Newsletter Week of April 10

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Safe Mailing Address and Case Handling Procedures for Certain Protected Persons 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy guidance on safe mailing address and case handling procedures for certain forms. This update is aimed at protecting the personal information of applicants and petitioners, including their physical address and other sensitive details. The policy also outlines the procedures for USCIS to follow in case an applicant or petitioner reports a change of address or mailing address. 

USCIS Begins to Staff New Virtual Service Center 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has established a new virtual service center that aims to provide remote assistance to applicants and petitioners. The new center is designed to reduce processing times for certain forms and applications by enabling USCIS employees to work from any location. The virtual service center will also allow applicants and petitioners to communicate with USCIS officials through video conferencing and other digital platforms. This move is part of USCIS's ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and improve customer service. 

USCIS Updates Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays 

USCIS has updated its policy regarding the filing and response time frames for paper-based applications and petitions that end on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Starting from March 29, 2023, USCIS will consider such applications and petitions as timely filed if they are received by the next business day. This new policy applies to all USCIS forms that have a specific deadline for filing or responding, except for naturalization applications.