USCIS updates policy manual regarding EADS, U visa immigrants, and deferred action.
June 15, 2021
USCIS announced new guidance in the Policy Manual on employment authorization and deferred action for principal petitioners for U nonimmigrant status and the qualifying family members with pending, bona fide petitioners. Some updates in the policy manual include that USCIS will conduct an initial review of Form I-918 and will issue BFD EADs and deferred action for 4 years to petitioners for U nonimmigrant status and qualifying family members if USCIS deems their petition “bona fide.” Furthermore, the guidance explains that those who do not receive a BFD EAD under this initial review will proceed to the full waiting list adjudication and, if their petitions are approvable, they will be placed on the waiting list for a U visa.