Policy Memoranda

This page provides access to various policy and procedural memoranda, which guides USCIS adjudicators as they process applications and petitions for immigration benefits while still protecting national security. In addition to the USCIS Policy Manual, USCIS policy memoranda contain the official policies of USCIS and assist immigration officers in rendering decisions. These policy memoranda are to be followed by USCIS officers in the performance of their duties but do not remove their discretion in making adjudicatory decisions. The policy memoranda do not create any substantive or procedural rights or benefits that are legally enforceable by any party against the United States, or its agencies or officers or any other person.

Policy memoranda that have been partially or fully superseded by the USCIS Policy Manual have been stamped and archived in the USCIS History and Library collection. If you have bookmarked links to affected memos, you will now be redirected to the USCIS Policy Manual where you may find current policy.

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January 19, 2017

This policy memorandum and accompanying revisions to the Adjudicator’s Field Manual update USCIS policy regarding procedures and requirements to change the gender designation on a USCIS-issued document.

Matter of T-O-S-U-, Adopted Decision 2017-01 PM-602-0140 (PDF, 139.11 KB)

January 04, 2017

Matter of T-O-S-U- clarifies that, for purposes of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(viii)(C) (2016), a “physician of national or international renown” is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who is widely acclaimed and highly honored in the field of medicine within one or more countries, so long as the achievements leading to national renown are comparable to that which would result in national renown in the United States. The decision also suggests, but does not mandate, what types of evidence may be persuasive in establishing eligibility for this exemption.

Discretionary Options for Designated Spouses, Parents, and Sons and Daughters of Certain Military Personnel, Veterans, and Enlistees (PDF, 148.38 KB)

November 23, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) clarifies and supplements guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2013 (“the 2013 PM”) with respect to designated family members of certain military personnel and veterans.

Extension of Status for T and U Nonimmigrants (Corrected and Reissued) (PDF, 516.41 KB)

November 04, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance about extensions of status for T and U nonimmigrants, including any related Forms I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Matter of R-C-C-S-D-, Adopted Decision 2016-04 (AAO Oct. 24, 2016) (PDF, 356.08 KB)

October 24, 2016

Matter of R-C-C-S-D- clarifies that a language immersion school may be eligible for designation as an international cultural exchange program, such that it may petition to classify teachers as Q-1 international cultural exchange visitors.

Revised Guidance for Processing Asylum Cases (PDF, 80.75 KB)

October 07, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) revises the agency hold policy for association or activity involving terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG).

VAWA amendments to the Cuban Adjustment Act: Continued Eligibility for Abused Spouses and Children (PDF, 121.14 KB)

July 29, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers regarding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) amendments to the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).

Matter of L-S-M-, Adopted Decision 2016-03 (AAO Feb. 23, 2016) (PDF, 123.49 KB)

May 13, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) designates the attached decision of the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Matter of L-S-M- as an Adopted Decision.

Revised Guidance for Processing Refugee Cases Involving Terrorism-Related Inadmissibility Grounds and Amendment to the Hold Policy for Such Cases (PDF, 161.43 KB)

May 06, 2016

This policy memorandum (PM) revises the agency hold policy for association or activity involving terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG).

Matter of Z-A-, Inc., Adopted Decision 2016-02 (AAO Apr. 14, 2016) (PDF, 162.89 KB)

April 14, 2016

Matter of Z-A-, Inc. clarifies that, when determining whether the beneficiary of an L-1A nonimmigrant classification will primarily manage an essential function, USCIS officers must weigh all relevant factors including, as pertinent in the instant case, evidence of the beneficiary's role within the wider qualifying international organization.

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