Work Permit Extension; Big Movement on the May Visa Bulletin; and More!
SCIS Adds “X” Gender Option to Form N-400
Starting April 1, 2024, applicants filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) will see a new gender option: “X – Another Gender Identity.”
Until now, immigration forms only included “Male (M)” and “Female (F)” options. Form N-400 is currently the only USCIS form offering the third gender option.
✅ To update a pending N-400:
Submit a written request in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE), during your naturalization interview, or upload the request through your USCIS online account.
USCIS Extends Automatic Work Permit Validity to 540 Days
Effective April 4, 2024, USCIS has temporarily extended the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days.
This policy applies to:
- Individuals who filed a timely and properly submitted EAD renewal application on or after October 27, 2023, and whose application is still pending as of April 4, 2024.
- Eligible applicants who file during the 540-day window starting April 4, 2024.
The goal is to prevent gaps in work authorization while renewal applications are being processed.
Medical Exam Forms (Form I-693) No Longer Expire — In Most Cases
USCIS has updated its policy regarding Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record):
- Forms signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, will be valid indefinitely.
- USCIS may still request an updated form if it believes the applicant’s medical condition has changed or the original form no longer reflects current health status.
- Forms signed before November 1, 2023, are only valid for two years from the date of the surgeon’s signature.
- This update does not apply to Form I-693s submitted by Operation Allies Welcome parolees.
May 2024 Visa Bulletin Update – Family-Based Petitions
If you are from Mexico and your sibling filed a petition for you on or before April 22, 2001, you may now be eligible to apply for a green card.
If you have a family-based petition and want to know if your priority date is current, contact our office for a personalized case review.
DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS – MAY 2024
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01APR05 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 |
| F2B | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01SEP04 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 01MAR10 | 01JUN10 | 01JUN10 | 15JUN01 | 08NOV03 |
| F4 | 01MAR08 | 01MAR08 | 15JUN06 | 22APR01 | 01JUN05 |
Need Help with a Family-Based Petition or USCIS Policy Change?
Our experienced attorneys at Monty & Ramirez LLP are here to guide you through every step of your immigration journey.
📞 Call us at 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
✅ We Know What Works.