By Turid Owren and Alan Perkins
On August 28, 2017, USCIS announced that it will be phasing in interviews for employment-based applicants for adjustment of status to permanent residence. The phase-in will begin October 1, and requires employees in temporary nonimmigrant status who have filed an I-485 application to adjust status to permanent residence to appear at a local USCIS office for an in-person interview before final approval of permanent residence. Of note, this was standard procedure in the distant past, but has been generally waived in employment-based cases for many years. USCIS announced that it is re-instituting these interviews to combat fraud and enhance the integrity of the country's immigration systems.
The additional requirement for in-person interviews will undoubtedly lengthen processing times for employment-based permanent residence applications.
This client alert is prepared for the general information of our clients and friends. It should not be regarded as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this update, or for more information about this topic, please contact any of the attorneys in our Business Immigration practice group, or the attorney with whom you normally consult.
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