News in Brief

DHS Announces Extension and Redesignation of TPS for Several Countries: On June 21, 2023, DHS announced the rescission of the 2017 and 2018 terminations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. DHS will extend the designation as follows:

• El Salvador – for 18 months, from September 10, 2023 through March 9, 2025 (60-day re-registration period from July 12, 2023 through September 10, 2023);
• Honduras – for 18 months, from January 6, 2024 through July 5, 2025 (60-day re-registration period from November 6, 2023 through January 5, 2024);
• Nepal – for 18 months, from December 25, 2023 through June 24, 2025 (60-day re-registration period from October 25, 2023 through December 23, 2023);
• Nicaragua – for 18 months, from January 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025 (60-day re-registration period from November 6, 2023 through January 5, 2024).

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change Status into F, M, or J: Nonimmigration Status: On June 12, 2023, USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigration Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M2, J-1, or J-2 Nonimmigration Status. Online filing of Form I-907 will also be available for those applicants. The filing fee is $1,750 and it guarantees adjudication in 30 calendar days.

Certain Individuals Requesting Parole Can Now File Form I-131 Online: On June 9, 2023, USCIS announced that individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can file Form I-131, Applicant for Travel Document, online.

USCIS Extends and Expands Employment Authorization for Hong Kong Residents Covered by DED: On May 3, 2023, USCIS posted a Federal Register notice on the extension and expansion of eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong residents.