Client Payment Portal

Immigration Update

Aug 16, 2021 | Immigration Updates

In this edition, read about the release of the Visa Bulletin for September 2021, USCIS temporarily extending validity periods of medical exam and vaccination record forms, and USCIS expanding its partnership with the social security administration.

Visa Bulletin for September 2021 Released

The Department of State’s Visa Office released the Visa Bulletin for September 2021. The bulletin notes, among other things, that:

  • The diversity visa (DV) category for September shows that all DV chargeability areas except those listed separately are Current.
  • Because the EB-5 immigrant investor pilot program was extended only until June 30, 2021, no I5 or R5 visas may be issued overseas or final action taken on adjustment of status cases after that date. The final action dates for the I5 and R5 categories are “Unavailable” for September.
  • The Worldwide employment-based preference limit for fiscal year 2021 is 262,288, which is much higher than the normal annual limit of 140,000 for employment-based green cards.


In another positive development, the Employment-Based Third Preference Final Action Date for India advanced to January 1, 2014, which is where the Filing Date was in the December 2020 Visa Bulletin.

Details: Visa Bulletin, Dept. of State, Sept. 2021, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-for-september-2021.html


Back to Top


USCIS Temporarily Extends Validity Period of Medical Exam and Vaccination Record Form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily extended the validity period for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to four years due to COVID-19 pandemic-related delays in processing. USCIS said it may consider a completed Form I-693 as valid if:

  • The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
  • No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and
  • A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before September 30, 2021.
  • USCIS also stated that it is on track to approve more employment-based adjustment of status applications than it has since FY 2005. “We have prioritized employment-based adjustment of status applications during every step of its processing and adjudication during this fiscal year. We continue to make processing and resource allocation decisions to increase the pace of adjudications and limit the potential for employment-based visa numbers to go unused.”

Details: USCIS alert, Aug. 12, 2021, https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-temporarily-extending-validity-period-of-form-i-693


Back to Top


USCIS Expands Partnership with Social Security Administration


Applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status can now apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced. Previously, such an individual had to apply for the SSN at a Social Security office. USCIS revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card.


Details: USCIS news release, Aug. 9, 2021, https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-expands-partnership-with-social-security-administration


Back to Top

Related Posts:

News Digest Special Edition: Understanding the January 20th Executive Orders

Recent Executive Orders (EOs) have significant implications for immigration, creating critical priorities for employers and employees alike. Below is an overview of the key areas affected and actionable recommendations to navigate these changes. 1. Maintaining Proof of Legal Status for Foreign National Workers Employers must remind their nonimmigrant employees to: Warning: Noncompliance can result in visa petition revocation, removal/deportation, and other severe consequences. Employers should ensure their workforce understands these obligations and provide resources to facilitate compliance. 2. Birthright Citizenship Policy Changes The EO titled Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship introduces restrictions on birthright citizenship.  Effective February 19, 2025. Key changes include: Recommended Actions for Work Visa Holders: Litigation Note: A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, blocking this EO for the time being. While its future is uncertain, employees should take precautions and secure documentation for their children promptly. 3. Travel Ban and Potential Restrictions The EO titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats mandates a review of countries with potentially insufficient visa vetting processes. A travel ban could be implemented within 30 to 60 days. The same EO will implement extreme vetting for visa […]

Read More

Immigration Update

There is a lot to unpack in this edition! Find out below about the DHS announcing fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico being allowed to enter the United States at land borders and ferry crossings, an update on the November 2021 Visa Bulletin relating to India and China EB-3 dates, Senate Democrats reviewing options for immigration provisions in an Reconciliation Bill, and more. DHS Announces Fully Vaccinated Travelers From Canada and Mexico Will Be Allowed to Enter United States at Land Borders and Ferry Crossings Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced on October 12, 2021, that the Department of Homeland Security will amend Title 19 regulations to allow nonessential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States via land and ferry ports of entry (POEs) across U.S. borders. The modifications will occur in two phases over the next few months: The target date for lifting the travel restrictions is Nov. 8, 2021. People entering the United States at the borders with Mexico or Canada will be questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers about their vaccination status before being allowed to cross. The officers will have discretion to send travelers […]

Read More