NewsFlash! USCIS Expected to Increase Use of In-Person Interviews; Details Remain Unclear

Updated information is available. (29 Aug 2017)

According to two news reports, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to greatly expand the use of in-person interviews for foreign nationals seeking certain immigration benefits while in the United States. The information, however, is fairly vague and confusing.

According to Politico, effective October 1, 2017, an interview would be required for any foreign national in an employment-based nonimmigrant category (e.g., H1B, L-1) who is applying for adjustment of status (form I-485). A report by NBC News, on the other hand, seems to imply that an interview would be required if a person in an employment-based nonimmigrant category is applying for a change in status to a different nonimmigrant category. The NBC News report further states that this “… new policy may be expanded to include other populations, such as students and green-card holders …”

The USCIS has yet to release an official statement on this matter. For the time being, it is unclear what the policy will be, and who, precisely, will be impacted. As soon as more concrete details become available, the information will be posted on MurthyDotCom. Subscribe to the free MurthyBulletin for future updates.

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