The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced updates to its Policy Manual, aiming to align its policies with current case assistance and feedback processes.
The updates include recommendations for address changes, expanded online resources, revised response time goals, and clarified procedures for priority service requests.
One of the major updates focuses on the submission of address changes. USCIS now recommends that stakeholders use the self-service tool available through their USCIS online account to submit address updates as soon as possible after moving or whenever a change is required.
To ensure the successful delivery of correspondence, the agency has added a dedicated chapter on address changes in the Policy Manual. USCIS has also clarified that address updates will only occur when explicitly requested by the individual, addressing prior ambiguities about implied address changes.
The revised guidance highlights the expansion of online tools and resources. USCIS has updated information on case assistance options and included a link to its “Contact Us” webpage, where stakeholders can access detailed, program-specific assistance.
USCIS has also revised its response time goals for service requests. While the previous goal was to respond within 15 calendar days, the Policy Manual now reflects the agency’s current practice of responding within 15 business days. “We are also removing the timeframe on processing priority service requests but are retaining priority processing of certain categories of service requests. These changes are to better align stakeholder expectations with agency response times,” said USCIS.
Address discrepancies have also been addressed in the updated guidance. Previously, if an address in a service request differed from the address on file, USCIS would automatically consider it a request for an address update. However, this approach often caused confusion. The new guidance clarifies that address changes will not be made unless explicitly requested by the individual, ensuring greater accuracy and reducing miscommunication.
These updates, effective immediately, apply to all requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. USCIS emphasized that the Policy Manual is the controlling document for these changes, superseding any prior guidance. With these updates, the agency aims to improve the stakeholder experience while continuing to modernize its processes for greater efficiency and clarity.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
