USCIS has issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, marking a significant change in the adjudication of Adjustment of Status (AOS) cases. Effective immediately, consular processing abroad will be treated as the default method for employment-based immigrants, while AOS will now require strong discretionary justification to be considered. This shift introduces uncertainty for many professionals who have maintained lawful status in the U.S. for years, particularly affecting families facing long visa backlogs.
Key Details:
- New policy effective immediately as of the issuance of PM-602-0199.
- AOS is now an exception requiring strong justification rather than the standard pathway.
- Professionals must prepare comprehensive documentation to support AOS applications, including compliance records and hardship considerations.
- This change may significantly impact families navigating visa backlogs and seeking permanent residency.
The new policy underscores the importance of thorough preparation for affected immigrants. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Let’s talk U.S. immigration - by The Law Offices of Chris Ingram