Military

November 11, 2024

Happy Veteran’s Day from the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick!

As we observe Veteran’s Day, we pause to honor and express our deep gratitude to all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifices have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

At the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick, we recognize the importance of this day and extend our appreciation to all veterans and their families for their service.

Please be aware that our office is closed in observance of the Veteran’s Day holiday today Monday November 11th. We will be proud to serve you upon our return on Tuesday November 12th. Happy Veterans Day!

July 2, 2020

USCIS San Diego Field Office Prepares to Reopen for Interviews, ASC Appointments

by Jacob Sapochnick

Interviews at the San Diego Field Office

We have great news for our local readers. The USCIS San Diego Field Office is scheduled to resume interviews on July 6, 2020, with priority given to adjustment of status applications filed by doctors and front-line workers fighting to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. Under certain circumstances, USCIS will exercise its discretion to waive adjustment of status interviews on a case-by-case basis.

What will be the approach for rescheduling?

The USCIS San Diego Field Office will begin rescheduling all other interviews on a “first-in, first-out,” basis based on receipt date of filing. This will occur as soon as possible.

When will biometrics offices reopen to the public?

Application Support Centers in San Marcos in Chula Vista are scheduled to reopen to the public on July 27, we ask our readers to please be patient while they wait to be rescheduled. Those with cancelled biometrics will be automatically rescheduled and will receive a notice in the mail with a new biometrics appointment.

What about Parole in Place cases?

Parole in place applications continue to be adjudicated, however applicants should expect delays.

What about citizenship applications?

USCIS will continue to prioritize the scheduling of oath ceremonies for naturalization applicants. Those who did not appear at a scheduled oath ceremony will receive a letter by mail. As we previously reported, oath ceremonies in San Diego are being held at the Cabrillo National Monument and the City of El Cajon parking lot adjacent to the police department.

May 7, 2020

UPDATES: USCIS Extends Flexibility Policy for RFEs, NOIDs, I-290bs, and more

by Jacob Sapochnick

Welcome back to Visalawyerblog! In this post we will discuss a few recent updates released by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

UPDATE: USCIS Extends Flexibility Policy for RFEs, NOIDs, I-290bs, and more

Due to the ongoing circumstances relating to COVID-19, USCIS will continue to provide flexibility in responding to certain deadline-oriented requests, provided the notice or decision requesting the additional evidence was issued between March 1^st and July 1^st.

What types of documents will USCIS provide flexibility for?

Flexibility will be provided for the following:

Requests for Evidence
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
Notices of Intent to Deny
Notices of Intent to Revoke
Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers and
Filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion

To reiterate, flexibility will only be granted for notices or decisions with an issuance date between March 1^st and July 1^st. Notices issued before March 1^st or after July 1^st will not receive this leniency.

When can I respond to my notice or decision?

USCIS will accept responses to any of the above notices or decisions if they are received within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set in the initial request or notice.

This will provide relief to individuals who need more time to acquire necessary documents requested by USCIS from offices and agencies that are currently closed due to COVID-19.

Military Personnel and Veterans Eligible to File Form N-400 Online

USCIS recently announced that U.S. service members and veterans can now apply for naturalization on Form N-400 online.

This is an exciting new development because these applicants will not only be able to file their application and documents electronically, they can also check the status of their case and receive notices from USCIS online. In addition, USCIS will be using previously submitted biometrics where available. Where biometrics are not available, a U.S. service member stationed outside the U.S., can submit two properly completed FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport style photos taken by the military police, officials with DHS, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Please note that aliens currently serving or who have served in the armed forces may be eligible for naturalization under special provisions of immigration law. These individuals would have their application fee waived.