USCIS Updates Process for Accepting Petitions for Relatives Abroad

Today, January 31, 2020, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that, as part of the adjustment of its international footprint to increase efficiencies, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, will only be processed domestically by USCIS or internationally by the Department of State (“DOS”) in certain circumstances beginning Feb 1, 2020.

The DOS will assume responsibility for certain services previously provided at USCIS international offices, services that DOS already provide in countries where USCIS does not have a presence. Eligible active-duty service members assigned overseas will file Form i-130 locally with DOS as will certain non-military petitioners who meet specific criteria for consular processing.