USCIS New Online Form for Spouses and Stepchildren of US Citizens | US Immigration

USCIS has announced the release of a new online application for parole in place for spouses and stepchildren of US citizens, Form I-131F. People can electronically submit their applications starting August 19, 2024. This new procedure aims to streamline the application process and improve family reunification.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared an important development in preserving family unity. Applications for a new initiative named “Keeping Families Together” will be accepted starting August 19, 2024.

Under this scheme, U.S. citizens’ wives and stepchildren who do not currently hold citizenship may petition for a short-term parole period inside the country.

Path to Citizenship

US citizens’ undocumented spouses and stepchildren may file applications for legalization with the USCIS under the new scheme. This program is a component of the “Path to Citizenship” effort, which seeks to support 50,000 stepchildren and over 500,000 spouses.

Crucial Filing Requirements

What you should know is broken down as follows:

• New Online Application: A new form, Form I-131F, will be used to electronically submit applications for Keeping Families Together. Applications on paper won’t be accepted.
• Online Only: Only electronic submissions of this form are accepted. Every person, even children, must register for a separate USCIS online account and submit a separate Form I-131F.
• Eligibility: Spouses and stepchildren of citizens of the United States are specifically eligible for this program. In the upcoming days, USCIS will make further information regarding qualifying requirements available.
• Application deadline: August 19th is the deadline! Beginning on that date, the USCIS will only accept applications that are submitted online via its website, uscis.gov.
• Available Filing Guide: A thorough how-to manual for submitting Form I-131F electronically can be found on the USCIS Keeping Families Together website.

Steer Clear of Immigration Scams

USCIS recommends taking the following precautions to guard against fraud about immigration:

• Check Credentials: Only licensed U.S. attorneys and authorized representatives of DOJ-recognized organizations are permitted to offer legal advice on immigration-related matters.
• Watch Out for Impersonators: USCIS will only interact via routes designated by the government. Be wary of anybody approaching you on social media or posing as a USCIS representatives.
• Verify the legitimacy of the website: Make sure the website you visit is associated with DHS or USCIS and has a.gov extension. Steer clear of websites that do not finish in.gov that purport to be associated with USCIS.
• Steer clear of Unauthorized Payment Methods: Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards will never be accepted as forms of payment by USCIS. The only legitimate USCIS routes via which payments should be made.

Conclusion

The procedure for noncitizen wives and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who want to stay in the nation together is made simpler with this new online application. Watch this space for soon-to-be-released eligibility data from USCIS.