - compelling reasons why you deserve the privilege of adjusting status inside the U.S. rather than through consular processing.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Your initial submission matters more than ever. To reduce the risk of an RFE or NOID, your AOS package should be submitted with a comprehensive evidentiary record from the start - not just the required forms, but affirmative documentation of positive equities: letters of support, proof of family relationships, employment records, tax returns, evidence of community ties, and where applicable, a legal brief addressing potential discretionary concerns. A bare-minimum filing invites heightened scrutiny under this new standard.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Do not assume consular processing is a safer alternative without first consulting an attorney. Departing the U.S. may trigger reentry bars - particularly for those who have accumulated unlawful presence - and could make the overall situation significantly worse.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:53.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU - BY VISA \u002F PETITION \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.2pt\">TYPE\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Col>\n\t\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">DUAL INTENT VISA HOLDERS - H-1B, L-1, O-1 (Limited \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">Impact)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Fol>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Those holding visas that formally recognize “dual intent” - permitting simultaneous temporary status and the intent to seek permanent residence - are in a comparatively stronger position. PM-602-0199 explicitly acknowledges that filing for AOS is not, by itself, inconsistent with dual intent nonimmigrant status.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-left:96px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">However, dual intent status does not provide\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\"> immunity:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:14.05pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:89.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Maintaining lawful status alone does not guarantee\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\"> approval.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Any immigration violations, status gaps, criminal history, or other adverse background factors can still be used against an applicant.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Cases with a clean immigration record and continuously maintained status are relatively well-positioned - but should be monitored carefully as further implementing guidance is issued.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:72px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">FAMILY-BASED AOS - Immediate Relatives and Preference Categories (Moderate \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">Impact)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:72px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Close family ties to U.S. citizens - particularly as a spouse, minor child, or parent - remain among the strongest positive equities an applicant can present. Family separation is a recognized humanitarian concern that officers are required to weigh.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-left:72px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection6\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">However:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"WordSection7\">\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:5px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">PM-602-0199 does not exempt family-based applicants from the discretionary analysis. Its core theory - that choosing to stay and adjust rather than departing for consular processing is itself an adverse factor - applies equally to family-based cases.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Applicants with clean immigration histories and strong, documented family ties are better positioned than those with complicating factors.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Col start=\"2\">\n\t\t\u003Cli align=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:14.05pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:71.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">EMPLOYMENT-BASED AOS WITHOUT CLOSE FAMILY TIES - EB-1, EB-2, EB-\u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.5pt\">3\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Fol>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-left:96px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"line-height:14.05pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">(Potentially Greatest \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.1pt\">Impact)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:2px; margin-left:96px\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Employment-based applicants without close U.S. citizen family members may face the greatest impact from PM-602-0199.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">The memo’s core theory directly targets this profile: temporary visa holders who entered for a specific purpose and are now seeking to convert their stay into permanent residence.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Without the humanitarian weight of immediate family relationships, employment-based applicants may find it significantly harder to demonstrate the “unusual or outstanding equities” now required.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Applicants who entered on single-intent visas (F-1, B-1\u002FB-2) and are now pursuing employment-based green cards face the highest level of scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Long-term H-1B or L-1 holders with clean compliance records are comparatively better positioned, but should not assume their status history alone is sufficient.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\u003Cli style=\"list-style-type:none\">\n\t\t\u003Cul>\n\t\t\t\u003Cli style=\"margin-right:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:1.25in\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Any negative factors - DUI, brief unauthorized employment, status gaps - carry considerably greater risk where there are no family ties to offset them.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\t\u003C\u002Ful>\n\t\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"tab-stops:53.95pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">THE BOTTOM \u003Cspan style=\"letter-spacing:-.2pt\">LINE\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-top:19px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:72px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">PM-602-0199 is a serious policy shift that - if implemented as written - will make AOS meaningfully more difficult for many individuals. But the situation remains highly fluid. No follow-up implementing guidance has been issued. Legal challenges are anticipated and, based on past precedent, have a real chance of succeeding. We do not yet know how this policy will ultimately be applied, or whether courts will allow it to stand.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\"> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin-right:24px; margin-left:72px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"page:WordSection7\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">Every immigration case is different. The impact of PM-602-0199 depends heavily on individual circumstances - visa history, immigration record, family ties, and the specific pathway being pursued. Before making any decisions about your immigration case - whether filing, withdrawing, switching to consular processing, or any other action - please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. This is not a situation to navigate alone or based on general information.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:14px; margin-right:24px; margin-left:24px; text-align:justify\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:11pt\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family:Cambria,serif\">\u003Cb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">DISCLAIMER: This notice is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. The impact of USCIS Policy Memorandum No. PM-602-0199 (issued May 21, 2026; announced May 22, 2026) is still evolving and is highly dependent on individual facts and circumstances. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions regarding your immigration case.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",[],"","b8bb4434-33fd-44a1-91e3-98c637ed39f0","jacob.p@kennedyaccess.com",35,5,"2026-05-28T23:36:36.000Z","2026-05-28T23:57:36.000Z"]