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Distribute the current I-140 workload between TSC and NSC and extend I-693 Validity

1) Requesting USCIS Workload Transfer for I-140 processing between TSC and NSC, to balance workload and ensure timely processing.



This is an existing practice but happens occasionally, https://www.uscis.gov/workload-transfers



There are four service centers to handle all of this traffic. Each service center has specific visas that they process, therein lies the problem. The country is divided between these centers based on geographic location and visa type.

Throughout the year their workload varies and by not moving the amount of work around, each center gets backlogged way past the estimated processing times. Applicants are left in the dark, wondering where USCIS is in the process of their petition. Each update on the website is meant to inform citizens, but it instead leaves them frustrated that the updates are months old.

We are asking that USCIS address the difference in process times between centers and for them to take action so the current workload is distributed fairly so petitioners can receive their visa within the estimated time frame. Currently NSC is 6 months behind TSC in processing I-140s. All delay cascades to unwanted medical RFEs and EAD renewals. That further increases workload of USCIS which can be avoided by balancing all the centers.



Similar case : https://www.change.org/p/uscis-distribute-the-current-caseload-between-tsc-csc-vsc-and-nsc



2) Requesting USCIS to extend the validity of the I-693s for an additional year



The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issuing requests for evidence (RFEs) for updated medical examinations in connection with long-pending adjustment of status cases (I-485 forms). The medical examination is a requirement for most adjustment of status to permanent residence ("green card") cases. The medical examination report, form I-693, is part of the supporting documentation to the I-485 filing. The endorsement on the I-693 from the civil surgeon who performs the medical examination is generally valid for a one-year period.



Source: https://www.murthy.com/2014/04/23/uscis-issuing-rfes-on-i-485s-for-updated-medical-exams/



Oftentimes, I-485 applications remain pending for many years. This is primarily due to a backlog in visa number availability, known as retrogression. Rather than require such applicants to obtain new medical examinations every year, the USCIS has been issuing annual policy memoranda since 2004 that extend the validity of the I-693s for an additional year. The last such memo is dated September 4, 2013, and it granted an extension through May 31, 2014. Now, however, it appears that the USCIS will not be granting these blanket extensions again, which means that all I-693s completed more than a year prior to May 31, 2014, are scheduled to expire.



USCIS Will Issue RFEs on Expiring I-693s

The USCIS provided confirmation to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that, as of June 1, 2014, medical examinations that are more than a year old will no longer remain valid. The USCIS will release a notice on this topic in the near future. RFEs have already begun being issued to applicants with expired I-693s.



Burdensome for Many I-485 Adjustment Applicants

This change has the potential to impact a large number of cases that have been pending for years, including a significant number that are expected to remain pending for many years to come. It is not yet clear whether the RFEs will be issued on all cases with expired I-693s, or whether the USCIS intends to limit these requests only to cases in which the priority dates are current or close to becoming current.



Conclusion

This is a substantial change in practice by the USCIS, given the large number of cases involved and the long history of providing automatic extensions, requesting I-693s automatic Extensions for 1 more year



Request addressed to

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

USCIS Headquarters Office of Service Center Operations

USCIS Nebraska Service Center

USCIS Texas Service Center