The latest policy updates issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services clarify criteria for expedited processing, improve Request for Evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) guidance and increase validity periods for initial and renewal employment authorization documents for individuals with pending adjustment of status applications.

• Expedited processing: may be requested for severe financial loss to a company or individual, emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons, nonprofit organizations whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the U.S. and U.S. government interests, including public safety or national security interests.

• RFEs and NOIDs: reverts to previous policy of issuing an RFE or NOID instead of a denial when additional evidence could demonstrate eligibility for an immigration benefit.

• Employment authorization documents (EADs): validity period will increase to two years for pending adjustment of status applicants.