USCIS Extends Flexibility In RFE & NOID Response Submissions And In Submitting Required Signatures

USCIS has extended the flexibilities that are currently made available to applicants and petitioners in certain response and appeal submissions. USCIS will, for Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) dated till October 23, 2022, consider any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline mentioned in the RFE or NOID, before taking any action.

The flexibility is available to petitioners and requestors who are responding to:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant

if the issuance date listed on the request, notice or decision is between March 1, 2020, and October 23, 2022.

Additionally, USCIS will also consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings if the form was filed up to 90 calendar days from the issuance of the decision, and that decision was made between November 1, 2021, and October 23, 2022.

USCIS has further announced that its reproduced signature flexibility announced in March, 2020, will become permanent policy on July 25, 2022. Under the policy, USCIS will accept all benefit forms and documents, including the Form I-129, with reproduced original signatures. USCIS will accept electronically reproduced original signatures on forms that require an original handwritten signature (“wet” signature). Please note that USCIS will only accept copies of a wet signature if a wet signature is required. Original documents containing the “wet” signature must be safely retained and USCIS may, at any time, request the original documents. Inability to submit the petition or application with the wet signature may negatively impact your application.

If you have any questions regarding any U.S. immigration benefit, or need help securing a U.S. visa, contact VisaPro Law Firm today. Our experience attorneys will be happy to assist you.